What are the responsibilities and job description for the FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANT I position at Public Employees Retirement System?
A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required for this position. Applications received without the SOQ will not be considered. Please scroll down to special requirements to see details.
Anticipated Interview Dates: We anticipate holding in-person interviews beginning February 10, 2025.
Telework Information: This position requires full-time attendance in the office, working onsite five days per week.
California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) seeks a Financial Accountant I, Specialist in the Financial Reporting and Accounting Services Division, Accounting Services Section. Are you a self starter with an inquisitive mind? Do you enjoy working on automation projects? Do you enjoy problem solving and issue resolution? If you’ve answered yes to these questions, then you’ve found a position you’d be interested in exploring further!
The incumbent acts as either a project lead or team member on all Accounting Services Section and cross divisional projects including, but not limited to, business process improvements, business solution and automation implementations, new program and/or regulatory implementations, new report and reconciliation development projects, section LEAN projects, projects designed to gain workflow efficiencies and business change processes as a result of internal audit recommendations.
Identifies opportunities and makes recommendations to streamline and improve Accounting Services Section operations and processes. Provides lead role and coordination with other division managers and staff to resolve multi-unit accounting problems. Provide analysis and resolve the most complex accounting issues. Provides review, analysis, and coordination with other divisions to address CalPERS administrative processes that impact the accounting system.
SPECIAL REQUEST
Education Documents: Please include a copy of your transcript(s) and/or college degree that demonstrates your ability to meet the minimum education requirements.
How did you hear about this position? Tell us in this brief survey.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
- This position is not eligible for telework and the duties above will be performed onsite at CalPERS Headquarters.
- Must be able to work in the office Monday – Friday from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.
- Must be able to work in a low wall, cubicle environment with bright natural and fluorescent light.
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.- FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANT I
Additional Documents
- Job Application Package Checklist
- Duty Statement
Position Details
Department Information
If you are interested in becoming part of a diverse and inclusive workforce where talent, experience, and expertise are valued, CalPERS invites you to apply for this employment opportunity. To find out more about our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts, visit our website!
To take a look at CalPERS as a destination employer, view this YouTube video.
Special Requirements
Please provide a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for the hiring manager’s review. Applications received without an SOQ or those that do not respond to the specific statements below will not be considered.
The SOQ must be typed, titled “Statement of Qualifications”, and each statement must be numbered, written out, and answered listing all relevant experience, education, and training, including places of employment, dates, and duties performed. You must provide specific examples for each question listed; do not consolidate answers or refer answers to different questions. Incomplete or missing responses to the information requested may negatively impact the assessment of your qualifications. Include the JC # and your first and last name on the SOQ.
The SOQ must not exceed two pages in length and must not have font smaller than 12 point and address the following:
- Describe your experience planning, organizing, managing and/or working on special projects. Please identify your role, size, and scope of the project and your accomplishments.
- Describe your experience identifying and addressing deficiencies, streamlining workflow processes for improvements/efficiencies, developing policies and procedures, assessing impacts of new programs or requirements, and implementing new policies or procedures adopted.
- Describe your knowledge and experience processing, reviewing, analyzing, reconciling, and reporting on general ledger and fund financial data. Please include the type of financial data, timing of reconciliations and reports, and accounting systems used.
Minimum Qualifications
All experience and education relating to the Minimum Qualifications (MQs) listed on the Classification Specification should be included in your application package to clearly demonstrate how you meet the MQs for this position. If you are using education to meet MQs, please include your transcripts with your application package. If you have a degree from outside of the United States, you must submit an evaluation of this degree to determine the US equivalency. If you need an evaluation, you can visit the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) website to find organizations that provide these services. The Classification Specification is located on this Job Posting under "Minimum Requirements."
Please Note: You may need to pass an examination to establish list eligibility prior to a final offer of employment. To find and take an exam, visit CalHR’s CalCareers website. Note: Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be evaluated or considered as responses to the Statement of Qualifications. Applications received without the SOQ or with an SOQ not properly formatted will not be considered.
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 1/25/2025Who May Apply
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
- Statement of Qualifications - In addition to completing your online job application, you must provide a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for the hiring manager’s review. Please see the Special Requirements section for instructions and questions for the SOQ. Applications received without an SOQ will not be considered.
Desirable Qualifications
- Project and automation implementation experience.
- Advanced Excel knowledge and skills including familiarity with recording macros and experience working with PeopleSoft Financials including query development or modification.
- Experience working on ad-hoc special assignments that require advanced analytical thinking.
- Possess an in-depth knowledge of accounting principles and practices and the ability to provide technical expertise in the area of pension, investment, and governmental fund accounting.
- Ability to work well independently as well as cooperatively as part of a team.
Benefits
Some added benefits CalPERS offers include:
- Alternate Work Schedules
- Flexible Work Hours
- Onsite childcare facility
- Onsite fitness center
- Onsite café and nearby restaurants
- Free onsite parking available Mondays and Fridays, subject to change
- Free offsite parking available with shuttle service Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Human Resources Contact:
HRSD Selection Services
(916) 795-2444
Recruitment@calpers.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:CalPERS EEO
(916) 795-3675
EEO@calpers.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Additional Information
Live Scan
Candidates not currently employed at CalPERS are required to submit to a criminal history review process utilizing Live Scan fingerprinting.
CalPERS Disclosure Requirements
If employed, you may be subject to rules imposed by Personal Trading Regulations and Conflict of Interest Code that apply to CalPERS team members, which require disclosure of certain investment information and use of a designated trading platform for securities transactions, as well as filing a Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700)
Sponsorship
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without the need for a visa sponsorship now or in the future.
Please do not include any confidential information on any documents in your application package. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents include, but is not limited to, your social security number, date of birth, marital status, personal photos, a copy of your driver’s license, equal employment opportunity data, examination scores, and LEAP status.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
