What are the responsibilities and job description for the FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANT I position at State Controller's Office?
The incumbent, operating at the professional financial accountant level, exercising a high degree of independence, and often serving in a lead capacity to other professional financial accounting staff, performs a variety of the most complex financial accounting and cash management duties related to the State’s Bond Accounting, Pooled Money Investment Account (PMIA), and Discharge from Accountability program.
- Analyze complex proposed bond measures, review Bond Official Statement and Indenture and related legislation for fiscal impact and implement provisions when passed into law.
- Develop, coordinate, and implement procedures for new bond programs, legislative mandates and special projects.
- Establish and maintain accounts in the State’s financial accounting system to accurately record all bond financial activity including receipt of proceeds, investment earnings, administrative costs, debt service payments and provide reporting data for inclusion in the State’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.
- Develop and maintain reconciliation of bonds authorized, detailed appropriation status report, and management of cash availability to ensure spending does not exceed bonds authorized.
- Establish and maintain PMIA loan accounts and provide analytical services necessary to close out or renew PMIA loans.
- Ensure that loan proceeds are transferred from the PMIA to loan accounts, and that cash is transferred from the loan account to cover expenditures, calculating loan interest due at closing date of loans.
- Monitor, account, and reconcile investment purchases and redemptions, including setting up and maintaining various models and schedules for tracking investment maturity dates, cash receipts, amortization of premium and discounts.
- Process quarterly allocation of interest earnings from the PMIA to all participating funds and accounts.
- Evaluate system reports and create transactions to maintain balances that will ensure maximized interest earnings.
- Review and analyze complex accounting transactions to ensure agencies comply with governmental accounting practices and statutory authorization as prescribed in the State Administrative Manual and statutes.
- Validate transactions to ensure adequate support provided and properly submitted.
- Communicate and provide analytical assistance to agency accounting personnel to resolve specific accounting issues and advise by providing solutions to specific accounting problems that result when an agency’s request cannot be processed due to deficiencies in cash, appropriation balances, or legal authority.
- Identify, document, and determine transactions needed to reconcile any variances and resolve any discrepancies.
- Review legislation for impact on accounting transactions and potential workload, preparing analysis of findings and recommendations.
- Make recommendations to Bureau Management, developing and implementing changes to processes, as requested.
- Review Discharge from Accountability claims submitted by departments to write off uncollectible accounts receivables.
- Ensure departments adhere to applicable collection regulations and validate documentation supporting the department’s claim that all collection efforts were exhausted.
- Serve in a lead capacity within the unit, provide training and technical expertise to financial accounting staff, and serve as a back-up to other financial accounting staff.
- Assist in conducting ongoing risk assessments, monitor, and verify adequacy of internal controls in compliance with the State Leadership Accountability Act.
- Meet with the division’s IT team, division management, and FI$Cal project team staff to discuss the replacement of the current financial accounting system.
- Assist with giving oral presentations and participate in meetings to represent the Bureau of Cash Management and its functions.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
This position is located at The Park, a quaint and historical campus environment two blocks from McKinley Park, in the heart of residential East Sacramento. Easily accessible from US 50 and I-80, The Park offers free parking, quick walks to local restaurant favorites, and countless lunchtime strolling opportunities through the quiet East Sacramento neighborhood.
This position is eligible for hybrid telework under California Government Code Section 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California. All telework schedules are subject to change and may be reevaluated at any time. Specific telework arrangements may be discussed in more detail with the respective hiring manager. Telework does not change the terms and conditions of employment, the essential functions of job duties, or required compliance with the State Controller's Office policies.
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
The Office of the State Controller (SCO) is the destination employer within the State of California. As California’s chief fiscal officer, the Controller’s Office ensures accountability and transparency of California’s financial practices while promoting fairness and opportunity for all. Here, you’ll work in a collaborative and supportive environment with diverse opportunities for professional growth and development. A career with the SCO offers meaningful work that directly impacts the state’s future.
The State Accounting and Reporting Division (SARD) of the California State Controller’s Office plays a crucial role in ensuring the transparency, accuracy, and efficiency of the state’s financial operations. As the backbone of California’s financial reporting, SARD is responsible for preparing and publishing essential financial statements, overseeing the state’s budgetary control, and providing vital fiscal information to policy decision-makers and the public. Working in this division means contributing to the financial stability and integrity of the fifth-largest economy in the world with opportunities to engage in meaningful work, learn from seasoned experts, and grow your career in public finance.
Take the next step in your career with an organization that values innovation, integrity, and the well-being of its employees. Apply today and build a California where everyone thrives!
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Special Requirements
A copy of your degree, transcripts, or degree evaluation is required.
A Statement of Qualifications is required; please see ‘Required Application Package Documents’ for instructions.
Take the required examination here: Financial Accountant I
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: 3/15/2025Who 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 -
The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be typed in Arial font, 12-point size, single-spaced, using one-inch margins, and be no more than two pages in length, indicate "Statement of Qualifications" at the top of the page, identify candidate's name on each page, and respond to the prompt listed below:
- Describe your experience preparing or leading the preparation of complex financial accounting analyses and reports and communicating results to management or other stakeholders.
Resumes are not an acceptable substitute for the SOQ.
Desirable Qualifications
- Knowledge of accounting principles and procedures
- Knowledge of the organization and functions of the State Controller's Office and California State Government
- Ability to interpret and apply laws, rules, standards, and procedures
- Ability to analyze data, draw sound conclusions, and make recommendations
- Ability to organize and establish workload priorities, work well under pressures, and exercise initiative and flexibility
- Organized in managing work and meeting deadlines with the ability to manage multiple priorities requiring quick turnaround times
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to work effectively both independently and cooperatively with others
- Knowledge and experience with personal computers utilizing Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, etc.
- Self-motivated, dependable, and a positive attitude
Benefits
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.
