Accountant Trainee/Accounting Officer, Specialist

Job Description

ACCOUNTANT TRAINEE | California Department of Social Services

The Tone:
This is a full-time, permanent role at the California Department of Social Services, located in Sacramento, CA, with a hybrid telework option. The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is dedicated to serving, protecting, and supporting Californians in need, working to empower well-being and address systemic inequities. Within this mission, the Accounting and Reporting Bureau ensures the fiscal integrity of the department’s financial records and automated accounting systems, upholding sound accounting principles including GAAP, State Uniform Accounting System, and State and Federal regulations. This role is integral to maintaining accurate and timely financial reporting to compliance agencies and end-users, overseeing cash management, and ultimately supporting the delivery of quality services across California.

The TL;DR
• Role: Early Career
• Type: Permanent, Full Time
• Location: Hybrid Sacramento, CA
• Pay: $4442–$6591 monthly
• Mission: Ensure accurate financial data organization, analysis, and reporting for federal programs to support cash flow and grant management.
• Tech Stack: FI$Cal, County Expense Claim (CEC) system

What You’ll Actually Do
• Financial Reporting: Organize, review, and analyze complex financial data across one or more programs to accurately prepare Federal Financial Reports and federal estimated budget reports for compliance and internal decision-making.
• Cash Flow Management: Learn to assist with determining and actively manage necessary cash flow, ensuring timely and adequate support for federal draw requests.
• Account Reconciliation: Perform comprehensive reconciliations of various financial transactions, ensuring accuracy and integrity within the department’s financial systems, including FI$Cal.
• Expenditure Forecasting: Advise management on forecasted expenditures, providing clear insights into financial performance relative to estimated grant awards and the Budget Act.
• Interpersonal Development: Develop and apply strong interpersonal skills through consistent communication and collaboration with program personnel, control agencies, and other internal and external stakeholders.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Early-career professional seeking to develop expertise in public sector accounting, demonstrating a foundational understanding of professional accounting principles, financial data management, and the preparation of complex financial reports.
• Experience: Experience or academic exposure to organizing, reviewing, and analyzing financial data; preparing various financial reports; managing cash flow; and performing detailed account reconciliations, particularly within a state or federal regulatory environment.
• Skills: Expertise in financial data organization and analysis; Proficiency in preparing Federal Financial Reports and budget reports; Demonstrated ability in cash flow determination and management; Strong skills in account reconciliation; Foundational understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), State Uniform Accounting System, and State and Federal financial regulations.
• Bonus: Direct experience with the Financial Information System for California (FI$Cal) or similar large-scale governmental accounting systems; Prior professional experience performing full-scope accounting duties, qualifying for consideration as an Accounting Officer (Specialist).