Career Opportunities

Position #:
051-420-4191-005

Salary Range:
$7,097 - $8,816

Issue Date:
6/19/2024

Contact:
Lucy Xiong 916-323-6455

Location:
State Accounting and Reporting Division
3301 C Street
Sacramento, CA 95816

Final Filing Date:
July 2, 2024

Looking for a job that you can feel passionate about?  Looking for work in an inviting work environment?  If you are interested in working in a fast-paced environment surrounded by enthusiastic and self-motivated people, then look no further!  The Office of the State Controller (SCO) is the destination Constitutional employer within the State of California. 

The following link outlines a summary of benefits available to state employees: https://www.calhr.ca.gov/Pages/California-State-Civil-Service-Employee-Benefits-Summary.aspx

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified will be interviewed. Please include a copy of your degree, transcripts, and detailed work experience on your application. Application must include “to” and “from” employment dates (m/d/y), hours per week, and prior employer contact information including contact number.  Applications received without this information may not be considered for this position.

Applicants must complete a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for this recruitment.  The SOQ is a narrative discussion prepared by the applicant describing how the applicant’s skills knowledge, abilities, education, training, and experience qualify them for the position. The SOQ serves as documentation of each candidate’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing.  SCO will not consider applicants who fail to provide an SOQ with their application.

The selected candidate considered for the advertised position will be required to undergo a fingerprint clearance and any offer of employment will be contingent upon live scan fingerprint results. 

Applicants with disabilities who need reasonable accommodations, such as
a Sign Language interpreter, a reader, or assistance attending an interview,
please call (916) 323-8579. 

Statement of Qualifications

The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be typed in Arial font,12-point size, single-spaced, on 8.5” x 11” paper, one-inch margins, 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 answer the following questions listed below. Resumes are not an acceptable substitute for the SOQ. 

1. Please describe your experience preparing or leading the preparation of complex financial accounting analyses and reports and communicating results to management or other stakeholders.

Scope of Position:

Under the general direction of a Financial Accountant II or III, the Financial Accountant I will act as a staff specialist performing technical and professional financial accounting activities, perform analyses of new financial accounting and reporting mandates and pronouncements, and develop training curriculum and guidelines for a variety of statewide financial accounting and reporting activities. The State Reporting Policy Section is responsible for analyzing new accounting and financial reporting requirements and determining the proper application of the new requirements with respect to the underlying systems, transactions, financial statement elements, agreements, and processes that comprise a complex financial reporting structure.

Duties and Responsibilities:
(Candidates must perform the following functions with or without reasonable accommodations.)

• Analyze, interpret, and implement new financial accounting and reporting requirements, standards, and pronouncements affecting the State of California’s generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) basis and budgetary/legal basis financial statements. 
• Actively monitor developments in financial accounting and reporting requirements from the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), legislation, and other sources.
• Prepare and comment on written analyses, work plans, and schedules to implement new financial accounting and reporting standards affecting the state’s financial records, financial statements, and annual reports.
• Assist with the development of training materials and instructions for staff on statewide accounting policies and procedures and assist with peer reviews of staff work.
• Consult with management, other organizations, or third parties as necessary to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of implementing new financial accounting and reporting requirements.
• Evaluate current procedures and policies for business improvement opportunities and coordinate with other SCO divisions to effect changes to business processes.
• Research issues, perform analyses, and write issue papers and reports.
• Participate in providing guidance and subject matter expertise on statewide accounting and reporting activities and projects.
• Provide state financial accounting and fiscal policies expertise to staff in the design, development, and workflow processes necessary to prepare statewide financial statements and reports.
• Assist in the development of financial-related training curriculum on financial accounting and reporting for state agencies.
• Assist with the following administrative functions:
• Brief division and executive management on various projects and make presentations to external groups when needed.
• Draft responses to correspondence and legal opinion requests, including responses to highly technical and sensitive correspondence.  Provide division and executive management with information for decision support.
• Operate as a liaison to Department of FI$Cal, Department of Finance, and other SCO divisions involved in statewide accounting and reporting.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience in implementing GASB pronouncements.
• Ability to read, understand and interpret legislation, and GASB pronouncements in relation to GAAP.
• Solid knowledge of accounting principles and financial statement preparation.
• Ability to train staff on GASB pronouncements and other accounting matters. 
• Excellent written and communication skills, initiative, dependability, and ability to communicate diplomatically and effectively.
• Ability to work under pressure.  
• Expertise in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. 
• Ability to work in a team environment. 
• Ability to multi-task and lead others effectively.
• Degree in Accountancy or Business Administration.
• Certified Public Accountant.

MISSION:   The California Controller’s Office ensures the state government’s monetary resources are independently accounted for and disbursed according to law in a timely manner.

VISION:  The State Controller’s Office strengthens California’s fiscal and economic standing by protecting taxpayer dollars, promoting transparency, modeling financial integrity, and supporting accountability throughout government.