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State of California, Department of Social Services, seeks an Accountant Trainee/Accounting Officer, Specialist to support financial reporting and grant management. The role includes learning professional accounting duties, analyzing data, and assisting with federal reports.
Positions offer a salary of 4,442 to 5,296 per month and a telework option with hybrid work. Final filing date is 11/5/2026 and location is California.
Job Posting:Accountant Trainee/Accounting Officer, Specialist
Department of Social Services
JC-536777 -
JC-536777 - Accountant Trainee/Accounting Officer, Specialist
ACCOUNTANT TRAINEE
$4,442.00 - $5,296.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Final Filing Date: 11/5/2026
Accountant Trainee: This position learns to assist with professional accounting duties byorganizing, reviewing, and analyzing financial data for one or more programs to prepare FederalFinancial Reports and federal estimated budget reports. In a training capacity, the AccountantTrainee will learn to assist with determining and managing necessary cash flow to support federaldraw requests; complete associated reconciliations; advise management of forecasted expendituresrelative to estimated grant awards; and develop interpersonal skills through contact with programpersonnel and control agencies.
Accounting Officer, Specialist: This position performs professional accounting duties of averagedifficulty by organizing, reviewing, and analyzing financial data for one or more programs to prepareFederal Financial Reports and federal estimated budget reports. This position determines andmanages necessary cash flow to support federal draw requests; completes associatedreconciliations; and advises management of forecasted expenditures relative to estimated grantawards.
The Department of Social Services does notparticipatein E-Verify for employment authorization purposes.Applicants mustbe authorized towork in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment.
If you would like to share how you learned about this career opportunity, please take a moment to complete our brief Recruitment Survey .
Need help with applying for positions, taking an examination, or preparing for interviews? Our team is here to support you, reach out anytime at Recruiter@dss.ca.gov For guidance on applying for a state job, visit Three Steps to a State Job .
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You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
This work location is very convenient! The CDSS is located two blocks from the light rail and public transportation: within walking distance to the State Capitol, parks, restaurants, farmer’s markets and the Golden 1 Arena. Our building has easy access to I-5, Highway 50, and Highway 80.
This position may be eligible for Hybrid work. In-person attendance isrequiredbased on the operational needs of the position andin accordance with Executive Order N-22-25 the Statewide Hybrid Telework Policy, Government Code section 14200, and any applicable department telework requirements. The successful candidate mustresidein California at the time of appointment. Proof of California residency may berequired .
Please note: Regular commute is not compensable.
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
Classification:
ACCOUNTANT TRAINEE $4,442.00 - $5,296.00A New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Shall Consider:
ACCOUNTING OFFICER (SPECIALIST)
$5,266.00 - $6,591.00A
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of fellow Californians while achieving your career goals? Do you set high standards for yourself and enjoy a collaborative and challenging work environment? The mission of the California Department of Social Services is to serve, protect, and support the people of California experiencing need in ways that empower wellbeing and disrupt systemic inequities. The vision of the California Department of Social Services is to provide quality services with a commitment to an inclusive, diverse, and equitable California where all people can thrive.
The mission of the Accounting and Reporting Bureau is to ensure the financial records and automated accounting systems of the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) maintain fiscal integrity in accordance with sound accounting principles, including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, State Uniform Accounting System and State and Federal regulations. Record and reconcile all transactions posted to the Department’s financial book of record, Financial Information System for California (FI$Cal). Maintain the fiscal integrity of the FI$Cal, the County Expense Claim (CEC) system, and other ad hoc systems to provide accurate and timely financial reporting to federal and state compliance agencies, as well as internal and external end users. Provide cash management oversight and projections in accordance with the Budget Act to meet the needs of CDSS.
Diversity. Equity. Inclusion. Accessibility. Belonging.
We ensure opportunities for everyone to participate in a meaningful way in fulfilling the mission and vision of CDSS.
Community Engagement
We prioritize the lived experiences of community members as a driving force behind the creation, implementation, desired impact, or change of programs and services.
Empowerment
We engage, operate, and advocate from the understanding that each community and person has desires and capabilities to lead in their own life.
Quality Services
We provide services that align intent and impact by ensuring that they are accessible, community driven, interconnected, and continuously improved.
Data Defined Outcomes
We equitably collect and analyze data, take data-driven action, and measure outcomes relevant to those we serve, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Do not include any confidential information on any documents (i.e., application, resume, or transcripts) you submit for this job vacancy. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes but is not limited to: Social Security Number (SSN), birthday and/or age, photos, student/other ID number, driver’s license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, exam results, LEAP status, and marital status. Confidential information submitted via a CalCareer Account (electronic application) is automatically redacted upon submission.
Do not include any confidential information on any documents (i.e., application, resume, or transcripts) you submit for this job vacancy. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes but is not limited to: Social Security Number (SSN), birthday and/or age, photos, student/other ID number, driver’s license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, exam results, LEAP status, and marital status. Confidential information submitted via a CalCareer Account (electronic application) is automatically redacted upon submission.
A STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS (SOQ) IS REQUIRED. The SOQ must: be in 12 pt. Arialfont; have 1” margins; be limited to no more than two (2) single-sided pages; be in narrative form(no bullet points); and details your interest in the Department of Social Services and how youreducation and experience qualifies you for the position. Applicants are encouraged to provideunofficial transcripts. Only complete applications that include a SOQ will be reviewed and only the most qualified candidates will be interviewed.
You are required to complete employment history on the application form (STD 678). You may be disqualified from the hiring and selection process if the employment history is not complete. Resumes will not take the place of employment history.
If you are meeting minimum qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts for verification. If selected, you may be required to provide official transcripts at the time of hire.
Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview, but they must provide proof of residence in California prior to being eligible for appointment.
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
Katherine Kolshinski
(916) 657-3374
katherine.kolshinski@dss.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:
EEO Office
(916) 657-2326
EEOoffice@dss.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.
Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025 - Salaries do not reflect reductions from the Personal Leave Program, please see the applicable Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for additional information on the length and percentage of reductions.
Those interested in obtaining employment with any state agency must apply and compete through the state hiring and recruitment process.
To apply for the examination for this position, click on the link below to search for the examination and follow the “How to Apply” instructions in the examination announcement:
Successful examination applicants are placed on an eligibility list. If you already have list eligibility for this classification, you do not need to retake the examination. Applicants should refer to their examination results or check their CalCareer account for specific list eligibility expiration dates and to re-take the examination when necessary. For questions regarding the examination process, please contact the Examination Unit at: Examinations@dss.ca.gov .
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.