Accountant Trainee in the State Operations Unit

State of California; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Public transit passes

Vanpool program

Vacation and sick leave

Job summary

State of California, Department of Social Services, is seeking an Accountant Trainee in the State Operations Unit for a permanent, full-time position in California. This entry-level role trains in professional accounting, maintaining accounts and records, and supporting central fiscal control activities.

The hybrid role may require in-person attendance based on operational needs; residency in California is required at the time of appointment.

Job description

Job Details

Accountant Trainee in the State Operations Unit

Department of Social Services

JC-531339

$4,442.00 - $5,296.00 per Month

Final Filing Date: 9/18/2026

Job Description and Duties

The Accounting Disbursements Bureau is recruiting for one motivated self-starter looking for a challenging, exciting, and friendly working environment with a variety of work assignments at the Accountant Trainee/Accounting Officer, Specialist level.

This entry level position learns to perform professional accounting work in the establishment and maintenance of accounts and records while receiving training; learns agency activities, departmental systems, and central fiscal control activities; and develops interpersonal skills by contact with program personnel and control agencies in fiscal control activities.

Accounting Officer, Specialist

This position performs professional accounting duties. A professional accountant typically has responsibility for maintaining accounting records for organizational units and may have budgetary and/or business management control; exercises central fiscal control activities; prepares, reviews, and analyzes all types of accounts and records of financial transactions; and does other related work.

The Department of Social Services does not participate in E-Verify for employment authorization purposes. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment.

Working Conditions

This position may be eligible for Hybrid work. In-person attendance is required based on the operational needs of the position and in 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 must reside in California at the time of appointment. Proof of California residency may be required.

Please note: Regular commute is not compensable.

Minimum Requirements

• ACCOUNTANT TRAINEE
• ACCOUNTING OFFICER (SPECIALIST)

Classification

ACCOUNTANT TRAINEE $4,442.00 - $5,296.00 A New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

ACCOUNTING OFFICER (SPECIALIST) $5,266.00 - $6,591.00

# of Positions: 1

Work Location: Telework: Hybrid

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

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 Accounting Disbursements Bureau is responsible for fulfilling the disbursement obligations of the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) in accordance with the legal requirements of all programs administered by CDSS. The Bureau approves and processes all disbursements of payments in accordance with the Budget Act and other statutory authority for 30 funds and approximately 400 appropriations, totaling more than $47 billion annually.

CDSS Guiding Principles

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.

Special Requirements

Please Note: A Statement of Qualifications or Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted along with your application to be considered for this position. Applications submitted without an SOQ may be disqualified for this position.

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 include 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. Arial font; 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, how your education and experience qualifies you for the position, and your knowledge and experience with Microsoft Suite applications. Only complete applications that include a SOQ will be reviewed and only the most qualified candidates will be interviewed.

Applicants are required to provide unofficial transcripts.

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.

Desirable Qualifications

• Strong analytical, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Follow-through and customer service skills.
• The ability to work well under pressure.
• An attention to detail.
• Sound judgement.
• The flexibility to adjust workload when necessary.
• A working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word, Access, and Excel.
• Also beneficial—knowledge of FI$Cal.

There are many benefits to joining our team! The State of California has a generous benefits package that includes medical coverage, CalPERS pension upon retirement, two weeks paid vacation per year, two weeks paid sick leave per year, two paid Professional Development Days, one paid Personal Holiday, pre-tax parking fee program.

Benefits

• Public transit (mass transit) passes.
  • 100 percent discount on public transit passes sold by state agencies, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
  • 100 percent reimbursement on public transit passes purchased by state employees, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS.
• Vanpool drivers and riders
  • 100 percent reimbursement on the monthly fee, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

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
[phone]
[e-mail]

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

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.

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.

Application Methods

Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account) By Mail Drop-off