Chief Accounting Administrator

State of California; California; Hybrid; USD 107,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation in California is seeking a Chief Accounting Administrator to lead the Accounting Office and oversee travel operations. You will manage financial statements and reconciliations for all funds, ensure internal controls, and collaborate with administrative partners to address fiscal needs.

The role emphasizes modernization of accounting processes, strong leadership, and adherence to state policies, with a hybrid telework option under CA rules.

Qualifications

• Experience managing or overseeing complex governmental accounting and fiscal operations.
• Supervisory or management experience in financial operations.
• FI$Cal or other ERP system experience.
• Ability to develop and implement internal controls and policies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Accounting Office and departmental travel operations.
• Oversee preparation of financial statements and reconciliations.
• Ensure internal controls and compliance with laws, rules, policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with Administrative Services and program leadership to address fiscal and operational needs.
• Lead efforts to modernize accounting and travel processes, systems, and services.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Communication

Tools

FI$Cal

ERP system

Job description

Job Posting:Chief Accounting Administrator

Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation

JC-535144 -

JC-535144 - Chief Accounting Administrator
ACCOUNTING ADMINISTRATOR III

$9,572.00 - $10,867.00 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: 10/26/2026

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

Under the administrative direction of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Accounting Administrator III functions as the Chief Accounting Administrator and is responsible for the leadership and oversight of the Accounting Office and departmental travel operations. The incumbent oversees the preparation of financial statements and reconciliations for all funds and FI$Cal operations, including cost allocation, month-end and year-end closing, and maintenance of the chart of accounts for LCI and the Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement (GO-SERVE). The incumbent plans, organizes, and directs accounting and travel activities; ensures appropriate internal controls and compliance with applicable state and federal laws, rules, policies, and procedures; and works collaboratively with Administrative Services and program leadership to address fiscal and operational needs. The incumbent leads efforts to improve and modernize accounting and travel processes, systems, and services.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Working Conditions

Persons appointed to this position must be reasonably expected to exert up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects with or without reasonable accommodation. Involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Occasional/overnight travel up to 15% may be required.

Telework

This position is eligible for hybrid work in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order N-22-25 and at the sole discretion of LCI/GO-Serve under California Government Code Section 14200. The incumbent is required to report in-person and site-based a minimum of four days per week. All telework schedules are subject to change and may be re-evaluated at any time. The incumbent will be expected to report for in office work and attend work related in-person events as deemed operationally necessary. Telework does not change the terms and conditions of employment, the essential functions of job duties, or required compliance with LCI/GO-Serve policies.

CA residency

Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview. However, upon job offer, candidates must provide proof of residence in California prior to their appointment becoming effective, or the offer may be rescinded.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• ACCOUNTING ADMINISTRATOR III

ACCOUNTING ADMINISTRATOR III $9,572.00 - $10,867.00 New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions:

1

Work Location:

Telework:

Hybrid

Job Type:

Permanent, Full Time

Work Shift:

8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Work Week:

Monday to Friday

Department Information

The Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI) serves the Governor and his Cabinet as staff for long‑range planning and research and constitutes the comprehensive state planning agency. LCI assists the Governor and the Administration in planning, research, policy development, and legislative analysis. LCI formulates long‑range state goals and policies to address land use, climate change, population growth and distribution, urban expansion, infrastructure development, groundwater sustainability and drought response, and resource protection. LCI’s programs include State Planning and Policy Development, Strategic Growth Council, and Racial Equity Commission. LCI is a fast‑paced, creative work environment that requires staff to have strong collaboration skills, an ability to quickly respond to changing policy needs, and a positive attitude and sense of humor. This position is in the Policy Unit of LCI, which includes the CEQA Policy, Policy Innovation, and Planning Teams. Proven commitment to creating a work environment that celebrates diverse backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences.

Person Leave Program Reduction

In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This program temporarily reduces employees’ monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the salary reduction. For more details, please click her e to visit the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) website.

• Ability to act independently and as a member of a team with open-mindedness, flexibility, and tact.
• Ability to effectively handle stress and deadlines in a fast‑paced work environment.
• Ability to problem‑solve and use critical and creative thinking to effectively perform work.
• Ability to ensure deadlines are met.

Desirable Qualifications

• Management or supervisory experience leading complex fiscal or accounting operations.
• Governmental fund accounting experience.
• FI$Cal or other Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system experience.
• Experience leading business process improvement, modernization, or organizational change initiatives.
• Experience developing and implementing internal controls, policies, procedures, and operational standards.
• Experience collaborating with executive leadership, administrative partners, and program leaders to resolve complex fiscal or operational issues.
• Experience using financial and operational data to identify trends, assess risk, and support management decision‑making.
• Experience overseeing or administering State travel and expense reimbursement processes.

There are many benefits to joining our team! We offer competitive pay, advancement opportunities, upward mobility, work‑life‑balance, and for many positions, flexible hours and remote work options. The State of California offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, subject to eligibility, such as:

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Department Website: https://lci.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.

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.

Statement of Qualifications

STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS
ACCOUNTING ADMINISTRATORIII

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be submitted with your application. The SOQ is a narrative discussion of how the candidate’s education, training, experience, and skills meet the desirable qualifications and demonstrate the candidate’s ability to perform the job duties listed in this bulletin. The SOQ serves as a documentation of each candidate’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing.

When completing the SOQ, you must title the page "Statement of Qualifications" and include your name and the Job Control number on the first page. You must list and provide your answer below each question. When completing the SOQ please include all relevant experience, education, and training for each question and explain your answers thoroughly. Responses should be no longer than two pages in total length, single‑spaced, and 12-point Arial font. Your SOQ must address the following:

• Describe your experience managing or overseeing complex governmental accounting and fiscal operations. Include the scope of your responsibilities, your role in ensuring fiscal integrity and compliance, and your experience leading or supervising staff.

Describe your experience leading a new initiative, implementing a new program or function, or managing a significant operational change. What was your role, how did you plan and implement the work, how did you engage staff and stakeholders, and what was the outcome?

Describe a time you identified an accounting, fiscal, or administrative process that needed improvement. How did you assess the issue, what actions did you take, how did you collaborate with affected partners, and what was the outcome?

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.