FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANT I

State of California; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 84,000 - 104,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onsite childcare facility

Onsite fitness center

Onsite cafe and nearby restaurants

Free onsite parking

Free offsite parking with shuttle

Job summary

State of California is seeking a Pension Accountant / Financial Accountant I for CalPERS to perform complex reconciliations and prepare financial statements for the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. The role emphasizes strong Excel skills and clear communication as part of a collaborative team.

The position offers a hybrid schedule with some remote work and in-office requirements. Salary ranges from $7,529.00 to $9,352.00 per month, with a final filing date of 9/18/2026.

Qualifications

• Knowledge and experience analyzing, researching, reconciling, and reporting general ledger and fund financial data.
• Knowledge of GAAP and government-wide financial reporting standards and implementing new standards.

Responsibilities

• Perform complex reconciliations and produce financial statements for the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.
• Support pension valuation accounting and related financial activities within CalPERS.

Skills

Excel

Communication skills

Job description

Pension Accountant
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANT I

$7,529.00 - $9,352.00 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: 9/18/2026

Job Description and Duties

Anticipated Interview Dates: We anticipate holding in-person interviews beginning the week of October 5, 2026.
Our Financial Reporting Accounting Services/Pension Valuation Accounting Unit is currently seeking a Financial Accountant I, Specialist to perform complex reconciliations and produce financial statements for our Annual Comprehensive Financial Report all while driving our CalPERS mission.
Do you enjoy solving complex financial challenges, improving business processes, and collaborating with others? Are you looking for a challenging opportunity to apply your knowledge of financial reporting and excellent analytical skills while supporting critical financial activities and accounting system operations? We’re seeking someone with strong Excel expertise and excellent communication skills to join our team. If this sounds like the kind of work that motivates you, we invite you to become part of our team.
Telework Information: This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule, with up to two days of remote work and three days or more onsite, per week.
Sponsorship:This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship. CalPERS does not participate in E-Verify for employment authorization purposes.
Effective July 1, 2025, The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025). PLP 2025 directs that each employee shall receive a 3 percent reduction in pay in exchange for 5 hours PLP 2025 leave credits, monthly. The salary range(s) included in the job advertisement do not reflect the 3 percent reduction in pay.How did you hear about this position? Tell us in this brief survey.

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

Working Conditions

• May be required to sit for extended periods of time.
• May be required to travel between buildings.
• Low-wall, cubicle environment with LED lighting.
• Must be able to work Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANT I

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANT I $7,529.00 - $9,352.00 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

Department Information

The California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) is the nation’s largest public pension fund, providing retirement and health benefits to public employees, retirees, and their families. Headquartered in downtown Sacramento, we are a destination employer with an international reputation for leadership and innovation. At CalPERS, we’re committed to people – the people we serve, our team members, and the larger community around us. CalPERS is situated near the Napa Valley, San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and other desirable destinations, and we offer competitive benefit packages, compensation, and opportunities for advancement.
If you are interested in becoming part of a diverse and inclusive workforce where talent, experience, and expertise are valued, CalPERS invites you to apply for this employment opportunity. To find out more about our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts, visit our website !
To take a look at CalPERS as a destination employer, view this YouTube video .

Special Requirements

Statement of Qualifications

Please provide a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for the hiring manager’s review. Applications received without an SOQ or those that do not respond to the specific questions below will not be considered.

The SOQ must be typed, titled “Statement of Qualifications,” and each response must list all relevant experience, education, and training, including duties performed. The SOQ must not exceed two pages in length.

• Describe your knowledge and experience analyzing, researching, reconciling, and reporting general ledger and fund financial data. Please include the type of financial data, timing of reconciliations and reports, and accounting systems used. Please include any knowledge and experience of risk pooling.
• Describe your experience in developing financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and implementing new Governmental/Financial Accounting standards.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Effective communication in both verbal and written formats, with a strong ability to perform under pressure in fast paced, multitasking environments.
• Knowledge of governmental accounting, pension accounting, and financial reporting standards.
• Experience driving process improvements and implementing system enhancements to increase efficiency and accuracy.
• Skilled in complex reconciliations and financial analysis projects from planning through execution.

CalPERS team members are eligible for a number of benefits. Health benefits and leave programs are available for most team members. Benefit eligibility may depend on length of service and collective bargaining agreements.
Some added benefits CalPERS offers include:

• Onsite childcare facility
• Onsite fitness center
• Onsite café and nearby restaurants
• Free onsite parking available Mondays and Fridays, subject to change
• Free offsite parking available with shuttle service Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays

For more details about employee benefits, visit the California Department of Human Resources website.

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

Human Resources Contact:
HRSD Selection Services
[phone]
[e-mail]

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:
CalPERS EEO
[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.

Additional Information

Live Scan
Candidates not currently employed at CalPERS are required to submit to a criminal history review process utilizing Live Scan fingerprinting.
CalPERS Disclosure Requirements
If employed, you may be subject to rules imposed by Personal Trading Regulations and Conflict of Interest Code that apply to CalPERS team members, which require disclosure of certain investment information and use of a designated trading platform for securities transactions, as well as filing a Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700)
Please do not include any confidential information on any documents in your application package. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents include, but is not limited to, your social security number, date of birth, marital status, personal photos, a copy of your driver’s license, equal employment opportunity data, examination scores, and LEAP status.

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.