FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANT III

State of California; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 11,000 - 12,000; Full time

Job summary

State of California's Office of the State Controller (SCO) is seeking a Financial Accountant III within the State Accounting and Reporting Division. The role entails supervising financial accounting professionals, guiding analytical reviews, and ensuring compliant, high-quality financial reporting for governmental and related funds.

The position emphasizes FI$Cal integration, internal controls, and statewide accounting standards, with hybrid work in California.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of GAAP and GASB rules.
• Experience with government accounting and reporting requirements.
• Familiarity with FI$Cal and SCO procedures.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, direct, and supervise financial accounting professionals for complex analyses and approvals.
• Oversee centralized financial accounts and ensure transactions meet legal and accounting standards.
• Analyze transaction data to identify improvements and monitor results.
• Implement and maintain FI$Cal statewide financial control functions and prepare issue papers.
• Design and test financial systems, configurations, interfaces, and reports for sensitive transactions.
• Collaborate on FI$Cal Chart of Accounts to support various accounting bases.

Skills

GAAP

GASB rules

Accounting principles

Banking & investments

Federal rules

GFOA topics

Budgetary/Legal basis

Fiscal accounting rules

FI$Cal Chart of Accounts

SCO procedures

Tools

FI$Cal

Job description

Salary: $10,527.00 - $11,953.00 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: 10/20/2026

Duties Performed

• Plan, organize, direct, and supervise financial accounting professionals responsible for complex analytical reviews and approvals. Assign and prioritize work, review work products, provide technical guidance, and evaluate staff performance. Manage the compilation of financial accounting records for governmental and non-governmental cost funds.
• Oversee assigned functions within the comprehensive system of centralized financial accounts, including automated financial accounting systems and tools used to record and analyze transactions and support the preparation of statewide certified legal financial reports. Review and approve financial transactions before posting to ensure conformity with legal authority, accounting principles, and applicable procedures. Direct ongoing risk assessments and evaluation of the Bureau's internal controls within the assigned area of responsibility.
• Analyze transaction data to identify process improvement opportunities, develop action plans, and monitor results to improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Perform the most complex and unique activities related to implementing and maintaining SARD's statewide financial control agency functions in FI$Cal. Conduct research and analysis to determine appropriate actions, develop alternatives, support recommendations, implement solutions, and prepare issue papers and reports.
• Analyze, design, develop, and test financial systems and components involving configurations, conversions, interfaces, extensions, forms, queries, reconciliations, and reports for critically sensitive and complex financial transactions. Prepare for and facilitate meetings concerning changes to departmental and statewide control agency business processes.
• Collaborate on the FI$Cal Chart of Accounts to ensure that account structures support cash, modified accrual, and full accrual accounting requirements. Analyze existing and proposed accounting and reporting standards and policies to identify opportunities to improve processes while maintaining system integrity.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience Applied

• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) rules and guidelines;
• Accounting principles and practices
• Banking and investment transactions and records
• Federal rules and regulations
• Governmental Finance Officers’ Association (GFOA) subjects
• Budgetary/Legal Basis budgeting, accounting, and reporting requirements as prescribed by California government ode and the Governor’s budget
• Fiscal accounting rules and regulations contained in the State Administrative Manual.
• FI$Cal Chart of Accounts
• Procedures prescribed by the State Controller’s Office (SCO)

Working Conditions

This position is located at The Park, a quaint and historical campus environment two blocks from McKinley Park, in the heart of residential East Sacramento. Easily accessible from US 50 and I-80, The Park offers free parking, quick walks to local restaurant favorites, and countless lunchtime strolling opportunities through the quiet East Sacramento neighborhood.

This position is eligible for hybrid telework under California Government Code Section 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California. All telework schedules are subject to change and may be reevaluated at any time. Specific telework arrangements may be discussed in more detail with the respective hiring manager. Telework does not change the terms and conditions of employment, the essential functions of job duties, or required compliance with the State Controller's Office policies. Applicants must reside within California at the time of appointment.

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.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANT III

Work Location: State Accounting and Reporting Division

Telework: Hybrid

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Facility: State Accounting and Reporting Division

Department Information

The Office of the State Controller (SCO) is the destination employer within the State of California. As California’s chief fiscal officer, the Controller’s Office ensures accountability and transparency of California’s financial practices while promoting fairness and opportunity for all. Here, you’ll work in a collaborative and supportive environment with diverse opportunities for professional growth and development. A career with the SCO offers meaningful work that directly impacts the state’s future.

The State Accounting and Reporting Division (SARD) of the California State Controller’s Office plays a crucial role in ensuring the transparency, accuracy, and efficiency of the state’s financial operations. As the backbone of California’s financial reporting, SARD is responsible for preparing and publishing essential financial statements, overseeing the state’s budgetary control, and providing vital fiscal information to policy decision-makers and the public. Working in this division means contributing to the financial stability and integrity of the fifth-largest economy in the world with opportunities to engage in meaningful work, learn from seasoned experts, and grow your career in public finance.

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Required Application Package Documents

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov.All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Degree and/or School Transcripts
• Statement of Qualifications - The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) can be no more than one page in length, must indicate "Statement of Qualifications" at the top of the page, must identify the candidate's name at the top of the page, and must specifically address the topic listed below. Resumes are not acceptable as a substitute for the SOQ. The SOQ must be typed in Arial font, 12-point size, and be single-spaced on 8.5" x 11" paper with one-inch margins.
  • Please describe your experience leading or supervising the preparation of complex financial accounting analyses and reports and communicating results to management or other stakeholders.
• Other - Cover Letter

Desirable Qualifications

• Accounting and Financial Analysis: Knowledge of accounting principles and practices; management of investment expenditures; policy research and analysis; and automated accounting systems. Ability to analyze and evaluate financial and accounting records, assess risks and internal controls, evaluate accounting compliance, detect errors, compile and analyze financial information, and perform year-end closing activities in support of financial statement preparation.
• Financial Systems: Knowledge of financial systems and information technology, configuration management, system support service levels, and accounting and financial software. Ability to maintain data integrity; train and support staff; develop and maintain reports and queries; identify and resolve system issues; and navigate financial systems for research and analysis.
• Mathematical and Analytical Reasoning: Knowledge of mathematical and analytical methods. Ability to select and apply appropriate mathematical and statistical techniques to solve practical problems.
• Application of Technology: Ability to use technology effectively in performing assigned duties and incorporate new technologywhen appropriate.
• Effective Communication: Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally, listen attentively, provide and receive feedback, and explain complex financial information to executives and staff.
• Diagnostic Information Gathering: Ability to identify and obtain the information needed to clarify issues and work with business partners and stakeholders to achieve the intended outcome.
• Flexibility: Ability to adapt to changing situations, work effectively with individuals and groups, and consider and adopt new approaches when appropriate.
• Influencing Others: Ability to gain support for ideas, proposals, projects, and solutions.
• Professional and Personal Development: Ability to identify development needs and pursue opportunities to strengthen technical knowledge and professional effectiveness.
• Organizational Awareness: Ability to understand the organization's operations, structure, and culture and the political, social, and economic issues affecting its work.
• Resource Management: Ability to use public resources and assets efficiently and responsibly, including financial resources, real property, and business information.
• Results Orientation: Ability to focus work on achieving results consistent with organizational objectives.
• Staff Supervision: Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices. Ability to assign and review work, evaluate performance, support employee development, and promote equal employment opportunity and a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.

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.

Hiring Unit Contact:
Lucy Xiong
[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:
SCO EEO Officer
[phone]

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.

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.