Job Description

Job Description and Duties

The Accountant Trainee will perform professional accounting duties at an entry level maintaining the accountability of the Department and the Developmental Centers as the main function of the position according to State Administrative Manual (SAM) and Departmental Standard Operating Procedures.

Effective July 1, 2025, State employees are subject to a salary reduction of three percent in exchange for five hours per month of the Personal Leave.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

Under Government Code 14200, this position is a hybrid, in-office/telework position, and may be subject to change. Incumbent can be required to report to the office, or any designated location at any time. Telework agreements can be modified and/or cancelled at any time. All commute expenses to the reporting location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

Pursuant to California Government Code requirements, candidates must be residents of the State of California at the time of appointment.

This position requires lawful authorization to work in the United States. The Department does not sponsor employment visas for this position.

Use of a computer on FI$Cal Accounting System and various software applications (i.e., Microsoft Excel and Word). During peak times including year-end processing, requests for leave will be limited and approved on a case-by-case basis. Work pre-approved overtime when necessary to meet deadlines.

Special Requirements

The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be typed in 12-point Arial font, single spaced, and be no more than two pages in length.  Applicants who fail to answer the question below or submit an SOQ may not be considered.

Based on the duty statement, please describe how your education, experience, and skills make you a good candidate for this position?

If you are basing your eligibility on educational requirements, you MUST provide a legible copy of your degree or transcripts (unofficial is acceptable) as proof of meeting the education requirement as listed in the Classification Specification (please see the Class Specification located under “Minimum Requirements” on the left-hand side of this job posting).

Note:  All foreign transcripts MUST be accompanied by a third-party academic credential evaluation. The link for the commission certification is: 

The MQs will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If it is determined that an applicant does not meet the MQs of the classification, the applicant may not be considered and withheld from the eligible list.

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:

Knowledge of: Principles and practices of financial record keeping. Basic principles of accounting office methods, procedures, and equipment. Rules and regulations, analyze and draw logical conclusions. Software applications (i.e., Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel. CalSTARS (California State Accounting and Reporting System), and FI$Cal statewide accounting system.

Ability to: Demonstrate strong work ethic. Meet deadlines and may require extended hours. Work cooperatively in a team environment. Follow instructions. Work in a fast-paced environment and multi-task. Demonstrate strong organizational skills and prioritize workload. Adapt to a changing workload. Maintain a positive attitude.

Benefits

As a state employee working for the Department of Developmental Services, you and your family will have access to excellent medical, dental and vision insurance benefits in addition to retirement benefits.

Benefit eligibility may be based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base and length of appointment. Additional benefits may also be outlined for specific bargaining units in employee collective bargaining contracts. For more information, please visit the links below:

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

Additional Information

Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment. This recruitment may be utilized to fill future vacancies that may occur during the life of the certification list.

Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are meeting Minimum Qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts/diploma for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment. If it is determined an applicant does not meet the Minimum Qualifications, the candidate may be withheld from the eligibility list, rendering them inactive and ineligible to be hired for the position. Candidates who have been withheld may file an appeal with the California Department of Human Resources.

All appointments are subject to State Restriction of Appointment (SROA), Departmental Restriction of Appointment (DROA), Re-employment List procedures, pre-employment physical and fingerprint clearances. Further information on the definition of the above may be found on the California Department of Human Resources' website at:  .

If you have not taken the Accountant Trainee exam/assessment you may find the exam for this classification at the link below. You must take and pass the exam/assessment to obtain eligibility for hire. Click here to gain list eligibility.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• 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 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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• School Transcripts
• Statement of Qualifications -

  A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and is a narrative discussion of how the candidate's education, training, experience, and skills meet the minimum and desirable qualifications and qualify them for the position. The SOQ serves as a documentation of each candidate's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing.  SEE “SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS” ABOVE FOR INSTRUCTIONS.

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Traineeship, Second job, Work at office, Remote work, Work visa

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