Archived listing. The details below describe a past opening.
Job Description and Duties Under the direction of the Financial Accountant IV or Assistant Division Chief, the Financial Accountant III supervises financial accounting staff and serves as a technical subject matter expert (SME) in the Bureau of Fiscal Systems and Transactions (BFST) in Agency Transactions Unit. The incumbent represents the State Accounting and Reporting Division (SARD) in carrying out its statutory control agency functions within the Financial Information System for California (FI$Cal). The incumbent participates in FI$Cal implementation, operations, and system enhancement activities with State Controller's Office (SCO) FI$Cal Functional Service Office team members, project staff, partner agencies, and state departments. The incumbent must understand the comprehensive system of centralized financial accounts and how those accounts support annual statewide financial reporting on the Budgetary/Legal basis and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The incumbent also serves as a liaison between SARD staff and FI$Cal by communicating project and operational status, identifying risks and issues, reviewing decision and design documents, developing and providing training, and completing assigned activities.
Duties Performed:
(Candidates must perform the following functions with or without reasonable accommodations.)
- 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. The Financial Accountant III applies comprehensive knowledge of the following to assigned responsibilities:
- 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) You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. 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 Additional Documents
- Job Application Package Checklist
- Duty Statement 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. Take the next step in your career with an organization that values innovation, integrity, and the well-being of its employees. Apply today and build a California where everyone thrives! Visit our website to learn more about the State Controller’s Office. How did you hear about us? Take our survey!
Special Requirements A resume is required. A cover letter is required. A copy of your degree, transcripts, or degree evaluation is required. A Statement of Qualifications is required; please see ‘Required Application Package Documents’ for instructions. Take the required examination here: Financial Accounant III Examination 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:
- 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 technology when 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.
Benefits
Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.