ACCOUNTANT TRAINEE
California Department of Social Services
Job Title: Accountant Trainee
Department: California Department of Social Services
Work Location: Sacramento County
Job Type: Permanent, Full Time
Telework: Hybrid
About the Role
This position offers an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of Californians while pursuing career goals. The role is within the Accounting and Reporting Bureau, which ensures the financial records and automated accounting systems of the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) maintain fiscal integrity.
Key Responsibilities
- Accountant Trainee:
- Assist with professional accounting duties by organizing, reviewing, and analyzing financial data.
- Prepare Federal Financial Reports and federal estimated budget reports.
- Learn to determine and manage necessary cash flow to support federal draw requests.
- Complete associated reconciliations.
- Advise management of forecasted expenditures relative to estimated grant awards.
- Develop interpersonal skills through contact with program personnel and control agencies.
- Accounting Officer, Specialist (Potential Future Progression):
- Perform professional accounting duties of average difficulty.
- Organize, review, and analyze financial data for one or more programs.
- Prepare Federal Financial Reports and federal estimated budget reports.
- Determine and manage necessary cash flow to support federal draw requests.
- Complete associated reconciliations.
- Advise management of forecasted expenditures relative to estimated grant awards.
Requirements & Tech Stack
- Financial Systems:
- FI$Cal (Financial Information System for California)
- County Expense Claim (CEC) system
- Accounting Principles:
- Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
- State Uniform Accounting System
- State and Federal regulations
Qualifications
- Must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
- Must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship.
- Candidates residing outside of California must provide proof of residence in California prior to appointment.
Application & Submission Details
- Required Documents:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (if not applying electronically).
- Statement of Qualifications (SOQ):
- Must be in 12 pt. Arial font.
- Have 1” margins.
- Limited to no more than two (2) single-sided pages.
- Must be in narrative form (no bullet points).
- Details interest in the Department of Social Services and how education and experience qualify you for the position.
- Unofficial transcripts (encouraged for verification of meeting minimum qualifications with education).
- Optional Documents:
- Resume (can be included but is not required).
- Application Submission:
- Electronically: Through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov.
- Hard Copy: Submit to the address listed below, including a completed Application Package listing.
- Mailing Address:
Department of Social Services
California Department of Social Services
Attn: Classification & Pay Unit
P. O. Box 944243 - MS 8-15-58
Sacramento, CA 94244-2430
- Drop-Off Address:
Department of Social Services
California Department of Social Services
Classification & Pay Unit
744 P Street, MS 8-15-58
Sacramento, CA 95814
(08:00 AM - 05:00 PM)
- Final Filing Date: 11/5/2026
Eligibility
- 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.
- SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority.