What are the responsibilities and job description for the FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANT III position at California State Controller's Office?
Position Details
Job Code #:
JC-517358
Position #(s):
051-420-4193-003
Working Title:
GAAP Manager, Bureau of State Government and Reporting
Classification:
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANT III
$10,527.00 - $11,953.00
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:
Sacramento County
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.
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!
Job Description And Duties
Under the general direction of the Financial Accountant IV (Bureau Chief), the Financial Accountant III (Manager) leads, plans, and manages the work of supervisory and professional financial accounting staff engaged in activities required to prepare the various statewide SCO annual and periodic financial reports and documents including the State’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and Budgetary/Legal Basis Annual Report (BLBAR). The incumbent will utilize the knowledge of governmental financial accounting, auditing, financial reporting guidelines, generally accepted accounting principles, procedures prescribed by the State Controller and the Department of Finance, and supervisory/managerial policy, procedures, and responsibilities.
Duties Performed:
(Candidates must perform the following functions with or without reasonable accommodations.)
Special Requirements
A resume 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 Accountant III Examination
Application Instructions
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.
Final Filing Date: 5/26/2026
Who May Apply
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.
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
State Controller's Office
Human Resources
Attn: Human Resources Office, C.B.
300 Capitol Mall 3rd Floor, Ste 300
Sacramento , CA 95814
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
State Controller's Office
Human Resources
Attn: Human Resources Office, C.B.
300 Capitol Mall 3rd Floor, Ste 300
Sacramento , CA 95814
Applications dropped off in person must be received by 5 p.m. in HR, by the final filing date.
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
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:
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.
Job Code #:
JC-517358
Position #(s):
051-420-4193-003
Working Title:
GAAP Manager, Bureau of State Government and Reporting
Classification:
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANT III
$10,527.00 - $11,953.00
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:
Sacramento County
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.
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!
Job Description And Duties
Under the general direction of the Financial Accountant IV (Bureau Chief), the Financial Accountant III (Manager) leads, plans, and manages the work of supervisory and professional financial accounting staff engaged in activities required to prepare the various statewide SCO annual and periodic financial reports and documents including the State’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and Budgetary/Legal Basis Annual Report (BLBAR). The incumbent will utilize the knowledge of governmental financial accounting, auditing, financial reporting guidelines, generally accepted accounting principles, procedures prescribed by the State Controller and the Department of Finance, and supervisory/managerial policy, procedures, and responsibilities.
Duties Performed:
(Candidates must perform the following functions with or without reasonable accommodations.)
- Manage, plan, and direct the work of professional financial accounting staff that prepare complex accounting transactions and compile, analyze, and prepare statewide financial statements and note disclosures in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and in compliance with the budget or other legal requirements.
- Monitor the quality and timeliness of financial reports and other financial information required of state agencies, universities, and other organizations.
- Proactively plan, manage, and monitor all activities required to produce California's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and other financial reports, with special emphasis on bond reporting, capital assets and leases, interfund receivables/payables and transfers, unfunded employee-related liabilities, agency funds, and maintaining the automated systems and programs used to produce GAAP basis statements and publications.
- Coordinate with external auditors, control agencies, and other managers and organizations to resolve issues and ensure the timely release of audited financial statements.
- Review and analyze financial statements, transmittal letters, management discussion and analysis narratives, financial statement notes and schedules prepared by staff; review for accuracy, quality, and appropriate documentation.
- Guide and train financial accounting staff involved in preparing and providing instruction manuals and training to state agency, state university, and component unit accounting staff on GAAP reporting requirements. Manage and review updates to course curriculum and oversee revision of training manuals.
- Plan, direct, and evaluate supervisory and professional financial accounting staff to ensure proactive and appropriate review and analysis of new accounting standards [Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB)] and legislative mandates, by assisting the State Government Reporting Policy Section financial accounting staff to implement new GAAP financial accounting and reporting standards affecting statewide financial accounting, financial reporting, and the State’s annual financial statements.
- Ensure procedures and state agency request documentation are updated for changes to financial accounting standards.
- Monitor completeness and quality of working files and supporting documentation and procedures maintained by financial accounting staff.
- Participate in business process improvements, financial accounting and reporting system enhancements, business continuity plans, and budget change proposals.
- Represent the State Controller’s Office in financial accounting and financial reporting discussions with state and national organizations, and ad hoc committees [e.g. GASB, Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA); National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers, and Treasurers (NASACT); and FI$Cal workgroups].
- Work with other managers to coordinate workload issues and special requests relating to statewide financial reporting and consultant-related activities. Assist with financial accounting issues that may affect statewide financial reporting.
- Participate as a GAAP reporting subject matter expert in the FI$Cal Project’s development and implementation of a statewide financial accounting system. Assist with interpreting financial reporting processes, documents, and reports for project staff and consultants.
Special Requirements
A resume 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 Accountant III Examination
Application Instructions
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.
Final Filing Date: 5/26/2026
Who May Apply
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.
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
State Controller's Office
Human Resources
Attn: Human Resources Office, C.B.
300 Capitol Mall 3rd Floor, Ste 300
Sacramento , CA 95814
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
State Controller's Office
Human Resources
Attn: Human Resources Office, C.B.
300 Capitol Mall 3rd Floor, Ste 300
Sacramento , CA 95814
Applications dropped off in person must be received by 5 p.m. in HR, by the final filing date.
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
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 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) must be typed in Arial font,12-point size, single-spaced, on 8.5” x 11” paper, one-inch margins, no more than two pages in length, indicate “Statement of Qualifications” at the top of the page, identify candidate’s name on each page, and answer the following questions listed below. Resumes and Cover Letters are not an acceptable substitute for the SOQ.
- Describe your technical accounting and managerial experience that demonstrates your ability to manage a team responsible for preparation, review, and analysis of complex governmental financial statements.
- Please describe your experience reconciling complex financial accounting transactions, analyzing financial statements, and/or supporting the operations or transition of a large ERP system (such as FI$Cal).
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.
Salary : $10,527 - $11,953