Project Accountant, School-Based Medi-Cal

About the Employer

The Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) serves some of Orange County’s most vulnerable student populations and provides support and mandated fiscal oversight to 28 school districts serving more than 600 schools and approximately 475,000 students. In addition to providing direct instruction to students through its own alternative and special education programs, OCDE administers an array of programs and services that are critical to the operations of local school districts and community colleges, facilitating professional development, legal guidance, payroll, career and technical education support, high-speed internet access, Local Control and Accountability Plan assistance and approval, resources for families, and student enrichment. OCDE’s vision is that “Orange County students will lead the nation in college and career readiness and success.” Department staff are working to achieve this goal in collaboration with educators at all levels of student development, from early childhood through higher education, and in partnership with families, businesses and community organizations.

Job Summary

Join OCDE's team as a Project Accountant, where you'll play a vital role in supporting grant-funded and categorical programs through specialized accounting and budget management. This position supports OCDE's School-Based Medi-Cal Administrative Activities (SMAA) Program by providing fiscal support, financial reconciliations, auditing, fund accounting, and compliance monitoring for school districts throughout Southern California. In this position, you'll prepare and audit SMAA reimbursement invoices, monitor budgets, ensure compliance with funding requirements, and act as a key liaison between OCDE and federal, state, and local agencies. Your day-to-day will include preparing financial reports, developing multi-year budget projections, and advising program staff on accounting and reporting requirements. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented professional who thrives on juggling multiple projects, solving complex financial challenges, and building strong working relationships across departments. Candidates should have an associate's degree in accounting or a related field, four years of experience (including at least one year in project or grant accounting), and strong analytical, customer service, and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

Education and Experience: Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: • Associate's degree in accounting or related field. • Four (4) years of experience, one (1) of which is involved in project or grant fund accounting; or a combination of training and experience.