Accountant Trainee Program FY 2025-2026 - Multiple Departments (1649)

Company Description

[READ CAREFULLY - Instructions to Apply further down in the posting]

San Francisco is a vibrant and dynamic city, on the forefront of economic growth & innovation, urban development, arts & entertainment, as well as social issues & change. This rich tapestry of culture and ideas is sustained by our City’s commitment to heighten the quality of life for the diverse population of San Franciscans and residents of the greater Bay Area. Our employees play an important role not only in making our City what it is today, but also in shaping the future of San Francisco.

Appointment Type: Permanent Exempt - This position is excluded by the City Charter from the competitive Civil Service examination process and shall serve at the discretion of the Appointing Officer.

• Application Opening: April 1, 2025
• Application Deadline: April 25, 2025
• Compensation Range:  $85,956 to $90,220 Annually
• Recruitment ID: PEX-1649-EXEMPT
• Tentative Program Start Date: September 2025

Job Description

Fostering Future Financial Leaders 

As the demand for transparency and accountability in government spending and allocation increases, so does the need for accounting professionals with specialized expertise in governmental financial management. The 1649 Accountant Trainee Program, also known as the 1649 Accountant Intern Program, was established to ensure excellence in the City and County of San Francisco's Accountant Series. This program provides trainees with a strong foundation in governmental accounting policies, procedures, and best practices through a blend of workshop training and hands-on experience.

Trainees receive mentorship from experienced accountants and cover essential topics like Peoplesoft Financials, General Ledger, Budget Process, Purchasing, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Financial Analysis and Reporting, and Vouchers and Expenses. In addition to technical knowledge, the program enhances communication and presentation skills through workshops and professional development opportunities, including sessions with the Treasurer/Tax Collector, Civil Service Commission, and Office of Public Finance.

Participants are paired with seasoned supervisors and mentors for support and coaching throughout their training, with progress evaluated through regular performance reviews. The 18-month program includes two 9-month rotations in different City departments, preparing trainees for professional-level accounting positions. By the end of the program, participants will have expanded their formal education, gained hands-on experience, developed strong analytical and communication skills, and become proficient with technology and financial information systems.

Upon completing the 18-month program, successful trainees are promoted to the Permanent Civil Service 1652 Accountant II classification. Assignment locations may vary for each rotation and for the 1652 Accountant II placements.

Program Advantages:

• Earn while you learn as a full-time City employee with comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and retirement.
• Cohort experience and opportunity to develop a professional network throughout the City.
• Practical knowledge and experience in the relationship between governing bodies and strategic partners.
• Support and mentorship from accounting professionals and Program alumni.
• A comprehensive understanding of governmental financial management and how to support the operational needs of the governmental entity of San Francisco.
• A working knowledge of accounting topics and City processes to become fully functional well-rounded accountants with the City upon successful completion of the 1649 Program.
• To successfully complete the 18-month training program, 1649 Program participants will present self-chosen topics to the 1649 Steering Committee.

Essential duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Participate in structured job training experiences.
• Attend classroom-style workshops and complete online training programs related to citywide accounting functions during the training program.
• Perform a variety of work in the following fields:
• Record and process a variety of accounting data into accounting systems;
• Analyze transactions to insure proper recordation;
• Prepare and maintain expenditures and budgetary control accounts;
• Prepare reports on status of such accounts;
• Maintain accounting records relative to payroll accounts, processes rate changes and payroll deductio