Accountant Trainee - Controller's Office (1649)

Job Description
The 1649 Accountant Trainee Program also known as the 1649 Accountant Intern Program was established to ensure excellent performance in the City and County of San Francisco's Accountant Series. Participants in this Program are appointed at the entry-level of the Accountant. Overall responsibility and administration for the 1649 Accountant Trainee (Intern) Program for the City and County of San Francisco resides with the Office of the Controller, by delegation from the Department of Human Resources.
1649 program participants are appointed to civil service permanent-exempt job Class 1649 Accountant Trainee (Intern) and enter the 18-month training program as full-times employees. 1649 trainees participate in two 9-month rotations, typically with two different City departments.
1649 trainees (interns) receive a comprehensive foundation in governmental accounting policies, procedures, and best practices. The Program consists of a combination of workshop training and on the-job experience as a functioning accountant in the City, and are mentored by higher-level, experienced accountants in various City Departments.
Topic areas of training include — Peoplesoft Financials, General Ledger, the Budget Process, Purchasing, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Financial Analysis and Reporting, and Vouchers and Expenses.
In addition to the technical and functional knowledge, the 1649 Accountant Program provides professional development learning opportunities in communication skills, presentation skills, as well as presentations from the Treasurer/Tax Collector, the Civil Service Commission, the Office of Public Finance, and more.
The Program also pairs trainees with seasoned supervisors and mentors to provide them with support and coaching throughout their training. Progress through the Program is evaluated through regular performance evaluations.
After the 18-month 1649 Accountant Trainee (Intern) Program ends, successful trainees are promoted to the Permanent Civil Service 1652 Accountant II classification. Assignment locations may vary for each rotation of the Program, including 1652 placements.
PROGRAM ADVANTAGES
Earn while you learn as a full-time City employee with comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and retirement.
Cohort experience 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 deductions;
Distribute personnel service costs to appropriate accounts;
Assist in the maintenance of accounting systems;
Reconcile internal departmental records with Controller’s and other agency reports;
Process and clear encumbrance documents and vendor payment documents, assists in external reporting projects/requirements as assigned.
The incumbent must be able to communicate all phases of the Accounting Cycle to a variety of audiences clearly and effectively, and they will also perform related duties as assigned.
Overtime may be required.
Make formal presentations to City departments and the Steering Committee.
Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned