Accountant Trainee Program - Summer - Multiple Departments

Job Overview

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.

The program emphasizes communication and presentation skills through workshops and professional development opportunities with the Treasurer/Tax Collector, Civil Service Commission, and Office of Public Finance. The 18-month program includes two 9-month rotations in different City departments, preparing trainees for professional-level accounting positions. 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.

• 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: January 12, 2026
• Final date to receive applications: February 6, 2026 5:00pm PST
• Compensation Range: $88,998 to $93,418 Annually
• Recruitment : PEX-1649-EXEMPT
• Tentative Program
  
  Start Date:
  
  June 22, 2026

• 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 ensure proper recordation;
• Prepare and maintain expenditures and budgetary control accounts;
• Prepare reports on status of such accounts;
• Maintain accounting records relative to payroll accounts, process 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, assist in external reporting projects/requirements as assigned;
• Communicate all phases of the Accounting Cycle to a variety of audiences clearly and effectively;
• Overtime may be required.
• Make formal presentations to City departments and the Steering Committee.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Education:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university AND eighteen (18) semester units or twenty-four (24) quarter units of coursework in Accounting.

• Only classes that are 3 units or more will be counted towards coursework requirement. One to two-unit accounting electives will NOT be considered qualifying coursework, and neither will adjacent coursework (e.g. finance, economics, math, Quick Books/Excel courses).

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in various computer software programs, including Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word.
• Experience establishing, promoting and maintaining professional, cooperative-working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to communicate complex financial information to diverse audiences effectively.

Instructions to Apply – Complete the 1649 Accountant Trainee Program job application; AND include the following items with your online application:
All University transcripts with University Letterhead (official or unofficial). Applicants with a foreign degree will need an equivalency certification. You may upload transcripts or email to nancy.giang and include  in the subject line. Updated Resume (resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City and County of San…