Accounts Payable Accountant l

<strong>Equal Opportunity Employer<br><br></strong>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.<br><br>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.<br><br><strong>Position Details<br><br></strong><strong>Job Code #:<br><br></strong>JC-519137<br><br><strong>Position #(s):<br><br></strong>275-210-4177-004<br><br><strong><strong>Working Title:<br><br></strong></strong><strong> Accounts Payable Accountant l <br><br></strong><strong><strong>Classification:<br><br></strong></strong>ACCOUNTANT I (SPECIALIST)<br><br>$3,934.00 - $4,923.00 A<br><br>New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.<br><br><strong># of Positions:<br><br></strong>1<br><br><strong>Work Location:<br><br></strong>Sacramento County<br><br><strong><strong>Telework:<br><br></strong></strong>In Office<br><br><strong><strong>Job Type:<br><br></strong></strong>Permanent, Full Time<br><br><strong>Department Information<br><br></strong>The California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) is the nation’s largest public pension fund, providing retirement and health benefits to public employees, retirees, and their families. Headquartered in downtown Sacramento, we are a destination employer with an international reputation for leadership and innovation. At CalPERS, we’re committed to people – the people we serve, our team members, and the larger community around us. CalPERS is situated near the Napa Valley, San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and other desirable destinations, and we offer competitive benefit packages, compensation, and opportunities for advancement.<br><br>If you are interested in becoming part of a diverse and inclusive workforce where talent, experience, and expertise are valued, CalPERS invites you to apply for this employment opportunity. To find out more about our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts, visit our website !<br><br>To take a look at CalPERS as a destination employer, view this YouTube video .<br><br><strong><strong>Job Description And Duties<br><br></strong></strong><strong>Anticipated Interview Dates: </strong> We anticipate holding in-person interviews beginning June 15, 2026.<br><br>Are you organized with great attention to detail? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where teamwork is essential? Do you enjoy accounts payable related activities? If you’ve answered yes to these questions, then you’ve found a position you’d be interested in exploring further!<br><br>The California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS ) Financial Reporting and Accounting Services Division is seeking an Accountant I to provide professional accounting duties to support the Accounts Payable Unit. The Accountant I will be responsible for the unit’s electronic group mailbox. This includes printing incoming invoices, overseeing the review, sorting, scanning, and distributing CalPERS administrative invoices for approval and payment, and addressing payment inquiries. Utilizing PeopleSoft Financial System (PS), identifies purchase order type and approving program area in order to route the invoice to the appropriate program area. Processes daily incoming mail, this includes retrieving, opening, date stamping, and sorting incoming mail. Using PS, reviews Purchase Orders to validate available funding and receipt of purchased items. Upon validation, processes the less complex accounts payable invoices and claim schedules for payment in compliance with departmental policy, the State Administrative Manual, and accounting procedures prescribed by the State Controller’s Office (SCO).<br><br><strong>Office (no remote): </strong> This position requires fulltime attendance in the office, working onsite five days per week.<br><br><strong>Sponsorship<br><br></strong>This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship. CalPERS does not participate in E-Verify for employment authorization purposes.<br><br><strong>Effective July 1, 2025, The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025). PLP 2025 directs that each employee shall receive a 3 percent reduction in pay in exchange for 5 hours PLP 2025 leave credits, monthly. The salary range(s) included in the job advertisement do not reflect the 3 percent reduction in pay.<br><br></strong>How did you hear about this position? Tell us in this brief survey .<br><br>You will find additional information about the job in the <strong> Duty Statement </strong>.<br><br><strong><strong>Special Requirements<br><br></strong></strong><strong>Statement of Qualifications <br><br></strong>Please provide a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for the hiring manager’s review. Applications received without an SOQ or those that do not respond to the specific questions below <strong>will not</strong> be considered.<br><br>The SOQ must be typed, titled “Statement of Qualifications,” and each response must be numbered and list all relevant experience, education, and training, including places of employment, dates, and duties performed. The SOQ must not exceed two pages in length.<br><br>Your SOQ must address the following:<br><br><ul><li>Provide your experience with processing Accounts Payable activities, such as processing vendor invoices for payment, reviewing purchase orders and contracts, and preparing State Controller’s Office claim schedules. Please include the type of administrative expenses, financial data, reports, and accounting systems you’ve used. </li><li>Provide your knowledge and experience with current State of California Code of Regulations, State Administrative Manual (SAM), and Memorandum of Understanding with Labor Union Bargaining Units pertaining to Accounts Payable processes and procedures. </li><li>Describe the customer service skills that are most important to you and give an example of how you have exercised them in the past.<br><br></li></ul><strong>Minimum Qualifications <br><br></strong>All experience and education relating to the Minimum Qualifications (MQs) listed on the Classification Specification should be included in your application package to clearly demonstrate how you meet the MQs for this position. If you are using education to meet MQs, please include your transcripts with your application package. If you have a degree from outside of the United States, you must submit an evaluation of this degree to determine the US equivalency. If you need an evaluation, you can visit the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) website to find organizations that provide these services. The Classification Specification is located on this Job Posting under "Minimum Requirements."<br><br>Please Note: You may need to pass an examination to establish list eligibility prior to a final offer of employment. To find and take an exam, visit CalHR’s CalCareers website .<br><br><strong>Need help with your state application, resume, Statement of Qualifications, or interview preparation?<br><br></strong>The CalPERS Career Services & Outreach team provides comprehensive support throughout the CalPERS hiring process. Our services include one-on-one online consultations for application assistance, Statement of Qualification review, and interview preparation. To schedule an appointment and receive personalized guidance from our team, please use the following booking link: CalPERS Career Services Consultations .<br><br><strong>Application Instructions<br><br></strong>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.<br><br>Final Filing Date: 6/6/2026<br><br>Who May Apply<br><br>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. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).<br><br>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).<br><br>How To Apply<br><br>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:<br><br>Address for Mailing Application Packages<br><br>You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:<br><br>Public Employees Retirement System<br><br>Postal<br><br>Attn: JC- 519137/SY<br><br>Human Resources Division, Recruitment<br><br>P. O. Box 942718<br><br>Sacramento , CA 94229-2718<br><br>Address for Drop-Off Application Packages<br><br>You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:<br><br>Public Employees Retirement System<br><br>Drop-Off<br><br>HRSD, SSU JC- 519137/SY<br><br>400 Q Street, Lincoln Plaza North<br><br>1st floor drop box by security desk<br><br>Sacramento , CA 95811<br><br>08:00 AM - 05:00 PM<br><br>Required Application Package Documents<br><br>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:<br><br><ul><li>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.</li><li>Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.</li><li>Statement of Qualifications - In addition to completing your online job application, you must provide a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for the hiring manager’s review. Please see the Special Requirements section for instructions and questions for the SOQ. Applications received without an SOQ will not be considered. We ask that you not use Artificial Intelligence assistance when composing your written response. Written responses are an attempt to assess and gain an understanding of your personal writing and communication skills and abilities.<br><br></li></ul>Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

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Common Interview Questions And Answers

1. HOW DO YOU PLAN YOUR DAY?

This is what this question poses: When do you focus and start working seriously? What are the hours you work optimally? Are you a night owl? A morning bird? Remote teams can be made up of people working on different shifts and around the world, so you won't necessarily be stuck in the 9-5 schedule if it's not for you...

2. HOW DO YOU USE THE DIFFERENT COMMUNICATION TOOLS IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONS?

When you're working on a remote team, there's no way to chat in the hallway between meetings or catch up on the latest project during an office carpool. Therefore, virtual communication will be absolutely essential to get your work done...

3. WHAT IS "WORKING REMOTE" REALLY FOR YOU?

Many people want to work remotely because of the flexibility it allows. You can work anywhere and at any time of the day...

4. WHAT DO YOU NEED IN YOUR PHYSICAL WORKSPACE TO SUCCEED IN YOUR WORK?

With this question, companies are looking to see what equipment they may need to provide you with and to verify how aware you are of what remote working could mean for you physically and logistically...

5. HOW DO YOU PROCESS INFORMATION?

Several years ago, I was working in a team to plan a big event. My supervisor made us all work as a team before the big day. One of our activities has been to find out how each of us processes information...

6. HOW DO YOU MANAGE THE CALENDAR AND THE PROGRAM? WHICH APPLICATIONS / SYSTEM DO YOU USE?

Or you may receive even more specific questions, such as: What's on your calendar? Do you plan blocks of time to do certain types of work? Do you have an open calendar that everyone can see?...

7. HOW DO YOU ORGANIZE FILES, LINKS, AND TABS ON YOUR COMPUTER?

Just like your schedule, how you track files and other information is very important. After all, everything is digital!...

8. HOW TO PRIORITIZE WORK?

The day I watched Marie Forleo's film separating the important from the urgent, my life changed. Not all remote jobs start fast, but most of them are...

9. HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A MEETING AND PREPARE A MEETING? WHAT DO YOU SEE HAPPENING DURING THE MEETING?

Just as communication is essential when working remotely, so is organization. Because you won't have those opportunities in the elevator or a casual conversation in the lunchroom, you should take advantage of the little time you have in a video or phone conference...

10. HOW DO YOU USE TECHNOLOGY ON A DAILY BASIS, IN YOUR WORK AND FOR YOUR PLEASURE?

This is a great question because it shows your comfort level with technology, which is very important for a remote worker because you will be working with technology over time...