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

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 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.