Accountant Trainee Program - Summer - Multiple Departments

Accountant Trainee Program - Summer 2026 - Multiple Departments (1649)

• Full-time
• Work Hours:
  
  Regular
• Job Code and
  
  Title:
  
  1649-Accountant Intern
• Fill Type:
  Permanent Exempt
• Compensation: USD 42.788 - USD 44.913 hourly

Application opening: January 12, 2026 Final date to receive applications: February 6, 2026 5:00pm PST

San Francisco is a vibrant and dynamic city that values economic growth, innovation, urban development, arts & entertainment, and social change. The 1649 Accountant Trainee Program is a citywide initiative designed to develop future government accounting leaders. Trainees receive a blend of workshop training and hands‑on experience in a variety of accounting systems and processes, including Peoplesoft Financials, General Ledger, Budget Process, Purchasing, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Financial Analysis & Reporting, and Vouchers & Expenses.

Throughout the 18‑month program, participants are paired with experienced supervisors for coaching and performance reviews.

• Earn while you learn as a full‑time city employee with comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and retirement.
• Cohort experience and professional networking across the city.
• Practical knowledge of the relationship between governing bodies and strategic partners.
• Support and mentorship from accounting professionals and Program alumni.
• Comprehensive understanding of governmental financial management and city operational needs.
• Working knowledge of accounting topics and city processes to become a fully functional accountant upon program completion.
• Successful completion includes presentation of self‑chosen topics to the 1649 Steering Committee.

• Participate in structured job training experiences.
• Attend classroom‑style workshops and complete online training programs related to citywide accounting functions.
• 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 the 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, and 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 18 semester units or 24 quarter units of coursework in Accounting.
• Only classes that are 3 units or more count toward the coursework requirement. One‑to‑two‑unit accounting electives are not considered qualifying coursework.

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word.
• Experience establishing, promoting, and maintaining professional, cooperative work relationships.
• Ability to communicate complex financial information to diverse audiences effectively.

• Complete the 1649 Accountant Trainee Program job application.
• Include all of the following items with your online application:
• • All university transcripts with official university letterhead. If the degree is from a foreign institution, provide an equivalency certification.
• • Updated resume. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the completed city application.
• • Cover letter.

Only individuals who submit a completed job application and attach their college transcripts will be considered.

• Written Examination: tests knowledge of accounting principles, mathematical calculations, data analysis, reading comprehension, and grammar & spelling.
• Performance Exercise: tests computer proficiency (Excel &), accounting knowledge, data…