Senior Accountant at State of New York, Office of the State Comptroller

People who enjoy structured work with numbers often look for roles that offer purpose and growth. This position gives you both. It supports the financial operations of the State of New York and gives you steady work with clear standards. It also offers a path from trainee to full professional level based on your background and experience.

This post is shared by a third party to help qualified candidates understand the opening and decide if it fits their goals.

Job Summary

Position: Senior Accountant, Accountant Trainee 2, or Accountant Trainee 1
Company: Office of the State Comptroller, New York State
Location: Albany, New York
Employment: Full time
Salary Range: $53,764 to $85,138 per year
Job Category: Accounting, Auditing, Finance
Visa: No sponsorship available

About the Company

The Office of the State Comptroller plays a major role in managing New York State’s financial systems. The agency oversees records, audits agencies, supports state operations, and protects public funds. Their work affects every area of state service. The team values accuracy, public trust, and steady improvement. They also promote a work culture that supports balance, ongoing learning, and growth.

About the Role

The Senior Accountant or Trainee helps manage and review financial records across state programs. The job requires you to understand accounting rules and apply them in everyday work. You may design new systems or improve current ones based on state needs. You work with reports, statements, audits, and financial reviews. Your goal is to keep records accurate and to help agencies follow proper procedures.

The job may involve both accounting and auditing tasks. Your exact focus depends on the program you are assigned to. Some roles require close work with financial systems. Others need more analysis or review. The agency gives you clear methods to follow and set policies to guide your work.

Main Duties Explained

You will review financial records and check for accuracy. You will prepare reports and statements used by state offices. You may help design or adjust accounting systems when they need improvement. You might audit programs to ensure they follow rules and keep proper records. You will follow accepted accounting methods and apply them in daily tasks. The job requires careful work, steady focus, and strong judgment.

Minimum Qualifications Explained

The role is part of the NY HELPS program, which allows non-competitive entry for qualified candidates.

If you apply for Accountant Trainee 1, you need a bachelor’s degree in accounting, auditing, or taxation. You may also qualify with any bachelor’s degree that includes at least twenty-four accounting, auditing, or taxation credits.

If you apply for Accountant Trainee 2, you need the same bachelor’s degree and either one year of professional accounting or auditing experience or a graduate degree in accounting, auditing, or taxation. The experience must include work on full financial systems and tasks tied to accepted accounting rules.

If you apply for Senior Accountant, you need a bachelor’s degree with the required credits plus two years of professional experience. You may also qualify with a master’s degree plus one year of experience, or with a valid New York State CPA license.

Some courses do not count toward the required credits. These include business law, economics, most finance classes, and statistics.

Applicants may also qualify through Civil Service lists or eligible transfer titles.

Preferred Qualifications Explained

The agency prefers candidates with a background in governmental or fund accounting. They look for someone who works well with a team and who can balance many tasks at once. You should show strong focus, clear thinking, and the ability to meet deadlines. They want someone who listens, asks questions, and enjoys learning. Attention to detail is very important in this work.

Salary and Traineeship Details

The starting salary depends on your entry level. Accountant Trainee 1 earns fifty-three thousand seven hundred sixty-four dollars. Accountant Trainee 2 earns fifty-nine thousand nine hundred ninety-four dollars. The full Senior Accountant level earns sixty-six thousand nine hundred fifty-one dollars. Salary is fixed and cannot be changed. After you complete a one or two-year traineeship, you advance to the full Senior Accountant level.

Benefits Explained

The agency offers a strong benefits package. You gain access to a state pension after five years. You receive medical, dental, and vision coverage. You can use flexible spending accounts for health or dependent care. You can take part in programs like PEP, which helps reduce health insurance costs.

The agency supports employees seeking loan forgiveness under PSLF. You can join the NYS Deferred Compensation plan. You may also use the NY 529 and NY ABLE programs. The job includes paid holidays, paid time off, and extra pay for some shifts or locations. Employees have access to training, mentoring, and wellness programs.

Additional Information

Some positions may require background checks or proof of identity. The agency does not sponsor visas. They do not use E-Verify. The work environment supports learning, teamwork, and steady development.