Travel Claims Specialist

Overview

About this Role
Under the general direction of the Accounting Administrator I Supervisor, the incumbent performs professional accounting, analytical, and administrative duties related to the review, audit, editing, and approval of employee travel reimbursement claims in the California Automated Travel Expense Reimbursement System (CalATERS) Global. The incumbent ensures claims are processed accurately, timely, and in compliance with the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) travel rules, the State Administrative Manual (SAM), the State Controller’s Office (SCO) policies, applicable Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), Bargaining Unit (BU) agreements, Government Code, and departmental policies and procedures.

The incumbent will perform professional accounting duties by verifying the accuracy and completeness of financial transactions, applying internal controls, and ensuring expenditures are properly authorized and recorded in accordance with state and departmental fiscal requirements. They will utilize CalATERS Global and related financial systems to process travel claims and demonstrate knowledge of system functionality, accounting codes, system uploads, and the interface between CalATERS Global and the Financial Information System for California (FI$Cal). As well as identify, research, and resolve system or interface issues to ensure successful processing of transactions.

In addition, the incumbent participates in developing and improving procedures, training materials, and business processes to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen internal controls, and improve customer service. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong analytical and problem-solving skills and thrives in a collaborative, high-performing team environment committed to FI$Cal integrity and continuous improvement.

In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This program temporarily reduces employees’ monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the salary reduction.

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Key Responsibilities
At the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the core of our mission to advance the health and well-being of California’s diverse people and communities. We are genuinely and strongly committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness where we can grow and learn together with a diverse team of employees. In recruiting for team members, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring to us and the work we do.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of California’s diverse people and communities. The Financial Management Division (FMD), within the CDPH Administration Division, is responsible for the preparation, analysis and management of the Department’s budget, maintenance of accounting records and financial data, and acts as the liaison with the Department of Finance (DOF), Legislative Analyst’s Office, Legislative Budget staff, and the federal government on budget and fiscal matters affecting the Department.

FMD is located in downtown Sacramento in the East End Complex across from the beautiful State Capitol Park and World Peace Rose Garden.

The California State service offers medical, dental, and vision benefits; a state pension, and the participation in the state’s 401K/457 program.

 

* The salary information listed on this advertisement may not reflect recent salary increases from salary adjustments or changes in the fiscal year.

*The CDPH is  an E-Verify employer.

Department Website: https://www.cdph.ca.gov

Qualifications
In addition to evaluating each candidate’s relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

Experience reviewing and approving travel reimbursement claims in CalATERS Global, FI$Cal, or similar financial systems.
Knowledge of California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) travel rules, the State Administrative Manual (SAM), MOUs, departmental policies, and state accounting principles.
Ability to analyze financial transactions, identify discrepancies, and resolve complex issues independently.
Experience with financial system interfaces, uploads, data validation, and troubleshooting processing errors.
Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and customer service skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work effectively both independently and as part of a team.