Business Analyst

Job Description and Duties Under the general direction of the Business System Support and Maintenance (BSSM) Supervisor II, with direct supervision provided by the Business Program Administration (BPA) Unit Supervisor I, the Business Analyst performs activities related to personnel and payroll program analysis and reporting compliance. The BPA unit is responsible for administering and maintaining the business programs related to pay and compensation, exception-based processing for statewide Personnel and Payroll systems and subsystems, and retirement reporting for more than 294,000 State Civil Service, California State University (CSU), and exempt employees. They will apply business and program analysis principles, best practices, and standards to perform assignments independently and/or in a lead capacity. This position requires strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple priorities and support several strategic initiatives simultaneously. The Business Analyst is expected to promote professionalism, collaboration, and effective communication while applying established business methodologies and best practices to support the unit’s operational and strategic objectives.

Duties performed:

(Candidates must perform the following functions with or without reasonable accommodations.

• Administer and maintain the business programs associated with pay and compensation that are determined by collective bargaining agreements, side letters, legislation, and stakeholder direction in the Employment History and Payroll systems and subsystems.
• Work closely with the Department of Human Resources (CalHR), the CSU Chancellor’s Office, state departments/agencies, and other entities, to clarify business rules and processes.
• Perform program maintenance and operations activities that inlcude deduction and benefit programs, production exception analysis, pay and compensation programs, settlement processing, reporting compliance, policy program maintenance, and validation of business processes that help ensure accuracy of system generated payments.
• Prioritize, plan, and conduct tasks, tracking workload to ensure assignments are completed timely.
• Document objectives and time constraints, develop detailed project/work plans, monitor and evaluate the progress of each project, determine corrective measures, and adjust the project/work plan as needed to implement solutions.
• Resolve work schedule conflicts.
• Perform business impact analysis and problem resolution.
• Perform system generated Mass update processes and maintain archival documentation.
• Conduct and/or review analytical studies and surveys, develop alternative solutions and present recommendations to management.
• Identify and develop detail requirements for program and business process modifications.
• Make recommendations on problems to enhance processes and procedures.
• Review and analyze proposed legislation and advise management on potential impact.
• Develop user requirements for mass update and test plans, performing user acceptance testing.
• Develop project and implementation plans.
• Develop procedures, update manuals, and prepare communications to departments.
• Maintain archival documentation programs and libraries.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. Working Conditions This position is located at The Emerald Tower on Capitol Mall, steps from Tower Bridge and is walking distance to the State Capitol. The building offers affordable monthly parking, employee gym access, an amenities center, and a beautiful mid-tower garden terrace. It is conveniently situated only blocks from Old Sacramento, numerous restaurants, a seasonal farmer’s market, and the Crocker Art Museum. Overlooking the Golden 1 Arena and Downtown Commons, the office is accessible from Sacramento Regional Transit’s light rail and bus systems, with convenient access to I-5, I-80, US 50 & US 99. This position is eligible for hybrid telework under California Government Code Section 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California. All telework schedules are subject to change and may be reevaluated at any time. Specific telework arrangements may be discussed in more detail with the respective hiring manager. Telework does not change the terms and conditions of employment, the essential functions of job duties, or required compliance with the State Controller's Office policies. Applicants must reside within California at the time of appointment. 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. Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• ANALYST II Additional Documents
• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement Department Information The Office of the State Controller (SCO) is the destination employer within the State of California. As California’s chief fiscal officer, the Controller’s Office ensures accountability and transparency of California’s financial practices while promoting fairness and opportunity for all. Here, you’ll work in a collaborative and supportive environment with diverse opportunities for professional growth and development. A career with the SCO offers meaningful work that directly impacts the state’s future. The Personnel and Payroll Services Division (PPSD) of the California State Controller’s Office is responsible for ensuring that more than 290,000 state employees are paid accurately and on time. This division manages complex payroll systems, processes employee benefits, and handles a wide range of personnel transactions. By joining this team, you’ll be at the forefront of delivering essential services that directly affect the livelihoods of state workers across California. Take the next step in your career with an organization that values innovation, integrity, and the well-being of its employees. Apply today and build a California where everyone thrives! Visit our website to learn more about the State Controller’s Office. How did you hear about us? Take our survey!

Special Requirements Take the required examination here: Analyst II Examination Desirable 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:

• Ability to uphold PPSD values: Professionalism, Accountability, Customer Service, Collaboration, and Trust.
• Ability to communicate effectively while using tact and good judgment.
• Ability to work independently and effectively under pressure while managing changing priorities, competing demands, and deadlines.
• Strong customer services and research skills.
• Ability to work well with others at all levels.
• Excellent attendance and dependability.
• Experience related to the state’s Employment History and Payroll systems and subsystems, payroll operations, and human resources policies and procedures.
• Demonstrable ability to perform projects and recurring tasks independently or in groups.
• Professional experience in performing analytical duties in program planning, policy review, development and evaluation, and legislative analysis.
• Professional experience performing complex research and analysis project work, identifying business needs making recommendations to management, and implementing effective courses of action (including delivering products within cost, schedule, and resource constraints).
• Experience developing Business Requirements (Defining the scope of the solution based on priorities, business value, and implementation complexity, including, developing user requirements for system changes and reporting requirements, developing test plans, performing user acceptance testing, and developing implementation plans).
• Technical acumen and time management skills with the ability to coordinate concurrent assignments and changing priorities to efficiently meet deadlines.
• A strategic thinker with the ability to formulate objectives and priorities, maximize opportunities, manage risks, and implement plans consistent with the short-term and long-term goals.
• Analytical proficiency to understand laws, rules, regulations, bargaining unit provisions, procedures, and policies related to personnel and payroll programs.
• Good communicator with active listening skills.
• A strong collaborator with a positive and proactive approach to assignments and initiatives.
• Ability to serve as a catalyst for organizational change.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.