Archived listing. The details below describe a past opening.
Job Description and Duties With general direction from the Chief, Personnel/Payroll Services Division (CEA B), develop and recommend policy positions for the Office of the State Controller, with respect to the statewide programs: Personnel Services, Payroll Services, Collective Bargaining, Salary and Benefit Programs, Affordable Care Act (ACA) Program, Management Information Retrieval System (MIRS), Data Management, Statewide Training, the California Leave Accounting System (CLAS), and the California Automated Travel Expense Reimbursement System (CalATERS). Plan, organize, and direct the assignments of subordinate managers and staff engaged in complex analytical studies to support the statewide Employment History Database, the Uniform State Payroll System, the Affordable Care Act System and the Management Information Retrieval System. Personally resolve the most complex and/or sensitive issues, supervise staff, prepare recommendations, and give presentations to the Division Chief and/or Senior Executive Management, in matters related to Collective Bargaining processes, proposals, procedural implementation, and the availability of management information to Personnel/Payroll Services Division staff and customers.
Duties include, but are not limited to the following:
(Candidates must perform the following functions with or without reasonable accommodations.) Lead subordinate managers, plan, organize and direct professional staff engaged in the analysis and support of the following civil service and California State University programs:
- Personnel and Payroll Services
- Collective Bargaining and Union Support
- Salary and Benefits
- Management Information Retrieval and Statewide Information Retrieval Systems
- Data Management and Reporting Operations
- Statewide Training
- Travel Expense Reimbursement
- Leave Accounting
- Affordable Care Act
- Deduction Services Coordinate with the Information Systems Division to identify and define the specifics of new payroll, personnel, collective bargaining, salary, benefit, and information systems that will enhance the ability of the State Controller's Office personnel/payroll systems to pay employees timely and accurately, while reducing workload and improving management information capabilities. Provide system information support, as mandated changes continue to impact legacy systems. Lead development of policy positions for the State Controller’s Office, personnel and payroll issues, etc. that include confidentiality of data, the ability to negotiate an issue that may appear to be in conflict with the Controllers' constitutional and statutory authority, and the authority of "control agencies" to implement various statewide programs. Serve as the primary contact for collective bargaining, payroll and management information issues for "control agencies" such as the California Department of Human Resources, the State Personnel Board, the Department of Finance, the Legislature, the Governor's Office, and the California State University Chancellor's Office, as well as exclusive representatives. Evaluate and lead recommended system changes, establish priorities for the division, and provide direction to the Information Systems Division regarding the assignment of programming resources. Recommend legislation and legislative positions on Collective Bargaining, general salary and benefit issues, and the confidentiality and availability of information. Lead technical guidance support to the State's bargaining teams and serve as a member to negotiate items or benefits affecting all state employees and/or the authority or responsibility of the State Controller’s Office. Serve as a chairperson or member of various statewide task forces concerned with employee/employer benefits, payroll, personnel, and collective bargaining agreements. Develop workload arid staff projections to support development and maintenance of statewide personnel/payroll systems. In the absence of the Chief, Personnel/Payroll Services Division, the incumbent may represent division interests, with full authority to commit resources. 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. I n 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 This position does not have a Classification Specification. Requirements and qualifications for this position can be found in this announcement. For additional questions, please contact the hiring department listed below.
- C. E. A.
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 The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Completed current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD. Form 678 (when not applied electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position; solely referring to the resume for information (i.e., “See Resume”) is not acceptable. The Job Control number and examination title (JC – 532694 Program Management and Analysis Bureau Chief, CEA Level A) must be indicated on the applications submitted by mail or dropped off in person.
- Resume is required and must be included. A Resume does not take the place of the completed STD. 678 application.
- Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) - Statement of Qualification (SOQ) is required and instructions for the SOQ can be found under the Examination Information” section located in this bulletin. Examination Qualification Requirements All applicants must possess the knowledge and abilities, and any other requirements, described in this announcement. Note: Eligibility to take a CEA examination does not require current permanent status in the civil service. General Qualifications State civil service employees must possess essential general qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, and ability to work cooperatively with others.
Knowledge and Abilities Applicants must demonstrate the ability to perform high administrative and policy – influencing functions effectively. Such overall ability requires possession of most of the following more specific knowledge and abilities:
- Knowledge of the organization and functions of California State Government including the organization and practices of the Legislature and the Executive Branch; principles, practices, and trends of public administration, organization, and management; techniques of organizing and motivating groups; program development and evaluation; methods of administrative problem solving; principles and practices of policy formulation and development; and personnel management techniques; the department’s or agency’s Equal Employment Opportunity Program objectives; and a manager’s role in the Equal Employment Opportunity Program.
- Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of multidisciplinary professional and administrative staff; analyze administrative policies, organization, procedures and practices; integrate the activities of a diverse program to attain common goals; gain the confidence and support of top level administrators and advise them on a wide range of administrative matters; develop cooperative working relationships with representatives of all levels of government, the public, and the Legislature and Executive branches; analyze complex problems and recommend effective courses of action; and prepare and review reports; and effectively contribute to the department’s or agency’s Equal Employment Opportunity objectives. These knowledge and abilities are expected to be obtained from the following kinds of experience with substantial participation in the formulation, operation and/or evaluation of program policies (experience may have been paid or volunteer; in State service, other government
settings, or in a private organization):
CEA Level A - Responsible for broad administrative and program activities, including the execution and/or evaluation of program policies. CEA Level B - Responsible for extensive managerial and program administration or broad program manager experience with substantial participation in the formulation, operation, and/or evaluation of program policies. CEA Level C - Responsible for extensive highly professional influence and contributes to program, policy, and the methods to provide professional services needed to set policies, to meet the mission of the State department and often exercising technical and or professional skills that are required at this level. General Qualifications State civil service employees must possess essential general qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, and ability to work cooperatively with others. 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:
- Detailed knowledge of the State Controller’s constitutional and statutory responsibilities as the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State of California and a member of boards and commissions, as they pertain to personnel and payroll services;
- A functional knowledge of California State Government processes;
- Established experience interacting with various levels of government (i.e., Governor’s Office, California State Legislature, California Department of Human Resources, Department of Finance, Chancellor’s Office, etc.);
- Working knowledge of Personnel and Payroll Services administration for the State of California;
- Working knowledge of program development and evaluation;
- Demonstrated ability to operate in a complex multi-disciplinary environment, leveraging internal and external partners to meet the needs of the Human Resources Community;
- Ability to integrate the activities of a diverse program to attain common goals; gain the confidence and support of top level administrators and advise on a wide range of statewide personnel and payroll matters;
- Strong facilitation, consultation, relationship-building, influence, negotiation skills, and project management skills; and
- Demonstrated implementation and execution ability.
- Degree in Business Administration/Public Policy, or related field; Examination Information This examination consists of an evaluation of your Statement of Qualifications (SOQ), weighted 100%. A departmental evaluation panel will review and score the SOQ and your performance in the examination will be assessed based on the quality and thoroughness of your SOQ, specifically how it aligns with the Desirable Qualifications and how your education, training, experience, and skills qualify you for the position. The SOQ serves as documentation of each candidate's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing.
STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS INSTRUCTIONS
The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) should include detailed and concise information specifically addressing how the candidate's education, training, experience, and competencies relate to each of the items listed; responses should be high-level, but specific enough to provide the general nature of the services provided and involvement in the oversight. Applicants who fail to submit the SOQ as instructed may be eliminated from the examination/hiring process. The SOQ items must be numbered and addressed in the same order as listed; do not consolidate the responses. The SOQ should be no more than three pages in length, single-spaced, with one-inch margins and a minimum font size of Arial 12.
- Provide a brief summary of your knowledge and/or experience as it relates to California State Government, its budgeting process, and the impact to civil service employment.
- Describe your experience, and the number of years engaged in, organizing and managing a mandated program, and the nature of its complexity (i.e. sensitivity to Legislative scrutiny, or public perception). The response must be high-level, but specific enough to provide the general nature of the services provided and your involvement in the oversight.
- Please describe a time when you led a team through a significant organizational change. What challenges did you experience, and how were they addressed?
- Please describe an instance when you were required to solicit support of executive leadership to pursue a program solution or discuss jurisdictional/control authority over a problem. Include in your response the item/issue, a high-level overview, and the outcome.
- In your statement of qualification, please provide an example of your experience providing leadership over an enterprise-wide implementation, and your specific involvement with setting directions and/or establishing parameters by which the implementation was to occur. Please included whether your efforts were successful or not. If you meet the requirements stated in this announcement, you may take this competitive examination. Possession of the Examination Qualifications requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. Your performance in the examination will be compared with the performance of others who take this examination, and all successful candidates will be ranked according to their scores. A minimum rating of 70% must be attained in the Examination to obtain list eligibility for this position. All candidates will receive written notification of their examination results.
The results of this examination will only be used to fill this position. Applications will be retained for twelve months. Hiring interviews for the Job may be conducted with the most qualified candidates. The examining Department reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service, if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service law and rules and all competitors will be notified. Special Testing Arrangements If you have a disability and need special testing arrangements, answer the Reasonable Accommodations question appropriately on your Application (STD 678). You will be contacted to make specific arrangements. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this announcement.
Benefits
Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.