Financial Management Branch Chief

Job Description and Duties

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is seeking a highly motivated Branch Chief (Career Executive Appointment, CEA), who is looking for meaningful work in a high profile and fast paced environment to join the Financial Management Branch (FMB). The Branch serves a key role in working with the Department’s core programs to develop and maintain the departments operational budget, allocations, and fiscal claiming guidance. We are a high functioning team and the work we do makes a difference to the millions of Californians experiencing need. The Finance and Accounting Division (FAD) invites candidates with leadership experience in the state budget development process, strong communication, and analytical skills who are up for a challenge to apply and compete.  

Under the administrative direction of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO)/Deputy Director of the Finance and Accounting Division (FAD), this position is responsible for planning, organizing, developing and directing the Financial Management Branch in the maintenance and development of the Department’s operational budget, allocation of the local assistance budget, and fiscal policy guidance. The Branch Chief reports to the CFO/Deputy Director, but works directly with the Department’s Directorate to provide fiscal support, represent the Department in budget negotiations with oversight agencies, and inform the decision-making process.

Working Conditions

This position is being advertised in Sacramento County. The CDSS Headquarter location is 744 P Street Sacramento 95814.

This position is eligible for hybrid work in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order N-22-25 and at the sole discretion of the Department of Social Services under California Government Code Section 14200. All telework schedules are subject to change and may be re-evaluated at any time. The incumbent will be expected to report for in office work and attend work related in-person events as deemed operationally necessary. Telework does not change the terms and conditions of employment, the essential functions of job duties, or required compliance with the CDSS policies. The successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment.

Special Requirements

Statement of Qualifications - (SOQ) Please see the Examination section of this job advertisement for detailed instructions for the SOQ submission. Applicants who do not submit a SOQ or follow the instructions will be eliminated from the Examination process.

Do not include any confidential information in any documents (i.e., application, resume, or transcripts) you  submit for this job vacancy. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents include but is not limited to: Social Security Number (SSN), birthday and/or age, photos, student/other ID number, driver’s license number (unless  required ), basis of eligibility, exam results, LEAP status, and marital status. Confidential information  submitted via a  CalCareer Account (electronic application) is automatically redacted upon submission .  

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:

1. Broad management capabilities, including broad technical and management level experience in the state's budgeting, and legislative processes.
2. Demonstrated ability to perform higher-level administrative and policy influencing functions effectively. This includes the demonstrated ability to work effectively under intense pressure, and the capacity to make high-level decisions in a fast-paced and changing environment.
3. Ability to communicate effectively with others as demonstrated by strong written and verbal communication skills, strong negotiating skills, and particularly the ability to represent the department effectively before the Legislature; with other state, local, and federal government entities; and with other external stakeholders.
4. Demonstrated ability to balance risk, solve problems, and develop new approaches to achieve the Department's mission.
5. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain confident, credible, and cooperative relationships with people in the highest level both internally to the department and externally including with oversight entities, the legislature, and external stakeholders.
6. Strong leadership and management team experience demonstrating an ability to set goals and expectations; encourage growth and initiative at all levels; use sound judgment in managing staff within a multi-disciplinary organization; coach and mentor employees to create a work environment that stimulates learning, encourages growth, and recognizes individual achievements to ensure peak performance.
7. Knowledge of principles and practices of organization, fiscal development and management, and the Department's EEO Program objectives.

Benefits

There are many benefits to joining our team! The State of California has a generous benefits package that includes medical coverage, CalPERS pension upon retirement, two weeks paid vacation per year, two weeks paid sick leave per year, two paid Professional Development Days, one paid Personal Holiday, pre-tax parking fee program.

Required Application Package Documents

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:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at 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.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Statement of Qualifications -

  A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. Resumes or cover letters will not be accepted in lieu of a SOQ. Please refer to the Examination Information section for instructions regarding the SOQ. Applicants who do not submit the required items will not be considered for this recruitment.