Audit Lead

Under the general direction of the California High-Speed Rail Authority's (Authority) Senior Management Auditor, the Staff Management Auditor is responsible for conducting the most complex and sensitive assignments of the high-speed rail project's programs, management processes and practices, contracts, and funds. The incumbent independently conducts complex financial, compliance, and performance audits to ensure that state and federal resources of the high-speed rail program are properly expended and managed in accordance with state and federal laws, regulations, and guidelines. The Staff Management Auditor also acts as a lead to Associate Management Auditors and Staff Services Management Auditors throughout the planning, fieldwork, and reporting phases of the engagement. The incumbent is responsible and accountable for properly supervising the engagement to ensure that objectives are achieved, quality is assured, and guidance is given.


All work is to be accomplished in accordance with State and federal rules, regulations, and guidelines; Generally Accepted Governmental Audit Standards (GAGAS); and the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing (ISPPIA).


You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Working Conditions
Part-time telework is available for this position for California residents based on the requirements of the position and may be discussed during the interview process. Hiring interviews may be available virtually, using teleconferencing or video conferencing options.
Develop and maintain cooperative working relationships. Must deal effectively with pressure; maintain focus and intensity yet remain optimistic and persistent, even under adversity. Create and maintain a work environment that encourages creative thinking and innovation. Enable others to acquire the tools and support they need to perform well. Develop new insights into situations and apply innovative solutions to make organizational improvements. Create and sustain an organizational culture, which encourages others to provide the quality of service essential to high performance. Consider and respond appropriately to the needs, feelings, and capabilities of different people in different situations, is tactful and treats others with respect. Adjust rapidly to new situations warranting attention and resolution.


While at their base operation, employees will work in a climate-controlled office under artificial lighting but may be required to travel within the state, to meet with customers, or attend meetings/conferences. May be required to sit for long period using a keyboard and video display terminal.


Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• STAFF MANAGEMENT AUDITOR

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-523871


Position #(s):
311-150-4160-006

Working Title:
Audit Lead


Classification:
STAFF MANAGEMENT AUDITOR $7,530.00 - $9,823.00 Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary salary reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals.
For additional information please visit


New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.


# of Positions:
1


Work Location:
Sacramento County


Telework:
Hybrid


Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time


Department Information Are you looking for a different type of state government job? Something with a little more excitement and a more fast-paced and fluid environment? How about an opportunity to be part of one of the most remarkable transportation projects in California's history? The California High-Speed Rail Authority is a small and dynamic state agency that is looking for employees who are interested in a challenging and rewarding job opportunity.


Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief survey. Completing this survey is not required to be considered for this vacancy.

Department Website:


Special Requirements A response to the supplemental questions is required for this position. The response must be no more than two (2) pages, using 12-point Arial font, organized and numbered as reflected below, and you must respond to all of the following questions. Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be considered in the place of the response to these supplemental questions.


1) Describe your background, experience, education, and/or training that makes you the best candidate for this position.


2) Describe your experience working with others in a team environment. Explain how you developed productive working relationships with peers and management. Explain your personal work style and tools you use in this type of work setting.


3) Describe a difficult situation that you have had, how did you handle it and what was the outcome?


Applications received without the SOQ will not be considered. Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be considered in the place of the SOQ. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, website searches, and third-party reviewers can be helpful in researching responses to the SOQ; however, by submitting your application for this position, you understand and acknowledge the SOQ you submit is your own work, in your own words, and accurately reflects your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences. Submitting an SOQ that is not your own may be cause for disqualification from the hiring process.


For assistance in completing the SOQ, please reach out to the Human Resources contact below.


Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 7/21/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).


How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:


Address for Mailing Application Packages


You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:


CA High Speed Rail Authority
High Speed Rail Authority
Attn: Human Resources
770 L Street, Suite 620, MS 4


Sacramento , CA 95814


Address for Drop-Off Application Packages


You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:


CA High Speed Rail Authority
High Speed Rail Authority
Human Resources
770 L Street, Suite 620, MS 4


Sacramento , CA 95814


08:00 AM - 05:00 PM


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 to apply. Please see above "Special Requirements" section for SOQ instructions.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.


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:

• Working familiarity with audit standards including Yellow Book, GAGAS and ISPPIA and other appropriate standards used in performing financial and performance reviews of government programs.
• Knowledge of contracting laws, regulations, and practices.
• Knowledge of accounting systems, including invoicing and billing systems, project cost systems, including indirect cost rates.
• Knowledge of Code of Federal Regulations, Title 2, Part 200, Title 48, Part 31, and Title 49, Part 18.
• Knowledge of generally accepted auditing techniques, including performance, financial, and compliance auditing.
• Ability to apply methods of auditing, including through information technology systems.
• Knowledge of internal controls and risk assessment concepts.
• Understanding of organization and management of State government and agencies.
• Understanding of program planning and evaluation.
• Understanding of statistical and sampling methods to auditing.
• Knowledge of California general obligation bond principles and practices.
• Receptive to constructive criticism.
• Ability to write effectively in narrative form.
• Ability to work independently, and as part of a team.
• Ability to exercise a high degree of initiative, be a self-starter and use independent judgement.
• Ability to work effectively with top level managers of State agencies and other organization.
• Ability to effectively communicate to groups and individuals on technical issues.
• Ability to plan, analyze and translate technical results into oral or written format understandable for non-auditors.
• Ability to assimilate and evaluate technical and procedural input from various sources.
• Ability to develop alternative courses of action and make objective recommendations.
• Experience with automated audit workpaper solutions.
• Proficiency with the following information technology tools: Microsoft products and Google Chrome.
• Experience auditing grants or other pass-through funds.
• Experience leading audits engagements.
• Experience performing internal control audits.

Benefits The State of California offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, vision, dental, a retirement pension, a telework stipend if applicable, and an array of other options.

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



Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website:
Human Resources Contact:
Human Resources
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Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
EEO Office
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California Relay Service: View phone number on click.appcast.io (TTY), View phone number on click.appcast.io (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.


Application Information
The STD. 678 is required, and each section must be filled out completely and thoroughly. Please do not include your Social Security Number, date of birth, veteran status, personal photos, LEAP information, or any other personally identifying information on any documents in your application package.


Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement. Dates printed on envelopes by mobile barcodes or equivalent mobile print technology are not acceptable proof of the date the application and any other required documents or materials were filed.


If applying via postal mail or by dropping off your application, applicants must include JC-523871 and Audit Lead, 311-150-4160-006 in the 'Job Title' section of the STD. 678 to be considered for this position. Please indicate on the STD 678 your basis of eligibility in the "Explanations" field (i.e. SROA, surplus, reemployment, reinstatement, transfer, or list eligible.)


Surplus/SROA candidates must provide a copy of their surplus/SROA letter with their application. Consideration may be given to applicants on another Department's employment list, provided the criteria are met to transfer the eligibility from the employment list to the Authority's employment list. Training and Development assignments are not being considered at this time.


NOTE: To be considered for this job opportunity, applicants must be reachable on an employment list, have transfer eligibility, or have reinstatement eligibility. If you are new to California State service and you do not have list eligibility, you must take the exam for this classification. To gain employment list eligibility, please click here to access the exam bulletin.


Location
The High-Speed Rail Authority headquarters building is located in downtown Sacramento on the corner of 8th and L Street. We are located one block away from the 8th and Capitol light rail stop, as well as the 7th and Capitol light rail stop. The building is also within walking distance of DOCO, the California State Capitol Park, a farmer's market during summer months, and Old Sacramento.



Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.


It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.