PERSONNEL SPECIALIST

Job Description and Duties

All applicants will be considered; however, SROA/Surplus candidates will be given priority.

Are you interested in making life better for Californians? Are you looking for a career and not just a job? Do you want to create a meaningful impact in your community? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) has a career opportunity waiting for you! California not only needs you, it wants you as part of the growing workforce. New employees, new ideas, and new creative perspectives are needed in all areas at the CDTFA. We value staff and are dedicated to employee career development. Our agency supports the development of staff by offering training to flourish in their position and programs to promote and explore upward mobility. To learn more about us, please see 

Under close supervision of the Personnel Supervisor I, you will ensure our workforce is receiving timely pay and benefits while learning about various Human Resources (HR) functions. Some of the responsibilities include:

• Interpret and apply governmental laws and rules concerning personnel transactions.
• Solve payroll issues independently by utilizing reference materials, policies, and procedures.
• Answer inquiries from team members, both verbally and in writing.
• Process appointments, separations, payroll, and benefits.
• Review and reconcile attendance records and payroll.
• Research and resolve various personnel, payroll, and benefit issues.
• Process health, dental, and vision benefits in accordance with the Benefits Administration Manual.
• In addition, this classification is eligible for an annual recruitment and retention bonus of $2,400-$4800 after completion of 12 months in the classification. Please note this occurs every 12 months.

Here is the link to the Personnel Specialist: Exam Bulletin | CalCareers

This recruitment has been posted for more vacancies than currently exist as it may be used to fill additional identical vacancies which occur within 180 days of the closing date of this bulletin.

Under Government Code 14200, this position may be eligible for partial telework for eligible candidates residing in California. All telework/hybrid schedules require staff to report to the office a minimum number of days per week. Schedules are subject to change.

Currently, per the California Budget Act of 2025, all California Department of Tax and Fee Administration salaries are subject to the provisions of the State of California’s Personal Leave Program.

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You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

• Position may be located in a high-rise building.
• Partial Telework is available.
• Standard office environment.
• Requires being in a stationary position, consistent with office work, for extended periods of time.
• Daily use of a personal computer, office equipment, and/or telephone.

Special Requirements

This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.; for more information about E-Verify, please go to

• Education: For classifications where the Minimum Qualifications (MQs) are based on meeting education requirements only: If education is required to meet the MQs please attach a copy of all of your transcripts that show the completion of the required education. Applicants who completed their education outside the United States (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of United States course/degree equivalency. Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at .

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:

• Knowledge of and experience performing human resources functions, including processing payroll, benefits, and leave accounting/timekeeping.
• Ability to provide quality and tactful customer service, communicate effectively, and maintain cooperative relationships.
• Ability to work well both independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to take initiative, organize and prioritize work to meet established deadlines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Detail oriented with the ability to multi-task, handle shifting priorities, and work well under pressure.

Benefits

CDTFA appreciates and proudly celebrates diversity with an emphasis of an inclusive atmosphere in all levels of the organization. CDTFA is a participant in The Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE) Capitol Cohort to advance racial equality and advance opportunities for all in California. Employees of different races, ethnicities, genders, ages, religions, disabilities, gender orientations and personal experiences are welcomed to contribute to the success of CDTFA.

The CDTFA was presented with the Large State Employer of the Year Award for 2018 from The Association of California State Employees with Disabilities (ACSED); showcasing CDTFA’s support of employment, promotion, and fair treatment of persons with disabilities.

CDTFA values its staff and is dedicated to employee career development. Our agency supports the development of staff by offering training to flourish in their position and programs to promote and explore upward mobility.

In addition, you can look forward to:

• Convenient public transportation.
• Located near Downtown, major freeway access, multiple eateries.
• The new sustainable May Lee State Office Complex is located in the Sacramento River District. It has an on-site coffee shop, cafeteria, gym, and daycare center.

For more information about the outstanding benefits offered to State Employees

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

Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) Requirements

Applicants must include a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for this recruitment. The SOQ is a narrative discussion prepared by the applicant describing how the applicant’s skills, knowledge, abilities, education, training, and experience, qualify them for the position. The SOQ serves as documentation of each candidate’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. The CDTFA will not consider applicants who fail to provide an SOQ with their application. Resumes do not take the place of the SOQ.

Additionally, your SOQ should be no more than two (2) pages in length, single-spaced and must include:

• Your name on SOQ    
• The Job Control number on SOQ

Please respond directly to the following SOQ items below:

1. What education, training, and skills do you possess that would make you successful in this position?

1. What is your definition of ‘customer service’ and how would you apply it to this position? 

You must provide specific information which demonstrates how your knowledge, skills, and training meet the needs of this position.

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 completed Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted with your STD. 678 in order to be considered for this position. Please see the Statement of Qualifications section of this job posting for additional information.