Audit Specialist

The State Agency Audits Bureau conducts audits of state and local governmental agencies in accordance with generally accepted government auditing standards (GAGAS), statutory requirements, and contractual arrangements. Focus areas include Payroll Audits, California State Lottery Audits, Proposition 47 Grants Program Audits, CAL-Card Program Audits, and special projects. The Bureau supports transparency and accountability in government operations.


Under general direction provided by the Audit Manager (Senior Management Auditor), the Staff Management Auditor (Specialist) will perform at the advanced journey level in leading, working with a group of audit teams, or performing complex, difficult, and sensitive engagements (audits, attestations, and/or reviews) in an independent and proficient manner. A Staff Management Auditor (Specialist) may be assisted by Associate Management Auditors and/or Staff Services Management Auditors in the performance of engagements in a single agency or a small group of related agencies. The incumbent also may be assigned to other projects within the division that require an advanced journey level auditor skill set.


Duties Performed:
(Candidates must perform the following functions with or without reasonable accommodations.)


Conduct Audits:

• Perform audits in an independent and proficient manner in order to fulfill contractual agreements; and statutory and constitutional responsibilities, using software such as Microsoft Office and TeamMate.

• Ensure that the audit work is properly supported and sufficient to support audit findings, and that it meets the requirements of SCO's Engagement Manual and professional auditing standards.

Planning Audits:

• Plan the audit to ensure that the audit objectives are met and that internal control is properly evaluated.

• Determine hours required and estimated completion dates for each step in the engagement planning memorandum in accordance with the SCO's Engagement Manual and professional auditing standards.

• Plan and complete assigned audits effectively within budgeted hours.

Internal Control Evaluation:

• Evaluate auditee's system of internal control significant to the audit objectives, and make recommendations, where appropriate, as required by the audit scope in accordance with the SCO's Engagement Manual and professional auditing standards.

• Perform expanded testing of internal control as deemed necessary.

Communication:

• Recommend changes or updates to audit programs or procedures to the auditor-in-charge or Senior Management Auditor. Inform the Senior Management Auditor of the audit progress, audit problems, new audit areas, and other factors affecting audit operation and timeliness of reports.

• Provide technical advice to management concerning audit report preparation and audit finding presentation to ensure that the SCO's Engagement Manual and professional auditing standards are followed.

• Provide the field audit supervisor with information for evaluating staff performance.

Act in Lead Role:

• Plan, coordinate and assign audit tasks to each team member.

• Train and assist auditors in developing audit findings and recommendations.

• Conduct meetings and discuss audit issues and findings.

• Review audit working papers for clarity and accuracy.

Audit-Related Tasks:

• Conduct research of complex audit issues utilizing various resources such as state and federal law, state administrative procedures, codes, legislation, etc.

• Coordinate with the Senior Management Auditor in initiating changes to the audit programs and work papers structure/content as a result of legislation, regulations, state and federal laws, legal opinions, etc.

• Perform other special projects as required, including assisting the Senior Management Auditor in drafting legal opinions, budget change proposals, and legislative bill analyses.

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

Working Conditions
Travel will be required to conduct audits, meet with auditees, or attend meetings/conferences.

This position is located at The Park, a quaint and historical campus environment two blocks from McKinley Park, in the heart of residential East Sacramento. Easily accessible from US 50 and I-80, The Park offers free parking, quick walks to local restaurant favorites, and countless lunchtime strolling opportunities through the quiet East Sacramento neighborhood.

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.

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.

• STAFF MANAGEMENT AUDITOR (SPECIALIST) STATE CONTROLLER'S OFFICE

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-521828


Position #(s):
051-640-4155-108
051-640-4155-291

Working Title:
Audit Specialist


Classification:
STAFF MANAGEMENT AUDITOR (SPECIALIST) STATE CONTROLLER'S OFFICE $6,955.00 - $9,142.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.


# of Positions:
2


Work Location:
Sacramento County


Telework:
Hybrid


Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time


Facility:
Division of Audits


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 Division of Audits (AUD) at the California State Controller's Office is dedicated to promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity in the use of public funds. This division conducts financial and compliance audits of state and local government agencies, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent appropriately and effectively. As part of this team, you'll play a key role in identifying areas for improvement, detecting fraud, and helping government programs operate more efficiently. Join a team where your work directly contributes to the trust and accountability that Californians expect from their government.

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.

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Special Requirements Educational Requirement: A copy of your degree, transcripts, or degree evaluation is required for all applications. Applications submitted without the educational requirements may not be considered.


A resume is required.


A Statement of Qualifications is required; please see 'Required Application Package Documents' for instructions.

Take the required examination here: Staff Management Auditor (Specialist), SCO Examination



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: 7/17/2026
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:


State Controller's Office
Human Resources
Attn: Human Resources Office, P.S.
300 Capitol Mall 3rd Floor, Ste 300


Sacramento , CA 95814


Address for Drop-Off Application Packages


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


State Controller's Office
Human Resources
Human Resources Office, P.S.
300 Capitol Mall 3rd Floor, Ste 300


Sacramento , CA 95814
Applications dropped off in person must be received by 5 p.m. in HR, by the final filing date.
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 required and must be included.
• Degree and/or School Transcripts
• Statement of Qualifications - The Statement of Qualification (SOQ) should be clear, concise, and typewritten for ease of reading. It must be no more than one page in length, single-spaced, using one-inch margins and 12-point font.
  • Address how your experience, education, and skills demonstrate your qualifications for this position.
  A reference to other materials such as a resume or the application may not be considered and does not substitute for the SOQ. Applications received without the following required documents may not be considered.
  

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:

• Driver's License.
• In-depth knowledge of accounting principles, and the ability to perform audits in accordance with professional standards.
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable in response to changing workload and priorities.
• Ability to multi-task and manage multiple priorities and coordinate concurrent assignments efficiently.
• Ability to perform efficiently and effectively under deadlines and pressure.
• Exemplary organizational skills, with an ability to prioritize workloads and exercise independent initiatives when appropriate.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• High degree of initiative; self-motivated.
• Strong work ethic and integrity.

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



Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
Audits Recruitment
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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 Officer
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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.


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.