Tax Compliance Lead

Job Description and Duties

The CalSTRS Accounting Division is seeking a motivated individual to work as a Financial Accountant II in the Tax Research & Reporting Unit.

The Operational Accounting Division is comprised of three units: Billings and Collections, Disbursements and Taxes, and Contributions. These areas focus on accounting for CalSTRS “cash collection” cycle; “procure to pay” cycle, “disbursement” cycle (specifically timely distribution of retirement checks as well as issuing member refunds), as well as, accounting for contribution activities.

The Tax Research & Reporting Unit provides in-house tax support to CalSTRS business areas; performs tax research and analysis; provides explanation for implementation, compliance and controls for tax requirements; and assists other CalSTRS business areas in serving our members and beneficiaries regarding any tax issues related to the pension benefits issued by CalSTRS.

Under the general supervision of the Financial Accountant III, the Financial Accountant II (FA II) serves as the lead specialist for the Tax Research and Reporting Unit. The FA II performs advanced technical and professional tax research, analysis, and reporting to ensure compliance with all taxing agencies pertinent to CalSTRS. This position provides nonsupervisory lead support by offering guidance, training, and quality control review assistance to subordinate staff.

The FA II exercises independent judgment in resolving atypical and highly complex exceptions within CalSTRS’ information systems and tax reporting processes. The incumbent researches, documents, and analyzes the technical aspects of corporate and pension tax applications to ensure compliance and implements internal controls for tax withholding. The FA II performs complex analysis and submits required reporting, mandated by the Internal Revenue Services (IRS), Franchise Tax Board (FTB), Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB). The FA II is responsible for reconciling and reporting tax withholding to the appropriate agencies.

Additionally, the FA II assists the Financial Accountant III to monitor the external environment for changes to the IRS codes, and federal and state legislation to ensure CalSTRS’ ongoing tax compliance, both in relation to investment activities (domestic and international vendors), and CalSTRS business activities (pension and corporate taxes). The FA II also conducts legislative and policy analysis and makes recommendations to the FA III.

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills:

• Training, lead or supervision experience
• Knowledge of US GAAP, specifically Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) pronouncements pertaining to public pension plans
• Knowledge of government accounting principles and procedures
• Experience utilizing SAP or similar Enterprise Resource Planning software
• Experience working in tax research and reporting or similar Financial Operational Landscape
• Knowledge of or ability to collect, track, and report data
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with all levels of staff and management
• Knowledge of CalSTRS business processes, technical environment or pension/financial systems

Every 12 months, based on performance evaluation, employees may receive a 5% salary increase until they reach the maximum salary for the position.

In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025. This program 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 for the duration of the program. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the reduced amounts.

Does this opportunity seem right for you? If so, see the Application Instructions section below and apply now.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

CalSTRS offers a hybrid approach including in-office and remote work solutions based on business needs.

All staff of CalSTRS are employees of the State of California and subject to California employment taxes and withholdings. Upon appointment, staff are required to provide a current California address to CalSTRS Human Resources to be used as a remote work location.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment with CalSTRS.

Special Requirements

Statement of Qualifications

Interested individuals must submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) in addition to the standard state application (form STD 678). Your SOQ will be considered the first interview for this position. If your qualifications are competitive, you will be invited to an interview. When completing the SOQ, please include all relevant experience, education, and training, as applicable, and explain all answers thoroughly. Your SOQ should not exceed two pages, single-spaced, 12-point font and address the following questions:

1. Please describe how your education, experience, and background have prepared you to perform the job duties of this position.
2. Describe an experience you had working in a fast-paced operational accounting environment with time-sensitive projects. Provide details on how you managed changing processes and priorities.
   
3. Describe a situation in which you made a decision that impacted your work and/or the work of others. What were the alternatives that you considered and what did you decide? Who was affected by your decision? What was the outcome of your decision?
   

Exam

This position requires a current Financial Accountant II  examination . If you need to take the examination or if your score has expired, click here to gain list eligibility.

Background Investigation

Prior to employment with CalSTRS, a background investigation (BI) will be conducted. The BI consists of a  Personal History Statement and fingerprinting through the Department of Justice. The BI will check criminal and civil records and, if applicable, verify education and check driving records.

CalSTRS Disclosure Requirements

This position may be subject to disclosure and disqualification requirements concerning economic conflict of interest in government work, including the Conflict of Interest Code that applies to CalSTRS team members and the Political Reform Act , which require disclosure of certain investment information and use of a designated trading platform for securities transactions, as well as filing a Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700) .

Incompatible Activities

This position is subject to the provisions of Government Code Section 19990 . Upon accepting a position at CalSTRS, you will also be required to comply with the CalSTRS Incompatible Activities Policy by ensuring that outside work or activities are compatible and align with your professional activities or workplace obligations.

Benefits

CalSTRS offers a competitive pay schedule and a work-life-balance for all its employees. The State of California provides comprehensive benefits packages determined by the employee’s bargaining unit and conditions of employment. Some benefits include:

• Alternative work schedules
• Flexible work hours
• Remote work options
• Medical benefits, including health, dental and vision insurance
• Paid holidays and a defined benefit retirement program
• More than four weeks of vacation/sick leave for leaders
• More than three weeks of vacation/sick leave for staff
• Health insurance in retirement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Loan forgiveness under the federal 

For the latest information on the benefits offered by the state of California, explore the Health Benefits Summary provided by CalHR .

ADDITIONAL APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

• Electronic applications through your CalCareer account are highly recommended.  If you are unable to apply electronically through your CalCareer account, please mail or drop off a hard copy of your application packet. Please provide the following information on your application: 815-280-4192-005, RPA: 0983, JC-530673.
• If education is being used to meet the minimum qualifications, please submit a copy of your transcripts/degree.
• Training and Development (T&D) assignments may be considered for this position. If you are applying as a T&D, please indicate this in the eligibility section of your application.
  
• Candidate may be selected by application packet review only.
• Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment.
• Submission of an incomplete STD 678 may result in disqualification. 

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.
• Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications is required. Please see the Special Requirements section of the job posting for detailed instructions.