Senior Tax Auditor

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 CDTFA Gateway to New Opportunities video

Working for the California state government allows an opportunity to be of service to your fellow Californians. Working with the California Department of Tax & Fee Administration (CDTFA) means doing that PLUS helping businesses and taxpayers across our state in ways you may not have imagined. You will be fully trained in how to audit while receiving all the tools you need to perform your job well. You also be given the opportunity of lifelong career advancement along the way. At the CDTFA, we believe in lifting each other up and supporting our team members to be their very best. We offer mentoring and training to all team members with the hopes you find your path to excellence.

The CDTFA promotes and supports telework and these positions may require travel up to 50% of the time. Travel may occur both in and out of state as we have taxpayers throughout the U.S.

These positions are under the supervision of the Supervising Tax Auditor II and performs the more difficult and complex field audits or examinations of taxpayer's accounts and records.

The incumbents in these positions will learn the application of tax laws as they will be responsible for:

• Analyzing business records and taxpayer claims for refunds.

• Corresponding with taxpayers, attorneys, and accountants.

The Business Taxes Specialist I position is a fantastic opportunity for you to learn and apply California's tax laws, develop leadership skills and sharpen your communication and auditing skills. 

How did you hear about this opportunity? 

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.

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. 

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

• 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.

• Must be able to move/transport materials weighing up to thirty (30) pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Depending on your work location, you may be working in a high-rise building.
• Telework is partially available.  

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

• Position requires employee to be fingerprinted and successfully pass a background investigation. 

• Travel required fifty percent (50%) of the time.

• Position may require overnight travel for up to four (4) consecutive nights to meet training requirements. 

• In-state and out-of-state travel may be required up to fifty percent (50%) of the time, may include evenings, weekends, and/or overnight travel.  

Eligibility for Promotional Exams

In addition to meeting the Minimum Qualifications for the Business Taxes Specialist I, competition is limited to individuals who meet at least one of the following promotional examination criteria:

• Have a permanent civil service appointment with CDTFA, or
• Are current or former employees of the legislature for 2 or more years as defined in Government Code 18990, or
• Are current or former non-elected exempt employees of the executive branch for 2 or more consecutive years as defined in Govt. Code 18992, or
• Are persons retired from the United States military honorably discharged from active duty with a service disability or honorably discharged from active duty as defined in Government Code 18991. Applicants must provide a copy of discharge papers (DD 214) for verification purposes at the time of application.

Under certain circumstances other employees may be allowed to compete under provisions of Rules 234, 235 and 235.2. California Code of Regulations Rules 233, 234, 235.2 and 237 contain provisions regarding civil service status and eligibility for promotional examinations. If you are unsure of your eligibility for promotional examinations, please contact View email address on calcareers.ca.gov .  

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 auditing, conducting financial examinations, or conducting tax research.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work well with others and obtain their cooperation.

• Strong technical skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office programs (i.e., Word, Excel, SharePoint, PowerPoint, Visio, Teams) and other technology systems.

• Ability to make independent decisions, staying objective at all times.

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

• Thorough understanding of business requirements and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to prioritize workload and meet deadlines.

• Ability to research and analyze situations and data in order to gather additional information or find solutions to problems.

• Willingness and desire to help team members in a mentoring/lead role.

• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision. 

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.

Working for the State offers great opportunities, generous benefits, and career development. In addition, you can look forward to:

• Nearby (third-party) parking. 
• Convenient to public transportation. 
• Located near major freeway access.

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

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 must include:

• Name on SOQ.
• Job Control number on SOQ.
• SOQ must be no more than two pages in length, single-spaced.

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 required and must be included.
• 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.