Exam Bulletin

Department of Justice

Exam Code: EX-1855

Examination Plans Included:

  • INVESTIGATIVE AUDITOR IV (SPECIALIST), DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE - Open

Final Filing Date: Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

Classification Details

INVESTIGATIVE AUDITOR IV (SPECIALIST), DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE: $6,555.00 - $8,617.00 per Month

View the INVESTIGATIVE AUDITOR IV (SPECIALIST), DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE classification specification.

Application Instructions

Upcoming Filing Cutoff Dates:

  • 8/30/2024

Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) must be received or postmarked by the filing date indicated above. Applications postmarked, personally delivered or received via interoffice mail after the filing date will be processed in the next group.

If using the United States Postal Service for delivery, there is no guarantee that your application will be postmarked and arrive by the cutoff date. If your application does not have a postmark and arrives after the cut-off date, your application will be considered late and not be accepted into the examination unless you are able to provide clear evidence that it was submitted timely. Therefore, to ensure timely delivery of your application, it is recommended that you use either electronic delivery, parcel service, or certified mail. Using one of these options will provide proof the application was sent prior to the cut-off date. 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.

Applications received after the cut-off date, regardless of the submission method, will be held to the next cut-off period unless timeline proof of submission can be provided.

Continuous Testing:

The testing office will accept examination packets continuously throughout the year; however, the packets will only be processed duringthe current administration period. Generally, this examination is administered BI-ANNUALLY in January and July, although this is subject to change based ontesting needs. Applications will be reviewed to ensure the minimum requirements for participation in this exam are met. Possession of theentrance requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list.

Who Should Apply:

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements by the cut-off date they are applying to in order to be accepted into the examinaiton. 

The information below will help you determine which classification(s) is(are) appropriate for you. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications as stated on this bulletin to compete in this examination.

Open and Open, Non-Promotional Examination(s):

  • INVESTIGATIVE AUDITOR IV (SPECIALIST), DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE - Open

For all Classifications, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 6 months:

Exam Code(s):

    1855

For INVESTIGATIVE AUDITOR IV (SPECIALIST), DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 6 months:

Exam Code(s):

  • EX-01855

How To Apply:

Submit an Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) to apply for this examination.

Electronic applications can be submitted through your account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov.

You may apply by mail to:

  • Department of Justice
    Testing & Selections Unit
    ATTN: Investigative Auditor IV (Specialist)
    P.O. Box 944255
    Sacramento, CA 94244-2550

Indicate the Examination Code and Classification(s) on your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678).

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

  • Department of Justice
    Testing & Selections Unit
    ATTN: Investigative Auditor IV (Specialist)
    1300 I Street, 1st Floor Lobby
    Sacramento, CA 95814
    8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Indicate the Examination Code and Classification(s) on your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678). All applicants must provide proof of identification. Accepted forms of identification are: 1) a photo identification card or 2) two forms of signed identification.

The following items must be submitted with your Examination/Employment Application form. Failure to submit these items may result in rejection of your application.

  • Transcript (Official or Unofficial)

Special Testing Arrangements:

If you require assistance or alternative testing arrangements due to a disability, indicate on your application that you need reasonable accommodation. You will be contacted by a representative of the testing department to make the necessary arrangements. If you have not been contacted by the time you receive notification of testing, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

If you are unable to submit your application or complete the test due to a disability, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

Minimum Qualifications

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements as stated on this exam bulletin to be accepted to the examination.

00104224 - INVESTIGATIVE AUDITOR IV (SPECIALIST), DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

EITHER I

One year of experience in the California state service performing professional investigative auditing duties as an Investigative Auditor III or experience performing professional auditing duties in a class equivalent in level and type to an Investigative Auditor III.

OR II

Four years of increasingly responsible professional investigative auditing experience including at least one year of experience conducting a variety of complex investigative audits. (Experience in California state service applied toward this requirement must include at least one year performing the duties of a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to that of Investigative Auditor III.)

AND

1. Equivalent to graduation from college, with specialization in accounting; or

2. Completion of a prescribed professional accounting curriculum given by a residence or correspondence school of accounting including courses in elementary and advanced accounting, auditing, cost accounting, and business law; or

3. Completion of the equivalent of 19 semester hours of course work, including 16 semester hours of professional accounting courses given by a collegiate-grade residence institution including courses in elementary and advanced accounting, auditing and cost accounting; and three semester hours of business law. (Evidence of successful completion of the curriculum and the prescribed courses must be presented before appointment can be completed.)

Definition of Terms:

“Performing professional investigative auditing duties as an …” means the applicant must have the amount of experience in State service in the class specified (or on a training and development (T&D), limited term, or approved out-of-classes assignment to the class).

“Duties of a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to/in level and type to” means the applicant must have State service experience of appropriate type and length in a class at the same (or higher) level of responsibility, and/or pay as the class specified. The analyst will make the determination if the duties are qualifying.

“Equivalent to graduation from college…” means the applicant must have satisfied the requirements for a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college. The applicant must show a receipt of a bachelor’s degree.

“Professional accounting curriculum” means accounting courses and not those electives that accounting students choose in addition to required courses they are working to obtain an Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree in Accounting.

*Please note: School transcripts are required documents for candidates under Pattern II of the minimum qualifications. Candidates unable to obtain official transcripts before the cut-off date may submit unoffical transcripts for examination process. However, candidates will be required to submit official transcripts upon appointment to the position. 

Position Description

00104224 - INVESTIGATIVE AUDITOR IV (SPECIALIST), DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

This is the advanced journey or specialist level in this series. Under general direction, incumbents will either (1) as a high level specialist, independently conduct investigative audits of the most difficult and complex types or conduct the most difficult and sensitive field investigations which require the highest level of technical expertise, or (2) serve as a program coordinator responsible for developing policy, plan and procedures for statewide programs such as the asset forfeiture program within the Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement, charitable trust audit programs, white collar crime programs within the Major Fraud Unit, etc.

Positions exist in Los Angeles, Riverside, Sacramento, San Diego, and San Francisco.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Ability to qualify for a fidelity bond; a willingness to travel away from the headquarters or area office; willingness to work long hours. Applicants for positions with the Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement must also possess a valid driver's license of the appropriate class issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

In appraising the relative qualifications of candidates, consideration will be given to the extent and type of pertinent education beyond that required under "Minimum Qualifications", and to any prior training and experience in financial investigations.

Examination Information

It is anticipated that the test will be conducted the week(s) of October 28, 2024, and/or November 4, 2024. Prior to the test administration, applicants will receive a notice in the mail stating the test date and timeframe. Additionally, a web link to the online examination will be emailed. Therefore, please ensure accurate physical and email addresses are listed on the application.

This examination consists of the following component(s):

Component OrderComponent TypeComponent DuePercentage of Final Score
1Supplemental ReportAfter Acceptance100%

A final score of 70% must be attained to be placed on the eligible list.

This exam will consist of the following:

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE QUESTIONNAIRE - 100%

The Training and Experience questionnaire consists of job-related questions designed to assess an applicant’s education, training, and experience with performing relevant job duties, as well as the possession of job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities. The exam will be scored using objective, point-based scoring criteria. The exam will be conducted online through a third-party testing platform utilized by the Department of Justice.

The Training and Experience Questionnaire will be administered online typically via a personal computer. Notices to Appear for the exam will be mailed to the address listed on the application. The link for the online Training and Experience Questionnaire will be sent the morning of the exam to the email address listed on your application. If you require reasonable accommodation for the exam, please check the box for question #10 on the STD 678 “Standard Application” submitted as part of your application package. You will then be notified in writing to determine next steps and what assistance can be provided.

In addition to evaluating the applicant's relative knowledge, skill and ability as demonstrated by quality and breadth of education/experience, emphasis in each test component will be on measuring competitively, relative to job demands, each applicant's:

KNOWLEDGE OF:
  1. Advanced arithmetic, statistics, and their applications.
  2. Business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, and leadership technique.
  3. Economic, auditing, and accounting principles and practices.
  4. Electronic databases.
  5. Research and information gathering techniques.
  6. Spreadsheet and processing software.
  7. The structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  8. Confidentiality compliance guidelines (e.g., Public Record Act).
  9. Laws, rules, and regulations administered by and relevant to the Department of Justice.
ABILITY TO:
  1. Analyze large amounts of information to obtain an accurate conceptualization of a complex situation.
  2. Apply analytical skills to fraudulent or illegal financial schemes or transactions.
  3. Attend to details to come to a sound conclusion.
  4. Choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
  5. Combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions.
  6. Concentrate for extended periods of time.
  7. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
  8. Explain complex terms, concepts, and situations to layperson.
SKILL IN:
  1. Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
  2. Developing a plan of action for a project that includes all necessary details and proper order of procedures.
  3. Understanding complex points while asking questions when appropriate.
  4. Judging the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  5. Reading and comprehending written sentences and paragraphs.
  6. Communicating with others to obtain information effectively.
  7. Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
  8. Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
  9. Using mathematics to solve problems.

Eligible List Information

A Departmental Open eligible list for the INVESTIGATIVE AUDITOR IV (SPECIALIST), DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Classification will be established for:

  • Department of Justice

The names of successful competitors will be merged onto the eligible list(s) in order of final score regardless of test date. Eligibility expires 12 months after it is established. Applicants must then retake the examination to reestablish eligibility.

Resulting Eligibility List(s) will be used to fill vacancies throughout the State of California.

Veterans' Preference will be granted for this examination. Veterans' Preference is an assistance program for veterans, veteran widows and widowers, and spouses of 100% disabled veterans who seek employment with the state. Veterans' Preference is also extended to currently serving military members nearing their retirement or separation date.

You are not eligible for Veteran's Preference if you are:

  • A veteran who has been dishonorably discharged or released.
  • A veteran, widow or widower of a veteran, or spouse of a 100 percent disabled veteran who currently has permanent civil service status. (Permanent civil service status is the status of an employee who is lawfully retained in his/her position after completion of the applicable probationary period. This does not include limited term).

Veterans' Preference is codified in Government Code Sections 18973 – 18979.

Veteran status is verified by the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR). Directions to apply for Veterans' Preference are on the Veterans' Preference Application (Std. Form 1093), which is available at www.CalCareers.ca.gov, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Career Credits are not granted for examination(s) administered on an Open basis or a Promotional basis.

Additional Examinations

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Under Section 432.7(e) of the Labor Code, persons seeking employment with the Department of Justice may be asked to disclose arrest or detention information regardless of whether or not the arrest or detention resulted in conviction, referral, or participation in diversion programs. Department of Justice regulations require, as a minimum, pre-employment investigations consisting of fingerprinting; inquiry to local, State, and national files to disclose criminal records; verification of minimum qualifications (i.e., college transcripts); financial status; previous employment background; and personal interviews to determine applicant’s suitability for employment.

The information you furnish will be used to help determine your suitability for employment with the Department of Justice.

Appeal Information

Candidates may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board (SPB) within 30 days of the postmarked date of any decision notice (e.g., Minimum Qualifications denial, exam results). Examination appeals are required to meet one of the following grounds to be accepted by the State Personnel Board; (1) fraud; (2) discrimination; (3) erroneous interpretation or application of minimum qualifications (MQs); or (4) a significant irregularity in the examination process. Appeals can be filed online at the website above or mailed to Appeals Division, State Personnel Board, 801 Capitol Mall, Sacramento, CA 95814-4806. Please refer to SPB's website for more information this process at https://www.spb.ca.gov/appeals/appeals.aspx

Testing Departments

  • Department of Justice

Contact Information

Questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

Department of Justice
OHR/Testing & Selections Unit
1300 I Street, Suite 720
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 210-6021
TSU@doj.ca.gov

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (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.

Drug Free Statement

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free State 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.

General Information

Examination and/or Employment Application (STD 678) forms are available at the California Department of Human Resources, local offices of the Employment Development Department, and through your CalCareer Account (www.CalCareers.ca.gov).

If you meet the requirements stated on this examination bulletin, you may take this examination, which is competitive. Possession of the entrance requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. Your performance in the examination described in this bulletin will be rated against a predetermined job-related rating, and all applicants who pass will be ranked according to their scores.

Department of Justice reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service, if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service laws and rules and all applicants will be notified.

General Qualifications: Applicants must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and a state of health consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class. A medical examination may be required. In open examinations, investigation may be made of employment records and personal history and fingerprinting may be required.

Eligible Lists: Eligible lists established by competitive examination, regardless of date, must be used in the following order: 1) sub-divisional promotional, 2) departmental promotional, 3) multi-departmental promotional, 4) service-wide promotional, 5) departmental open, 6) open. When there are two lists of the same kind, the older must be used first. Eligible lists will expire in one to four years unless otherwise stated on the bulletin.

High School Equivalence: Equivalence to completion of the 12th grade may be demonstrated in any one of the following ways: 1) passing the General Education Development (GED) Test; 2) completion of 12 semester units of college-level work; 3) certification from the State Department of Education, a local school board, or high school authorities that the competitor is considered to have education equivalent to graduation from high school; or 4) for clerical and accounting classes, substitution of business college work in place of high school on a year-for-year basis.

Accepted applicants must provide proof of identification at each in-person test session. Acceptable identification consists of a photo identification card or two forms of signed identification.
Application Methods:
Electronic (Your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
In Person (see bulletin for details)
Alternate Application Process

While we recommend that you utilize your CalCareer Account to take advantage of all the tools available, you may choose to apply for this examination without using your account. In this case, print and complete the Exam Application Package Checklist and include it if you submit a hard copy application.

Exam Application Package Checklist

Blank Application Form (STD678)

Accommodation Request (STD679)