Job Posting: Chief Administrative Officer, CEA Level C

State Controller's Office

JC-473653
-
Chief Administrative Officer, CEA Level C
C. E. A.

$13,080.00 - $14,851.00 per Month

Final Filing Date: 4/30/2025

Job Description and Duties

This is a reposting of JC-466112 and all previous applications from JC-466112 will be considered. Previous applicants do not need to re-apply.

With general direction provided by the State Controller/Chief of Staff, the successful candidate will function as critical senior executive leader, at the second organizational level, and will be expected to provide direction and policy development from a departmental perspective.  This position will exercise oversight for administrative services consisting of programs such as the Information Systems Division, Administration and Disbursements Division, and the Personnel/Payroll Services Division, and Human Resources Office functionality.  In addition, this position will apprise the Controller/Chief of Staff of major state and national developments affecting issues that fall within the jurisdiction of the Controller’s Office.  Typical tasks assigned to this position include but are not limited to the following:

Duties and Responsibilities:

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

  • With approval from the State Controller/Chief of Staff, set department policy using independent judgment regarding administrative matters such as program restructuring, reorganizing/re-engineering, and program direction;
  • Make management decisions affecting the provision of administrative support to all divisions and programs within the Office of the State Controller.  Administrative support includes, but is not limited to, (a) budget management, (b) purchasing, (c) contracting, (e) facilities lease, (f) accounting, and (g) risk management;
  • Provide recommendations based on informed knowledge of the Office’s mission and statutory requirements for technologically advantageous methods to accomplish the goals of the Office;  
  • Develop and implement a succession planning strategy to ensure that the SCO has an effective workforce planning model and leadership skill assessment process for managers and supervisors;
  • Develop and implement a business resumption plan to ensure that the SCO’s critical functions can continue during and after a disaster, and to re-establish full functioning as swiftly as possible;
  • When required, represent the Controller at assigned boards and/or commission meetings; defend and support the position of the Controller and his/her mission;
  • Travel to various locations to attend meetings, to present position statements, or to represent the Controller during budget hearings.

Minimum Requirements

This position does not have a Classification Specification. Requirements and qualifications for this position can be found in this announcement. For additional questions, please contact the hiring department listed below.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-473653
Position #(s):
051-720-7500-003
Working Title:
Chief Administrative Officer, CEA Level C
Classification:
C. E. A.
$13,080.00 - $14,851.00 C

CEA salary will be set consistent with delegated salary authority and within theSCO CEA Salary Cap.

# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Career Executive Assignment - Non Tenured, Full Time

Department Information

If you are an individual that enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, surrounded by enthusiastic, self-motivated co-workers, and functioning in the capacity of a chief, then consider competing in our examination for the Chief Administrative Officer with the State Controller’s Office.  Competitors must understand that the individual appointed to this position will be responsible for overseeing the Information Systems Division, Personnel/Payroll Services Division, and Administrative and Disbursement Division, and the Human Resources Office.

 

The Chief Administrative Officer is required to exercise independence in the daily and long-term planning for program growth and development.  The successful candidate must also interact effectively with other senior level management within the organization, as well as with other “control” agencies such as the Department of Finance and General Services as examples. Competitors be highly involved in strategic planning for the organization, and mapping solutions to help fulfill the Mission, goals, and objectives of the State Controller.

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.

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.

How did you hear about us? Take our survey!


Special Requirements

This is a reposting of JC-466112 and all previous applications from JC-466112 will be considered. Previous applicants do not need to re-apply.

A Statement of Qualifications is required; please see Examination Information for instructions. 

A resume is required.

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: 4/30/2025

Who May Apply

Individuals who are eligible to be appointed to this Career Executive Assignment (CEA) by the State of California.

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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. 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: Kelli Simpkin
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
Kelli Simpkin
300 Capitol Mall 3rd Floor, Ste 300
Sacramento, CA 95814
Applications must be received in the Human Resources office by 5 pm 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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. 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 - Please see "Examination Information" section for instructions. 
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.

Examination Qualification Requirements

All applicants must possess the knowledge and abilities, and any other requirements, described in this announcement.

Note: Eligibility to take a CEA examination does not require current permanent status in the civil service.

General Qualifications

State civil service employees must possess essential general qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, and ability to work cooperatively with others.

Knowledge and Abilities

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to perform high administrative and policy – influencing functions effectively. Such overall ability requires possession of most of the following more specific knowledge and abilities:

  • Knowledge of the organization and functions of California State Government including the organization and practices of the Legislature and the Executive Branch; principles, practices, and trends of public administration, organization, and management; techniques of organizing and motivating groups; program development and evaluation; methods of administrative problem solving; principles and practices of policy formulation and development; and personnel management techniques; the department’s or agency’s Equal Employment Opportunity Program objectives; and a manager’s role in the Equal Employment Opportunity Program.
  • Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of multidisciplinary professional and administrative staff; analyze administrative policies, organization, procedures and practices; integrate the activities of a diverse program to attain common goals; gain the confidence and support of top level administrators and advise them on a wide range of administrative matters; develop cooperative working relationships with representatives of all levels of government, the public, and the Legislature and Executive branches; analyze complex problems and recommend effective courses of action; and prepare and review reports; and effectively contribute to the department’s or agency’s Equal Employment Opportunity objectives.

These knowledge and abilities are expected to be obtained from the following kinds of experience with substantial participation in the formulation, operation and/or evaluation of program policies (experience may have been paid or volunteer; in State service, other government settings, or in a private organization):

CEA Level A - Responsible for broad administrative and program activities, including the execution and/or evaluation of program policies.

CEA Level B - Responsible for extensive managerial and program administration or broad program manager experience with substantial participation in the formulation, operation, and/or evaluation of program policies.

CEA Level C - Responsible for extensive highly professional influence and contributes to program, policy, and the methods to provide professional services needed to set policies, to meet the mission of the State department and often exercising technical and or professional skills that are required at this level.

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:
  • Understanding of Public Administration as it relates to California;
  • Degree in Business Administration/Public Policy, or related field;
  • Knowledge of California Legislative processes;
  • Five (5) years of experience involved in the California Budget cycle, either as a representative or business partner;
  • Understanding of the State Controller’s Constitutional Authority.

Examination Information

This is a reposting of JC-466112 and all previous applications from JC-466112 will be considered. Previous applicants do not need to re-apply.

This examination consists of an evaluation of your Training and Experience weighted 100%.

Your Training and Experience will be evaluated based on the information indicated on your STD. 678 application. This examination will utilize an evaluation of each candidate’s experience and education/training compared to a standard developed from the class specification. For this reason, it is especially important that each candidate take special care in accurately and completely filling out their STD. 678 application. List all experience relevant to the minimum qualifications shown in this announcement, even if that experience goes beyond the seven-year limit printed on the application. Please read the “Minimum Qualifications” carefully to see what kind of information will be useful to the staff doing the evaluation. Supplementary information may also be accepted (e.g., a resume, etc.); however, it will not take the place of the information on your STD. 678 application. STD. 678 applications solely referring to the resume for information (i.e., “See Resume”) will be eliminated from the examination process and will not be scored.

 

STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS INSTRUCTIONS:
Applicants who fail to submit the SOQ as instructed may be eliminated from the examination/hiring process.

The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) should include detailed and concise information specifically addressing how the candidate's education, training, experience, and competencies relate to each of the items listed; responses should be high-level, but specific enough to provide the general nature of the services provided and involvement in the oversight.

The SOQ items must be numbered and addressed in the same order as listed; do not consolidate the responses. The SOQ should be no more than three pages in length, single-spaced, with one-inch margins and a minimum font size of Arial 12. 

  1. Provide a brief summary of your knowledge and/or experience as it relates to California State Government, its budgeting process, and the impact to civil service employment.
  2. Describe your experience, and the number of years engaged in, organizing and managing a mandated program, and the nature of its complexity (i.e. sensitivity to Legislative scrutiny, or public perception).  The response must be high-level, but specific enough to provide the general nature of the services provided and your involvement in the oversight.
  3. Please describe your involvement or experience with the implementation of change-management.  What challenges did you experience, and how were they addressed? 
  4. Please describe an instance when you were required to solicit support of executive leadership to pursue a program solution or discuss jurisdictional/control authority over a problem.  Include in your response the item/issue, a high-level overview, and the outcome.
  5. Provide an example of your experience providing leadership over an enterprise-wide implementation, and your specific involvement with setting directions and/or establishing parameters by which the implementation was to occur.  Please included whether your efforts were successful or not.

If you meet the requirements stated in this announcement, you may take this competitive examination. Possession of the Examination Qualifications requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. Your performance in the examination will be compared with the performance of others who take this examination, and all successful candidates will be ranked according to their scores.

A minimum rating of 70% must be attained in the Examination to obtain list eligibility for this position. All candidates will receive written notification of their examination results.

The results of this examination will only be used to fill this position. Applications will be retained for twelve months.

Hiring interviews for the Job may be conducted with the most qualified candidates.

The examining Department 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 law and rules and all competitors will be notified.

Special Testing Arrangements

If you have a disability and need special testing arrangements, answer the Reasonable Accommodations question appropriately on your Application (STD 678). You will be contacted to make specific arrangements. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this announcement.

Benefits

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

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Human Resources Contact:
Kelli Simpkin
(916) 322-7368
ksimpkin@sco.ca.gov

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
(916) 324-2223
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.

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.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job