Job Posting: Assistant Chief Financial Officer

Covered California

JC-524205
-
Assistant Chief Financial Officer
C. E. A.

$12,131.00 - $14,453.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 7/26/2026

Job Description and Duties

This position is currently posted for public comment and is pending California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) approval.

Are you an experienced financial executive with expertise in long-range forecasting, strategic budgeting, fiscal analysis, and enterprise financial planning? As Covered California’s Assistant Chief Financial Officer, you will lead policy development and oversight of core financial planning functions, including long-term enrollment, revenue and expenditure forecasting, participation fee rate setting, budgeting frameworks, fiscal risk management, and financial analysis that supports enterprise resource decisions.

 

In this role, you will lead the Forecasting, Budgeting, Systems, and Financial Planning and Analysis Units and serve as a strategic advisor to the Chief Financial Officer, Executive Director, Executive Staff, and Board. You will establish organization-wide financial planning standards, guide scenario modeling and fiscal risk frameworks, update budget policies, evaluate strategic investments and operational priorities, and help ensure Covered California maintains long-term financial resilience in a self-funded enterprise environment.

 

If you are prepared to translate complex financial analysis into clear, executive-level recommendations, shape strategic business plans, and oversee the finances of the nation’s largest health benefit exchange, we encourage you to apply.

 

Why Join Us?

Covered California isn’t just a workplace, it’s a mission-driven community dedicated to ensuring healthcare accessibility and affordability for all Californians. As the Assistant Chief Financial Officer, you’ll play a vital role in shaping financial strategies, forecasting practices, and resource planning decisions that protect Covered California’s long-term sustainability and support its mission to expand equitable access to affordable health care.


Effective July 1, 2025, in response to the budget deficit, the Department of Human Resources (CalHR) has implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025). PLP 2025 requires that each full-time employee working their assigned work schedule receive a 3 percent reduction in pay in exchange for 5 hours of PLP 2025 leave credits monthly through June 30, 2027. 


Review the full-duty statement to learn more about the duties and responsibilities of this position.

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

Working Conditions

  • This position may be eligible for telework. In accordance with Government Code section 14200, only employees who reside in California are eligible for telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and based on Covered California’s current telework policy. While Covered California supports telework, in-person attendance may be required based on operational needs. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksite with minimal notification if an urgent need arises, as determined by the Department.

 

  • This position is headquartered in Sacramento County, 1601 Exposition Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95815. Business travel may be required, and reimbursement considers an employee’s designated headquarters office subject to regulations and bargaining unit contract provisions. Travel expenses associated with commuting to the employee’s office headquarters location are not reimbursable, other than authorized transit subsidies.

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-524205
Position #(s):
801-160-7500-002
Working Title:
Assistant Chief Financial Officer
Classification:
C. E. A.
$12,131.00 - $14,453.00 B
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Career Executive Assignment - Non Tenured, Full Time
Work Shift:
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Work Week:
Monday - Friday

Department Information

Covered California works to improve the health of all Californians by assuring their access to affordable, high-quality healthcare. Our employees are the vital link that ensures that our vision, mission, and values are fully realized and are the driving force that allows us to continually provide exceptional service to those who need it most.

 

We offer an award-winning wellness program, inclusive and diverse atmosphere, employee recognition programs, on site fitness centers at our Sacramento and Service Center locations, and free parking at all of our locations!

 

Life can change in an instant – so can your career!

 

Visit our website to learn more about why Covered California is an employer of choice.

Special Requirements

A CEA Examination is required as part of the application package and consists of a thorough review of the candidate's Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). The SOQ must clearly and concisely describe the candidate's education, training, professional experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as they relate to the desirable qualifications for this position. Candidates are expected to provide detailed and specific examples from their education, professional experience (paid and/or volunteer), and training to address each SOQ question directly.

 

**Applicants who do not follow the SOQ instructions or fail to provide responses as outlined in the Examination Information section of this posting will not be considered.**

 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be useful in the development of written responses; however, it is important to use these tools responsibly and ethically. Where assistive tools may be used, responses within the SOQ should be your own original work. Applicants must write in their own words and avoid plagiarism. Failure to comply may be cause for disqualification.

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: 7/26/2026

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:

Covered California
ECSU
Attn: ERU
1601 Exposition Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95815

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

Covered California
ECSU
ERU
1601 Exposition Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95815
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 -

    A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is REQUIRED and must be submitted along with your Employment Application (STD. 678). Applications submitted without an SOQ will not be considered. Resumes, cover letters, or other documents will not be accepted in place of an SOQ. Please review the “Examination Information” section of this bulletin for detailed instructions.

  • Other - Cover Letter is required and must be included.
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:
  • A bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, public administration, economics, or a related field. Having an advanced degree or a relevant professional certification, such as a CPA, is preferred.
  • Minimum 3+ years of senior financial leadership experience overseeing financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, fiscal analysis, or enterprise resource planning functions.
  • In-depth knowledge of the health care industry, managed care, Medi-Cal, government entitlement programs, and California’s health care ecosystem.
  • Demonstrated depth of knowledge of GAAP/GASB and finance and accounting policies and procedures for not-for-profit organizations and proprietary funds.
  • Skilled in directing and publishing Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports (ACFRs) according to GASB pronouncements.
  • Strategic mindset: Envisions future possibilities and develops innovative strategies; identifies, plans, leads, and executes initiatives to address evolving organizational and community needs, as well as regulatory requirements.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and manage operating budgets that support business objectives.
  • Strong assessment and analytical skills, including the ability to synthesize, distill concepts, draw conclusions, and identify implications.
  • Experience developing long-term revenue and expenditure forecasts, fiscal scenario planning models, and sustainable funding strategies for executive-level decision-making.
  • Experience establishing budgeting frameworks, budget development policies, fund allocation processes, and priority-based budgeting practices.
  • Knowledge of public sector financial management, including statutory requirements, fiscal solvency, reserve planning, and long-term financial sustainability.
  • Outstanding ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including strong writing, presentation, interpersonal, and collaboration skills.

Examination Information

The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) serves as the CEA Examination. No additional examination is required to be completed through CalCareers.

The examination process involves a comprehensive evaluation of the applicant’s SOQ. Each applicant must complete and submit the required SOQ, addressing all factors listed in this section. Applicants who fail to follow the SOQ instructions or do not respond to the prompts as stated below may not be considered.

 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be useful in the development of written responses; however, it is important to use these tools responsibly and ethically. Where assistive tools may be used, responses within the SOQ should be your own original work. Applicants must write in their own words and avoid plagiarism. Failure to comply may be cause for disqualification.

 

Instructions:

The SOQ must specifically address the questions listed below. When responding to these items, applicants must adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Responses must be numbered in the same order as the questions listed below and should address each desirable individually.
  • Responses must be typed in 12-point Arial font, single-spaced, on letter-sized paper (8.5” x 11”), limited to one page per item and no more than four (4) pages total.
  • Responses should be complete, specific, clear, concise, and include detailed examples.

 

For each of the following statements, please provide specific examples, along with an overview of your experience in the relevant areas:

  1. Describe your experience leading financial planning functions, including long-term revenue and expenditure forecasting, fiscal scenario planning, planning assumptions, and sustainable funding strategies.
  2. Describe your experience developing financial risk management strategies, including reserve planning, fiscal thresholds, monitoring indicators, participation fee rate-setting methodologies, and corrective planning options.
  3. Describe your experience translating complex financial analyses into clear options, impacts, and recommendations for executive leadership, Boards, and other key stakeholders, including your ability to lead teams in a collaborative environment.
  4. Describe your experience and knowledge in leading financial teams to develop and publish annual comprehensive financial reports (ACFR) in accordance with GASB and GAAP.

If you have any questions regarding the SOQ requirement, we encourage you to reach out to our Executive Recruitment Team at executiverecruitment@covered.ca.gov, where a team member will assist you.

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

The State of California offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes Health, Vision, Dental, Retirement, and an array of other options. For more information on the benefits offered by the State of California, please click below:

 

CalHR Benefits Summary 

CalHR Salary and Benefits Information

CalPERS Retirement Information

CalPERS Employer Contributions

Contact Information

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

Human Resources Contact:
Executive Recruitment Team
(916) 954-3179
ExecutiveRecruitment@covered.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 Office
(916) 228-8930
EEO@covered.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.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Background Check: All applicants shall be subject to a pre-employment background investigation. The investigation will consist of completion of a pre-employment questionnaire, fingerprinting, and an inquiry to the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation to disclose criminal records.

 

This position is identified as a Conflict of Interest (COI) Form 700 position. Government Code Section 19990 specifies a state officer or employee shall not engage in any employment, activity, or enterprise which is clearly inconsistent, incompatible, in conflict with, or inimical to his or her duties as a state officer or employee. Government Code Section 100500 (f) (1) states, in pertinent part:

 

“...staff of the Exchange shall not be employed by, a consultant to, a member of the board of directors of, affiliated with, or otherwise a representative of, a carrier or other insurer, and agent or broker, a health care provider, or a health care facility or health clinic while serving on the board or on the staff of the Covered California.  A member of the board or of the staff of the Exchange shall not be a member, a board member, or an employee of a trade association of carriers, health facilities, health clinics, or health care providers while serving on the board or on the staff of the Exchange.”  

 

Applicants who may fall under Government Code 100500 (f) (1) will be considered ineligible for appointment with the Exchange. Please read the Covered California Incompatible Activities Statement and Policy (CCAM 14-400). Please email any questions or concerns you may have prior to accepting a final offer of employment to Form700@covered.ca.gov.

Additional Application Instructions

Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement.

 

All information regarding your employment history must be included on the State Employment Application STD. 678. Applications that are submitted blank or with “see resume” in place of duties performed or applications received without the following information for each job entry may be considered incomplete and may not be accepted:

  • "To" and "from" dates (month/day/year)
  • Hours worked per week
  • Private sector job titles
  • Supervisor name and phone number
  • Job duties performed
  • State employees must list the specific departments for which they worked and indicate the specific civil service classification titles held (not working titles).

 

Personally Identifiable Information:

Please do not include your Social Security Number, date of birth, veteran status, personal photos, LEAP information, or any other personally identifying information on any documents in your application package.

 

If you have additional questions regarding this advertisement or are having issues applying through CalCareers, please contact our recruitment team at executiverecruitment@covered.ca.gov.

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