Job Posting: Division Chief

State Controller's Office

JC-536481
-
Division Chief
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: 11/22/2026

Job Description and Duties

Under the direction of the Chief Operating Officer of the State Controller's Office (SCO), and in collaboration with the Director of the Department of FISCal, provides strategic leadership, planning, organization, and oversight of the SCO's FI$Cal Team. Through subordinate managers and professional staff, directs the maintenance and support of business operations and leadership functions, ensuring that the SCO's control and oversight responsibilities within the FI$Cal system are effectively maintained and supported.

This position will have broad authority to work directly with the project, making decisions within the scope and mission of the SCO. It will facilitate the business transformation of the SCO, identify and resolve any business policy or business operational barriers to success, and influence the amount and form of information made available to the public on the state's financial activities related to the SCO constitutional programs. Essential functions include, but will not be limited to the following:


Duties and Responsibilities:

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

  • Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for the State Controller's Office (SCO) FI$Cal Team, ensuring alignment with the organization's fiscal, operational, and business objectives.
  • Serve as the SCO's primary executive representative on all FI$Cal governance bodies, committees, stakeholder engagements, and enterprise-wide initiatives
  • Direct and oversee the coordination of system-related activities between the SCO and the Department of FISCal to ensure effective collaboration and operational continuity.
  • Lead business transformation efforts by identifying, analyzing, and resolving policy, procedural, and operational barriers affecting organizational success.
  • Develop and implement strategic business priorities that support the State Controller's constitutional and statutory responsibilities as California's Chief Fiscal Officer.
  • Ensure the SCO's business vision, goals, policies, and operational requirements are effectively represented and incorporated within the FI$Cal system environment.
  • Provide executive oversight of professional and managerial staff responsible for maintaining and supporting SCO control functions within FI$Cal.
  • Direct the development, evaluation, and implementation of business processes and system controls that promote compliance, accountability, and operational effectiveness.
  • Establish organizational goals, performance expectations, and strategic objectives for teams supporting financial management and statewide control functions.
  • Serve as a senior advisor to executive leadership, providing expert consultation on accounting, financial reporting, system operations, and business process management.
  • Represent the SCO before the Legislature, Governor's Office, control agencies, and other governmental entities on matters related to FI$Cal operations and statewide financial management.
  • Identify, assess, and escalate enterprise risks and operational issues affecting system performance, while ensuring appropriate mitigation strategies are implemented.
  • Participate in governance and change management processes by evaluating and approving significant system changes impacting scope, budget, schedule, quality, and risk.
  • Promote adherence to project management principles, governance standards, and organizational objectives to support the successful delivery of FI$Cal initiatives.
  • Lead workforce planning and succession management efforts, including identifying critical positions, developing future leaders, and supporting strategic recruitment initiatives.
  • Travel to and from offsite meetings as required.

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

Working Conditions

This position is located at The Park, a quaint and historical campus environment two blocks from McKinley Park, in the heart of residential East Sacramento. Easily accessible from US 50 and I-80, The Park offers free parking, quick walks to local restaurant favorites, and countless lunchtime strolling opportunities through the quiet East Sacramento neighborhood.

This position is eligible for hybrid telework under California Government Code Section 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California. All telework schedules are subject to change and may be reevaluated at any time. Specific telework arrangements may be discussed in more detail with the respective hiring manager. Telework does not change the terms and conditions of employment, the essential functions of job duties, or required compliance with the State Controller's Office policies. Applicants must reside within California at the time of appointment.

In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This program temporarily 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 through June 2027. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the salary reduction.

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-536481
Position #(s):
051-726-7500-013
Working Title:
Division Chief
Classification:
C. E. A.
$12,131.00 - $14,453.00 B
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Career Executive Assignment - Non Tenured, Full Time
Facility:
FI$Cal Project Site

Department Information

The SCO is the Chief Fiscal Officer for the fourth largest economy in the world, which independently oversees and manages California’s financial resources with integrity and transparency to build trust. As one of the most influential fiscal institutions in the nation, we produce California’s annual financial reports, audit all claims against the state prior to payment, ensure return on investment for taxpayer dollars and influence statewide financial policy to transform communities, empower individuals and families and strengthen businesses so that everyone thrives.

 

We encourage you to join and become a T.R.U.S.T.E.D. partner in the California State Controller’s Office (SCO) where employees are driven by purpose, energized by complexity, believe in accountability, and committed to impact.


The Financial Information System for California (FISCal) Division at the State Controller's Office is at the forefront of modernizing California's financial management. As a collaborative effort between key state departments, FISCal represents one of the largest and most dynamic IT and business-transformation projects in California's history. This groundbreaking system integrates the state's accounting, budgeting, cash management, and procurement operations into a single, comprehensive platform, replacing hundreds of independent legacy systems. By joining our team, you'll contribute to enhancing standardization, transparency, and efficiency in the state's crucial business processes. Your work will directly impact how California manages its finances, ensuring greater effectiveness and discipline in fiscal operations. Be part of this innovative initiative that's shaping the future of public sector financial management in the nation's most populous state.

Are you looking for a career where your work truly makes an impact?  Do you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment?  If so, we invite you to apply for the FiSCal Division Chief position and take part in this exciting leadership opportunity.  

Visit our website to learn more about the State Controller’s Office.

How did you hear about us? Take our survey!

Special Requirements

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:

 

  1. Completed current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD. Form 678 (when not applied 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; solely referring to the resume for information (i.e., “See Resume”) is not acceptable. The Job Control number and examination title (JC – XXXXXX Chief, FI$Cal, CEA Level B) must be indicated on the application.

 

  1. Resume is required and must be included. A Resume does not take the place of the completed STD. 678 application.

 

  1. Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) - Statement of Qualification (SOQ) is required and instructions for the SOQ can be found under the Examination Information” section located in this bulletin.

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: 11/22/2026

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:

State Controller's Office
N/A
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
N/A
Kelli Simpkin
300 Capitol Mall 3rd Floor, Ste 300
Sacramento, CA 95814
Applications must be received by 5pm on 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 - A Statement of Qualifications is required. Please see "Examination Information" section for instruction. 
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:

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:

 

- Detailed knowledge of the State Controller’s constitutional and statutory responsibilities as the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State of California and a member of boards and commissions, as they pertain to control functions within the FI$Cal system;

- A functional knowledge of California State Government processes; including accounting, financial reporting and system operations;

- Established experience interacting with various levels of government;

- Working knowledge of business transformation efforts and strategic business priorities that support compliance, accountability, and operational effectiveness for the State of California;

- Demonstrated ability to operate in a complex multi-disciplinary environment, leveraging internal and external partners to meet statewide financial management goals.

- Ability to integrate the activities of a diverse program to attain common goals; gain the confidence and support of top-level administrators and advise on a wide range of fiscal, operational and business objectives;

- Strong facilitation, consultation, relationship-building, influence, negotiation skills, and project management skills;

- Demonstrated implementation and execution ability;

Experience preparing core governance artifacts (project management plans, schedules, risk logs, communication plans) in accordance with CA-PMF / PMI-aligned practices; and

- Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Examination Information

This examination consists of an evaluation of your Statement of Qualifications, weighted 100%. The examination for this position consists of an evaluation of each candidate’s Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). A departmental evaluation panel will review and score the SOQ and your performance in the examination will be assessed based on the quality and thoroughness of your SOQ, specifically how it aligns with the Desirable Qualifications and how your education, training, experience, and skills qualify you for the position.  The SOQ serves as documentation of each candidate's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing.


STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS INSTRUCTIONS

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. 

Applicants who fail to submit the SOQ as instructed may be eliminated from the examination/hiring process.

 

Your SOQ must provide responses and specific examples for each item listed below to be considered for the position:

 

1. Describe your experience leading a large-scale business transformation or organizational change initiative. How did you align the initiative with the organization's mission, vision, and strategic objectives, and what measurable outcomes were achieved?

2. The Division Chief serves as the primary liaison between the State Controller's Office and FI$Cal governance partners. Describe a situation in which you successfully built and maintained collaborative relationships with executive leadership, control agencies, external stakeholders, or governing bodies to achieve a critical organizational objective.

3. Provide an example of how you have exercised executive oversight of financial operations, system controls, or enterprise business processes. How did your actions promote accountability, transparency, risk management, and effective stewardship of public resources?

4. Describe a significant process improvement, modernization effort, or technology implementation you led. How did you identify barriers to success, implement solutions, and ensure the initiative supported operational excellence and customer service objectives?

5. SCO values a high-performing and engaged workforce. Describe your approach to developing leadership talent, succession planning, and fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, equity, and continuous learning within an organization.

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 SCO offers a workplace that balances productivity with enjoyment; promotes an atmosphere of mutual respect, dedication, and enthusiasm.  We offer competitive benefits and flexible opportunities:

  • Excellent health, dental and vision benefits for employee/employee’s family
  • 401K and 457(b) retirement
  • Flexible Schedules
  • Hybrid telework
  • Paid Holidays and vacation/leave
  • Tax-advantage savings and spending accounts
  • Free Employee Assistance Program
  • Investment in your training and development
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) 322-2791
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:
SCO 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