Careers
Careers
The best minds working to fix California’s toughest problems.
We value determination, curiosity, and dynamic thinking. You can make a difference!
Entry-level auditor positions
Looking for an entry-level auditor position at the California State Auditor’s Office?
We have application instructions, frequently asked questions, and an application portal available.
Types of jobs within the
California State Auditor’s Office
Performance/Policy Evaluation
We explore conditions, analyze processes, collect evidence, and find the facts. We use those facts to create recommendations for those in government and leadership, so they can best serve the people they represent.
Financial Audits
With billions of dollars in federal funding on the line, determining whether California’s financial statements are presented fairly is critical work. Each year our staff ensures that California can receive funding that supports infrastructure, schools, and other public services.
Legal
Our attorneys lend their expertise to some of California’s toughest legal questions and help our teams develop compelling arguments to pave the way for positive change.
Communication
The communications team provides important and often complex information to stakeholders, the public, media, and elected officials. The team includes graphic designers, editors, and analyst staff to communicate the office’s information clearly and effectively.
Administration
Whether we need a new procurement contract, assistance booking travel, or hiring, our administrative team does it all. Recruiting, accounting, IT updates, and training—these administrative teams help us get our work done and then get the word out.
Investigations
If state agencies or employees act improperly, our team investigates and then develops reports that help hold agencies and employees accountable. Under the California Whistleblower Protection Act, we determine whether allegations of improper government activities are true, and we follow up to make sure our recommendations for corrective action are implemented.
Data Analytics
Our data analysts clean, slice, and present large data-sets in ways that allow readers to visualize and understand complex material. These data visualizations help our auditors, the Legislature, and the public identify and address problems. Publishing the data we collect provides the public and their representatives with useful and accurate information about what’s happening where they live and how problems may be affecting them.
Get a job with the California State Auditor’s Office
For all positions other than entry-level auditor, this is how to start:
1
Getting Started
Go to CalCareers and create an account.
You can learn how to upload your documents and navigate CalCareers by visiting the New to State Service website
2
Take the Exam
The exam for the type of job you’re seeking (called a “classification”).
A list of open exams for the California State Auditor’s Office are available in the Job Openings Page.
Taking the exam will place you on an eligibility list for that classification. State agencies can only choose candidates whose names are on these eligibility lists.
Once on the list, you can save a copy of your resume/work history and the Standard State Application in your account on CalCareers, and you can begin applying for jobs with that classification.
3
How to Apply
To apply, visit CalCareers to view open positions at the California State Auditor.
When applying, be sure to check the requirements listed in the job announcement. Read carefully and submit all documents required on the job posting.
Once you submit your application we’ll get in touch with you.
Benefits
In addition to offering work that makes California better, you will also enjoy a competitive salary, and salary adjustments awarded for performance. For a comprehensive overview of the benefits programs we offer, please visit the benefits orientation page on CalHR’s website.
Time Off
Employees generally earn more than two weeks of vacation within the first year of service, receive paid holidays, and earn sick leave. The monthly accrual amount increases based on the length of service. Visit the paid time off (Vacation, Sick, Annual Leave) website for more information.
Hybrid and Telework Schedules
Telework and hybrid work environments are fully embraced at the California State Auditor’s Office. We encourage employees to work where they are most efficient. Audit staff may be required to travel to meet audit needs.
Medical Benefits
Benefits include health, dental and vision insurance.
Retirement Benefits
Most full-time employees are automatically enrolled in retirement with CalPERS and can build a retirement savings account (long-term savings—401(k) or 457 plans). Employees may also be eligible for health insurance in
retirement.
Other Benefits and Services
Employees can take advantage of other benefits and services such as enhanced Non-Industrial Disability Insurance (a wage replacement program if you’re unable to work), Life and Long Term Disability Insurance, Legal Services, commute incentives for public transit or carpooling, pre-tax parking, and more.
Professional development and recognition
Developing, training, and supporting our employees in their career growth is a top priority for us. Our professional development program includes the following:
Onboarding
New performance/policy evaluators and financial auditors participate in a two-week onboarding program taught by our experienced performance and financial auditors.
Training
After onboarding, all employees have access to a variety of training opportunities that aim to improve technical and soft skills. New employees also receive on-the-job training facilitated by their manager and supported by their peers. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) requires all audit staff to complete a minimum number of training hours every two fiscal years.
Certifications
We encourage staff to pursue professional certifications including the Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA). Employees can receive help paying for prep courses and receive bonuses if they successfully pass certification exams.
Compensation Incentives
A variety of compensation incentives are available to recognize outstanding performance, encourage professional development, and foster long-term commitment. Some incentives include professional competency bonuses, retention pay, and a performance-based bonus program.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
At the California State Auditor’s Office, we believe that our mission to enhance the transparency, accountability, and performance of government also improves the lives of Californians.
More on Diversity Equity & Inclusion
The many people helping us achieve this mission are the backbone and heart of our organization.
We aspire to create a workplace that celebrates diverse contributions and talents, and embraces unique perspectives, identities, and values. We are committed not only to teaching and developing the next generation of change-makers at the State Auditor’s Office, but also to learning from them. We are as dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of California as we are to creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and inspired in their commitment to public service.
Our work serves all Californians, and tackles issues that affect people from all walks of life.
Our work serves Californians regardless of age, ancestry, color, or disability (mental or physical); regardless of whether they are exercising the right to family care and medical leave; regardless of gender, gender expression, gender identity, or genetic information; regardless of marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, or religious creed; regardless of sex including the conditions of pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding and/or related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.