Fraud Investigator I
Who are we?
Californians turn to us when they are concerned about waste, fraud, and abuse in state agencies. Under the California Whistleblower Protection Act, we determine whether allegations of improper governmental activities are true. If state agencies or employees are acting improperly, our team investigates them and publishes reports. We also follow-up to make sure our recommendations for corrective action are implemented.
Why should you join us?
- You want to work in a professional environment with a team dedicated to making a difference for Californians and future generations.
- You possess excellent verbal and written communication skills along with the ability to think on your feet while using discretion and good judgment.
- You have a strong work ethic and thrive when working under pressure.
- You desire an annual salary range of $80,664 - $108,336.
What is the position?
As a Fraud Investigator I, you are responsible for performing a wide variety of investigations involving allegations of improper governmental activities. To determine whether public funds were utilized properly, you will gather evidence, draw defensible conclusions, make recommendations about the investigative strategy, and write reports based on the results of the investigation. Additionally, you will interview witnesses and evaluate conflicting witness statements to distinguish truth from falsehood. Depending on the egregiousness of the improper activity and information uncovered, you are responsible for providing information to law enforcement or other entities regarding the investigation and associated findings.
What will you do?
- Gather and organize evidence to support allegations of improper activities or investigations.
- Interview complainants and witnesses to elicit relevant information.
- Ensure that investigative cases are managed effectively.
- Perform analysis of evidence to draw sound defensible conclusions regarding allegations of improper governmental activities.
- Draft reports to document the results of investigations and follow up on the results/recommendations of an investigation.
- Effectively work and communicate with others including supervisors, coworkers, and representatives from outside entities.
Who are you?
- You have strong analytical and research skills with demonstrated ability to evaluate complex issues.
- You have the ability to write clearly and concisely, as well as communicate verbally and listen effectively with a variety of individuals.
- You have strong interviewing skills, including the ability to elicit information from persons who are angry, frightened, or defensive.
- You have proven ability to work well as a member of a small team or independently, depending on the assignment.
- You have experience completing multiple assignments simultaneously.
- You have knowledge of investigative terms and methodologies.
- You have knowledge of the California Whistleblower Protection Act and the structure of state government.
- You are willing to travel to various work locations throughout California and work long and irregular hours to complete work activities.
How do I join?
The California State Auditor is part of the merit-based California civil service selection system. To complete this process, you must do the following:
Take the State exam for this position. You can find details at this link on CalHR's website. If you are a current state employee with transfer eligibility, you can skip this step. If you are not a state employee, or your state classification is not eligible to transfer, you must meet the eligibility requirements and take the exam to be considered for the position.
Submit a completed State of California job application (STD. 678) and your resume.
Provide answers to the following two questions. Your responses will help us determine who to interview for the position. Create a document using a word processing application such as Microsoft Word, and limit your responses to one page using single spacing, 12 point Times New Roman font, and one inch margin on all sides. We will not consider applications that do not include responses to the questions.
- Share an example of a time you had to gather information from multiple sources. What information did you gather? How did you determine which information was relevant? What was the outcome?
- Describe why you believe you would be a good fit for the Fraud Investigator I position.
You can submit your complete application package via your CalCareer account or by mail:
California State Auditor
Human Resources Office
621 Capitol Mall, Suite 1200
Sacramento, California 95814
Current state employees with eligibility are encouraged to apply. Additional hires may be made from this bulletin. Failure to submit the required documentation may result in disqualification from the hiring process.
The Fine Print:
The office has a hybrid telework program that allows employees to work from home when their work is conducive to a telework environment.
Any applicant receiving a conditional job offer will be subject to a background check, fingerprinting and an inquiry to the California Department of Justice to disclose criminal records prior to appointment. State Auditor's Office employees are excluded from collective bargaining. 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 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.