Job Posting: Assistant Deputy Director, Field Operations Division - Audit

CA Department of Tax and Fee Administration

JC-530910
-
Assistant Deputy Director, Field Operations Division - Audit
C. E. A.

$10,349.00 - $12,526.00 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: 10/9/2026

Job Description and Duties

See below for an opportunity in a leadership position!

PLEASE NOTE:  This position will be located in our Sacramento Headquarters office or one of the state field offices (Bakersfield, Cerritos, El Centro, Fairfield, Fresno, Glendale, Oakland, Rancho Mirage, Redding, Riverside, Salinas, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Ana, Santa Rosa, Stockton, Ventura, or Diamond Bar). The location of the position will be based on the location of the most qualified candidate.


Few great things are ever truly accomplished alone. The most successful organizations are built by leaders who bring people together, inspire teams to reach their potential, and create a culture of support, innovation, collaboration, and growth.


Under the general direction of the Deputy Director, Field Operations Division (FOD) of the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA), the Assistant Deputy Director of Audits manages and directs the tax program activities as they relate to auditing functions of the FOD, which includes statewide offices, branch offices, and out-of-state offices, as well as the Computer Audit Specialist (CAS) and Audit Review Section (ARS), to ensure that tax revenues are assessed in an equitable, effective, and efficient manner to provide General Fund and special fund revenue for state and local jurisdictions. In coordination with the Deputy Director and executive management, the incumbent provides consultation and advice, develops and makes recommendations on sales and use tax statewide policies and procedures, tax programs, and administrative issues relative to the overall operations of the field offices, as well as the Computer Audit Specialist (CAS) and Audit Review Section (ARS). In addition, the incumbent develops and provides consultations and advice to the Deputy Director of FOD, as well as the Chief Deputy Director and Director of CDTFA, on sales and use tax statewide policies and procedures, tax programs, and administrative issues relative to the overall operations of the field offices as they relate to the audit functions of the department. The incumbent develops or assists the Deputy Director in the development of and implements a statewide strategic plan to improve efficiencies and reach the Field Operations Division’s goals, as well as to ensure consistency with the Department’s strategic direction in the division’s program and operational plans. The Assistant Deputy Director reviews, evaluates, and implements tax program effectiveness and operational efficiency with specialization and focus in auditing functions.

Travel may be required up to twenty-five percent (25%) of the time.


Under Government Code 14200, this position may be eligible for part-time telework for eligible candidates residing in California. All telework/hybrid schedules require staff to report to the office a minimum number of days per week. Schedules are subject to change.

At this time, per the California Budget Act of 2025, all California Department of Tax and Fee Administration salaries are subject to the provisions of the State of California's Personal Leave Program.


To learn more about us, please see CDTFA Gateway to New Opportunities video.

How did you hear about this opportunity? Tell us in this brief survey.

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

Working Conditions

  • Standard office environment.
  • Daily use of a personal computer, office equipment, and/or telephone.
  • Requires being in a stationary position, consistent with office work, for extended periods of time.
  • Partial telework may be available.
  • Travel may be required up to twenty-five percent (25%) of the time.

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-530910
Position #(s):
291-440-7500-005
Working Title:
Assistant Deputy Director, Field Operations Division - Audit
Classification:
C. E. A.
$10,349.00 - $12,526.00 A
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:
United States
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Career Executive Assignment - Non Tenured, Full Time

Department Information

Discover what makes CDTFA an employer of choice by exploring a video of our vibrant campus!

California not only needs you; it wants you as part of the growing workforce. The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) makes life better for Californians by fairly and efficiently collecting the revenue that supports our essential public services, with CDTFA administered programs accounting for about twenty-three (23%) percent of all state revenue. Tax programs administered by the CDTFA are concentrated in two general areas – sales and use tax, and special taxes and fees. New team members, new ideas, and new creative perspectives are needed in all areas at CDTFA. CDTFA offers team members reliable income, stable benefits, work-life balance, paid holidays, advancement opportunities, and the personal fulfillment of knowing that your work is personally impacting the lives of others.

To take a look at CDTFA as a destination employer please click the link https://youtu.be/Q-r18e_EIBg.

Department Website: http://www.cdtfa.ca.gov

Special Requirements

Statement of Qualifications -

PLEASE NOTE:  In addition to the Standard State Application (STD. 678), you are required to submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) with direct responses to the statements provided below. Within the responses, be sure to provide specific information and include an example or examples that best illustrate your experience, background, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

When completing your Statement of Qualifications, please DO NOT provide a single narrative response. For each SOQ prompt, provide detailed responses with a specific example or examples for each. The SOQ should be in Arial 12-point, single-spaced. Prior to each response, clearly indicate which question you are responding to by including the number and full text as stated in the SOQ. Resumes do not take the place of the SOQ.


Respond directly to the following SOQ prompts:

1. Please describe your experience in leading or making significant contributions to programs, initiatives, or processes that have introduced innovative ideas, technologies, or operational strategies. In your response provide specific examples that demonstrate how you identified opportunities, managed risks, and ensured the successful implementation and scalability of these efforts.

2. Please describe your leadership experience and the skills you use to build a culture of support, collaboration, and trust with your organization. Include specific examples that demonstrate how you recognize and leverage diverse opinions, viewpoints, perspectives, needs, and interests to foster effective, high-performing teams.

3. Please describe your experience overseeing or supporting a large auditing program. Include specific examples of how you have evaluated, modified, and provided guidance to team members on audit activities to ensure efficient, effective, and consistent application of laws, policies, and best practices.

4. Please describe your experience that demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of the provisions of the tax and fee laws and regulations administered by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. Include specific examples that highlight your ability to effectively interpret, evaluate, and apply these laws and regulations within tax audit and compliance programs.

5. Please describe your approach to translating your organization’s mission, guiding principles, and strategic plan into clear team objectives. Include a specific example showing how you aligned individual roles and daily responsibilities with that broader vision.


Resumes do not take the place of the SOQ.


You must provide specific information and include an example or examples that best illustrate your experience, background, knowledge, skills, and abilities for each prompt.

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: 10/9/2026

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:

CA Department of Tax and Fee Administration
Talent Acquisition & Exec Recruitment
Attn: Harman Ahluwalia (JC-530910)
651 Bannon Street, Suite 100 MIC: 00
Sacramento, CA 95811

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

CA Department of Tax and Fee Administration
Talent Acquisition & Exec Recruitment
Northwest Tower 1st Floor; Attn: Harman Ahluwalia
651 Bannon Street, Suite 100 MIC: 00
Sacramento, CA 95811
See "Additional Information" below for drop-off information
08:00 AM - 04:00 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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.
  • Statement of Qualifications - The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) describing your experience, education, training, knowledge, skills, and abilities as they relate to the information contained in the "Special Requirements" section of this bulletin is required. You must provide specific examples. A SOQ will also serve as documentation of each candidate's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Please see the “Special Requirements” section for additional information.
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.

Minimum Qualifications

CEA examinations are open to all applicants who possess the knowledge and abilities, and any other requirements as described in the examination bulletin. Eligibility to take a CEA examination does not require current permanent status in 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:

  1. 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.                   
  2. 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.

Examination Information

The examination process will consist of a screening panel, that will review and score the Statement of Qualifications (SOQs) using predetermined evaluation criteria. The SOQs will be used to evaluate your experience and will serve as documentation of each candidate's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. The SOQs will be the only basis for your final score and rank on the eligible list.

Resumes do not take the place of the SOQ.

Specific information regarding the SOQ's can be found in the "Special Requirements" section and in the "Application Instructions" section, under "Required Application Package Documents" of this announcement.

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

CDTFA appreciates and proudly celebrates diversity with an emphasis of an inclusive atmosphere in all levels of the organization. CTDFA is a participant in The Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE) Capitol Cohort to advance racial equality and advance opportunities for all in California. Team members of different races, ethnicities, genders, ages, religions, disabilities, gender orientations and personal experiences are welcomed to contribute to the success of CDTFA.

The CDTFA was presented with the Large State Employer of the Year Award for 2018 from The Association of California State Employees with Disabilities (ACSED); showcasing CDTFA’s support of employment, promotion, and fair treatment of persons with disabilities.

CDTFA values its staff and is dedicated to employee career development. Our agency supports the development of its team members by offering training to flourish in their position and programs to promote and explore upward mobility.


In addition, you can look forward to:

  • Nearby (third-party) parking,
  • Convenient public transportation, and
  • Located near Downtown and major freeway access.


Working for the State offers great opportunities, generous benefits, and career development.


For more information about the outstanding benefits offered to State Employees https://www.calhr.ca.gov/employees/Pages/salary-and-benefits.aspx.

 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 application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.

Department Website: http://www.cdtfa.ca.gov
Human Resources Contact:
Harman Ahluwalia
(916) 309-0186
Harmanjyot.Ahluwalia@cdtfa.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Harry Lucho
(916) 309-8204
Harry.Lucho@cdtfa.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 Contact
(916) 309-8400
EqualEmployment.Opportunity@cdtfa.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.

ADDITIONAL APPLICATION INFORMATION:

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.

Paper applications must include a signature. Dates printed on envelopes by mobile barcodes or equivalent mobile print technology are not acceptable proof of the date the application and any other required documents or materials were filed.

A completed state application (STD. 678) and any documents list under “Required Application Documents" must be submitted with your application package.

Please remove any confidential information (i.e. social security number, date of birth, etc.) from your documents prior to submission.


Hard Copy Mailing Information
PLEASE NOTE:  Applications received by mail that are not postmarked on, or before, the Final Filing Date WILL NOT be accepted. It is highly recommended that applicants submit application packages either electronically or in person to ensure a timely filing.

 Do not send your application materials via interoffice or interagency mail. Applications received in this manner will not be accepted and cannot be returned pursuant to California Code of Regulations §174. It is the personal responsibility of each examination candidate to submit their application materials within the timeframe and manner specified on this posting.


Drop-Off Information
To drop-off an application you MUST hand deliver the application package on or before the final filing date to the dropbox located on the first floor lobby in the Northwest Building of the May Lee State Office Complex, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. - Monday through Friday (excluding Holidays). Applications WILL NOT be accepted by on-duty security guards or if left unattended at the reception desk.

Special Requirements for the position

  • This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.; for more information about E-Verify, please go to www.dhs.gov/e-verify. 
  • Position requires employee to be fingerprinted and successfully pass a background investigation.
  • Travel may be required up to twenty-five percent (25%) of the time.

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