Frequently Asked Questions

Does the California State Auditor's Office offer CPA qualifying experience?

We provide the opportunity to complete CPA qualifying experience within 2-4 years. Those who have passed the CPA exam receive priority for qualifying experience.

What about the CPA exam?

We will reimburse you for a CPA review course that you take while employed with us. For those who pass the exam, we pay out a $4,800 bonus over three years while employed.

How computer literate do you require your new hires to be?

We expect you to be very comfortable working with computers and learning whatever software you need to get your job done efficiently and effectively. We offer training on Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, and other software packages used throughout the California State Auditor's Office.

What qualities are needed for success?

We look for people who have the following:

Leadership abilities
Excellent writing skills
Technical and analytical skills
Team spirit
Motivation
Communication skills
Intellectual competence
Willingness to be flexible
Global perspective

What is the California State Auditor's Office doing to help employees balance their work and family life?

We understand the challenges of keeping a balanced life by offering modified work hours. Our annual leave program allows for 4 1/2 weeks of paid time off each year. Unlike many private sector firms, for each hour of authorized overtime worked, entry-level employees are compensated at "time and a half" or may elect to accrue the time to be taken at a later date.

How fast can I advance in my career?

Promotions are based on performance and require a certain amount of experience in each level. You receive increased responsibilities and the chance to demonstrate your leadership skills based on your performance. You influence how fast you may be promoted by producing quality work and successfully assuming increased responsibilities. We encourage staff to obtain professional certifications—the California State Auditor's Office will pay for review courses for up to two approved certifications.

What types of assignments can I expect during my first year?

You will experience a dynamic work environment that includes challenging assignments, working on different teams, and various supervisors. In general, you can expect to work on two or three audit assignments during your first year at the California State Auditor's Office. Although all audit staff work on performance and federal compliance audits, accounting majors will also typically work on the financial audit. Assignments typically last anywhere from 4 – 6 months and have covered topics that range from the affordability of college textbooks to reviewing how funds, received under the America Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, are spent.

For more information about the different audits the California State Auditor's Office conducts, please use the following links:

What are the normal work hours for staff?

Employees can elect to begin their day between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., and they generally work an eight-hour day. Additionally, the California State Auditor's Office provides the option of letting employees take a half-hour lunch break versus the standard one-hour break. If an employee chooses, he/she can work a longer work day and take every other Friday off. On the occasions when a new employee works overtime, he/she are compensated at time and a half.