Project Manager, California State Payroll System, CEA Level B - State of California : Job Details

This position with general direction and consultation provided by the California State Payroll System (CSPS) Project Director, will manage the CSPS Project. The CSPS Project will replace the aging personnel and payroll systems used for the State of California's primary employers (Civil Service, CSU System, and the Judicial Branch of California). With leadership and authority for administering both technological and business-related aspects of the project, the Project Manager will provide oversight in project management practices, current application assessments, and oversight in all project phases for a successful project implementation. This position is expected to serve as an expert in project management practices along with general subject matter expert regarding current payroll processes and must possess the knowledge, skills and abilities to provide advice on current and potential future policies and procedures. Specific duties include, but are not limited to the following: (Candidates must perform the following functions with or without reasonable accommodations.)

• Provide direct management and supervision of project staff and a variety of project support vendors; manage contractor performance, approve work products, and ensure that contractor proposals are consistent with State Technical, business, and policy requirements using processes consistent with the best practices as defined by the Project Management Institute or IEEE; maintain appropriate project management certification;
• Develop and maintain an organization to coordinate efforts of the CSPS Project; oversee the planning, execution and control of all activities essential to the support and implementation of the HRMS replacement efforts;
• Establish and monitor project leadership associated with organizational structure, work force planning, business applications, timeline constraints, budgetary limitations, and technological advances associated with the development and implementation of a new HR and Payroll system; define project goals and expectations; make decisions that satisfies diverse interests, but within the mission of the State Controller; ensure that State staff are supporting the approved tasks and schedule;
• Lead in the analysis of current laws, statutes, regulations and procedures in an effort to implement new policies, where appropriate, to streamline current practices and develop 'best practices' for the state. Work collaboratively with partner agencies and stakeholders to achieve these goals;
• Oversee risk analysis and project error mitigation efforts to minimize delays in deliverables and timelines; identify and implement cost-saving measures related to the project;
• Manage the development of project documentation; coordinate with vendor management to ensure contractual deliverables are timely and in accordance with contract specifications; renegotiate contract parameters as needed or to further the success of the project;
• Act as point of contact regarding high-level inquiries regarding project intricacies;
• Adhere to all government codes and/or regulatory authorities in the development of system modifications, software usage, equipment procurement, and vendor contract requirements etc.; use good judgment in committing staff resources to project activities;
• Represent the CSPS Project before stakeholders, legislative inquiries, control agencies, various governance committees, and other existing enterprise-wide projects impacted by the project; communicate clear, timely, and persuasive arguments regarding information associated with the project status to influence thoughts and generate excitement; build and generate customer satisfaction regarding the implementation of new technology designed to generate efficiency and self-service in human resources management; articulate project milestones to partner agencies and interested customers;
• Meet with the business owner and project executives to update the status and/or progress of the CSPS Project;
• Travel to various locations for informational meetings, hearings, vendor meetings, etc.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement . Working Conditions This position is located at The Emerald Tower on Capitol Mall, steps from Tower Bridge and is walking distance to the State Capitol. The building offers affordable monthly parking, employee gym access, an amenities center, and a beautiful mid-tower garden terrace. It is conveniently situated only blocks from Old Sacramento, numerous restaurants, a seasonal farmer's market, and the Crocker Art Museum. Overlooking the Golden 1 Arena and Downtown Commons, the office is accessible from Sacramento Regional Transit's light rail and bus systems, with convenient access to I-5, I-80, US 50 & US 99. 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. 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.

• C. E. A.

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #: JC-485330 Position #(s): 051-###-####-017 Working Title: Project Manager, California State Payroll System, CEA Level B Classification: C. E. A. $14,852.00 - $16,851.00 B *Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience. 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 Department Information The State Controller's Office is a destination employer and is one of the few constitutional offices with responsibilities that impact various levels of state and local government; hence, anyone interested must be prepared to assist in engagement and coordination of services, as well as be involved in enterprise-wide policy-influencing activities. The California State Payroll System (CSPS) Project at the State Controller's Office plays a vital role in modernizing the state's human resources and payroll infrastructure. This project leads the implementation of an innovative Human Capital Management system that will streamline services for 300,000 state employees. The team manages the development of essential functions including personnel administration, payroll processing, benefits management, and employee self-service capabilities. By joining CSPS, you'll be at the center of a historic transformation, contributing to solutions that will enhance government operations for decades to come. Take the next step in your career with an organization that values innovation, integrity, and the well-being of its employees. Apply today and build a California where everyone thrives! Visit our website to learn more about the State Controller's Office. How did you hear about us? Take our survey! Special Requirements A resume is required. A Statement of Qualifications is required- please see Examination Information section for instructions. 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: 8/18/2025 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 Human Resources 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 Human Resources Kelli Simpkin 300 Capitol Mall 3rd Floor, Ste 300 Sacramento , CA 95814 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 for instructions.

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:

• Knowledge of the organization and functions of California State Government including the organization and practices of the Legislature, the Executive Branch, and the Constitutional Offices.
• Knowledge of the State's IT policies, processes, practices, and direction for the effective and efficient delivery of infrastructure services.
• Knowledge of state IT security requirements.
• Demonstrated knowledge of state policies, rules & standards relative to accounting requirements.
• Experience in recommending, developing and implementing policies relative to program issues.
• Administrative experience communicating with the control entities such as the Department of Finance and/or the Legislature.
• Managerial experience that demonstrates the ability to successfully apply organizational leadership, communicate clearly, facilitate decision-making, promote teamwork, and define and achieve success across multi-disciplinary stakeholder interests.
• Knowledgeable of the State's IT budget process and procedures, procurement, and reporting requirements.
• Demonstrable writing and decisions-making skills.
• Experience in organizing and motivating groups.
• Program development and evaluation experience.
• Demonstrable experience in the methods of administrative problem solving.
• Knowledge of workforce development strategies.

Examination Information This examination consists of an evaluation of your Training and Experience weighted 100%. Your Training and Experience will be evaluated based on the information indicated on your STD. 678 application. This examination will utilize an evaluation of each candidate's experience and education/training compared to a standard developed from the class specification. For this reason, it is especially important that each candidate take special care in accurately and completely filling out their STD. 678 application. List all experience relevant to the minimum qualifications shown in this announcement, even if that experience goes beyond the seven-year limit printed on the application. Please read the Minimum Qualifications carefully to see what kind of information will be useful to the staff doing the evaluation. Supplementary information may also be accepted (e.g., a resume, etc.); however, it will not take the place of the information on your STD. 678 application. STD. 678 applications solely referring to the resume for information (i.e., See Resume ) will be eliminated from the examination process and will not be scored. STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS INSTRUCTIONS: 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:

Describe your experience organizing and directing multi-level staff including your knowledge of training, staff motivation, recognition, and progressive discipline.

Describe your knowledge of the principles and practices of project management and information technology service management.

Describe your experience in gaining the confidence and support of interdepartmental executive leadership and providing effective advice on a wide range of administrative and operational matters and policies.

Describe your direct experience in overseeing an enterprise-wide system replacement effort to modernize the use of technology to improve, expand, or enhance user acceptance and program deliverables in the public sector.

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 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. Human Resources Contact: Kelli Simpkin (916) ###-#### [email protected] Hiring Unit Contact: Jennifer Burkett (916) ###-#### 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) ###-#### California Relay Service: 1-800-###-#### (TTY), 1-800-###-#### (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.