Program Specialist I

California Franchise Tax Board; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 88,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

California Franchise Tax Board in Sacramento is seeking a Program Specialist I to perform technical analysis and manage exempt organization audits, including granting, denying, and revoking exemptions.

The role requires independence, strong written and verbal communication, and ability to train staff; familiarity with TI/BETS/TPF and PIT/BE tax rules is preferred. This is a permanent, full-time position in a collaborative BES environment.

Qualifications

• Experience with tax exemption audits and decisions.
• Ability to analyze complex tax cases.
• Ability to train staff and mentor colleagues.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Grant, deny, and revoke tax exemptions for corporations, unincorporated associations, and trusts as per law.
• Conduct more difficult and comprehensive audits of exempt entities.
• Develop facts, evidence, scope of examination, audit reports, and documentation.
• Maintain high accuracy and customer service within a collaborative BES team.

Skills

TI/BETS/TPF systems knowledge

PIT/BE tax law knowledge

research and interpretation

training staff / presentations

communication skills

team collaboration

leadership on projects

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word/Excel/Outlook)

SharePoint

Job description

Job Description And Duties

The salary ranges listed in this Job Control may not reflect reductions in pay in accordance with the 2025 Personal Leave Program. Please follow the link for more information regarding the 2025 Personal Leave program. http://hrmanual.calhr.ca.gov/Home/ManualItem/1/2113

Under the general direction of an Administrator I, the Program Specialist I works independently to perform technical analysis and specialized transactions related to Exempt Organizations. The incumbent will provide technical and procedural guidance to the members of the unit when necessary. The incumbent will present and/or develop training materials for the staff as well as fulfilling speaking engagement or consulting with various stakeholders on an as-needed basis.

As part of the Business Entities Section (BES), you'll join a team that fosters an environment of professionalism, continuous improvement, and supportive team culture. Staff are empowered to succeed, share knowledge, and contribute meaningfully to section goals. Leadership within BES is committed to clear guidance, constructive feedback, and opportunities for growth.

In this role, duties include granting, denying, and revoking tax exemption for corporations, unincorporated associations, and trusts according to applicable law. The incumbent conducts more difficult and complex audits of exempt entities, manages an inventory, and oversees all aspects of a complete audit. This includes an effective scope of examination, development of facts and evidence, closure of audit work papers, preparation of audit reports, and ensuring correct technical conclusions.

As a key member of the Business Entities team, you will help maintain high standards of accuracy and customer service, while contributing to a positive and collaborative work environment.

Additional positions may become available (eRPA 2627-00065).

Position Details

Job Code #: JC-529070

Position #: 564-760-4364-XXX

Working Title: Program Specialist I

Classification: PROGRAM SPECIALIST I, FRANCHISE TAX BOARD

$7,306.00 - $9,885.00

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions: Multiple

Work Location: Sacramento County

Telework: In Office

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

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:

All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to clearly demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications and Alternate Range Placement for the position on your State Application (STD Form 678). The application should also clearly demonstrate the candidate’s ability to meet the Desirable Qualifications identified in this job advertisement. The Classification Specification is located on this Job Announcement Posting under "Minimum Requirements”.

• Working knowledge of Taxpayer Information (TI), Business Entities Tax System (BETS), Taxpayer Folder (TPF), Case Management (CM) and other Franchise Tax Board (FTB) information systems
• Experience working with sensitive and confidential material
• Strong working knowledge of Personal Income Tax (PIT) and Business Entity (BE) tax laws, policies, and procedures
• Ability to research, interpret, apply and/or explain provisions of PIT and BE tax law, regulations and departmental procedures and policy
• Ability and willingness to incorporate knowledge transfer concepts when consulting, mentoring, or training staff
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to effectively work independently and in a team environment and seek out resources as needed
• Ability to use a variety of techniques to make sound decisions based on the available information
• Ability to work cooperatively with others
• Ability to anticipate the impact of changes, demonstrate flexibility and willingness to embrace changes as well as work well under pressure
• Strong organizational, time management and planning skills, including a willingness to shift priorities and work schedule to ensure program goals and objectives are met
• Strong leadership skills, including the ability to lead team projects and efforts, with the ability to foster and encourage positive relationships, take the initiative, and maintain cooperative working relationships with others at all levels
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Familiarity with SharePoint
• Positive attitude and a team player

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.ftb.ca.gov

Human Resources Contact:

Classification & Hiring Unit

[phone]

Hiring Unit Contact:

Cynthia Au

[phone]

[e-mail]

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:

Reasonable Accommodation Unit

[phone]

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.

Final Filing Date: 10/5/2026