PROGRAM SPECIALIST III, FRANCHISE TAX BOARD

State of California; California; On-site; USD 109,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Franchise Tax Board in California seeks a Program Specialist III to analyze complex proposed legislation, mentor Analysts, and lead mandated projects while guiding internal and external stakeholders on technical policy issues. The incumbent drafts legislation and represents the Department before committees and groups.

This permanent, full-time role requires office presence with some remote work possible per guidelines.

Qualifications

• Exhibit a strong sense of urgency about solving problems and accomplishing work.
• Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced environment where priorities frequently change.
• Strong technical knowledge of California and federal income tax laws, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Ability to recognize a change in income tax laws, rules and/or regulations that would impact the Department’s programs.
• Strong technical review skills and the ability to convey feedback constructively.
• Ability to assume a leadership role when working with less experienced staff.
• Excellent communication skills, oral and written, including conveying complex tax information clearly.
• Knowledge of the Department’s operations and programs.
• Sound decision-making and time management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Analyze the most complex or omnibus proposed legislation related to diversified subjects and mentor analysts.
• Lead team on legislatively mandated projects and guides stakeholders on technical and policy issues.
• Conceptually design and draft legislation and represent the Department before committees and groups.

Skills

Urgency in problem solving

Fast-paced environment

Strong communication

Leadership

Job description

$9,751.00 - $11,625.00 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: 10/25/2026

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 the Bureau Director and the Assistant Bureau Director, the incumbent performs analysis of the most complex or omnibus proposed legislation relating to diversified subjects; mentor analysts and reviews all written products, including legislative analyses, special requests, projects, Summary of Federal Income Tax Changes (SOFITC) reports, tax forms, draft legislation, and legislative proposals. In addition, the incumbent acts as team leader on legislatively mandated projects and reports and provides guidance to internal and external stakeholders on technical, operational, and policy issues. The incumbent conceptually designs and drafts legislation and represents the Department before legislative committees, staff, and constituent groups.

Additional positions may become available (eRPA 2627-00121).

Working Conditions

This position requires 4 or more days in the office per week. It is designated office-centered and may be eligible for some remote work based on departmental guidelines and operational need.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without the need for a visa sponsorship, now or in the future.

Minimum Requirements

PROGRAM SPECIALIST III, FRANCHISE TAX BOARD

• PROGRAM SPECIALIST III, FRANCHISE TAX BOARD

Telework

In Office

Job Type

Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

Our mission is to help taxpayers file timely and accurate tax returns, and pay the correct amount to fund services important to Californians.

FTB fosters an environment of equity and inclusion for all and we welcome everyone to be part of our diverse workforce.

• The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.

CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 2, SECTION 172: All candidates for, appointees to, and employees in the state civil service shall possess the general qualifications of integrity, honesty, sobriety, dependability, industry, thoroughness, accuracy, good judgment, initiative, resourcefulness, courtesy, ability to work cooperatively with others, willingness and ability to assume the responsibilities and to conform to the conditions of work characteristic of the employment, and a state of health, consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class. Where the position requires the driving of an automobile, the employee must have a valid state driver's license, a good driving record and is expected to drive the car safely. The foregoing general qualifications shall be deemed to be a part of the personal characteristics of the minimum qualifications of each class specification and need not be specifically set forth therein.

IMPORTANT NOTICE As required by the department's rules of conduct, all employees of the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) must be in compliance with the California Revenue and Taxation Code. During the background investigation portion of the hiring process, FTB will review return information to verify California state income tax compliance. Any failure to comply with the California Revenue and Taxation Code may prevent you from being hired at FTB. You must verify your filing status by calling 1-800-852-5711 to resolve any potential tax compliance issues, prior to submitting your application and seeking employment with FTB. All applicants not currently employed with the Franchise Tax Board will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation. The investigation will consist of completion of a pre-employment questionnaire, fingerprinting, and an inquiry to the Department of Justice to disclose criminal records. We comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Persons with hearing or speech impairments, call TTY/TDD [phone].

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s). Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

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".

• Exhibit a strong sense of urgency about solving problems and accomplishing work
• Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced environment where priorities frequently change
• Strong technical knowledge of California and federal income tax laws, regulations, policies and procedures
• Ability to recognize a change in income tax laws, rules and/or regulations that would impact the department's tax and non-tax programs
• Strong technical review skills and the ability to convey feedback in a positive and productive manner
• Ability to assume a leadership role when working with less experienced staff
• Excellent communication skills, oral and written, including the ability to convey legislative or technical tax information in an understandable manner to both internal and external stakeholders
• Knowledge of the Department's operations and programs
• Sound decision-making skills with the ability to reason logically in a fast paced environment
• Excellent organizational skills
• Knowledge of the California's legislative process
• Demonstrated commitment to high quality customer experience
• Maintain excellent time management, dependability, and flexibilityExcellent interpersonal skills

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

• Convenient transportation and commuting options include: Light Rail stop, bicycle lockers, free parking, and carpool/vanpool opportunities

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:
Wendy Cramer
[phone]
[e-mail]

EEO Contact:
Reasonable Accommodation Unit
[phone]
[e-mail]

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.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

Candidates who currently have list eligibility or have applied to take the most recent Program Specialist III exam are encouraged to apply.

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.