Business Analyst

Job Description and Duties

Under the general direction provided by the Staff Service Manager II, Business Analysis and Reporting Section, Program Management and Analysis Bureau, of the Personnel and Payroll Services Division (PPSD), the incumbent will assist with a wide variety of analytical activities in support of the California State Payroll System (CSPS) project. The incumbent will support business process analysis and improvement, data cleansing, interface testing, data mapping, problem resolution, legislative analysis, and consultation.

Duties Performed:
(Candidates must perform the following functions with or without reasonable accommodations.)

• Support data cleansing efforts by providing subject matter expertise, consulting on best practices, and performing data cleansing as required. Assist in identifying legacy data to be converted, reviewing data transformation mapping rules, and reviewing data load results to ensure accurate data migration to the new payroll solution.

• Assist in analyzing system reports and interfaces to ensure all required reports and interfaces are documented, addressing any gaps and identifying opportunities for business process improvement. Assist in report and interface testing activities with impacted stakeholders and provide subject matter expertise on the development and execution of interface test cases.

• Contribute to the development of user acceptance test plans and support the identification, creation, and execution of user acceptance test scripts.

• Participate in project business process review sessions, and design and development workshops to prepare for future maintenance and operational responsibilities. Identify changes to current business processes as the State Controller’s Office (SCO) transitions from the legacy payroll system to the new solution. Update SCO policies and procedures to reflect those changes.

• Participate in assessing the current operations structure to determine resource organization for both the transition period and future state operations.

• Contribute to identifying, tracking, and resolving post-production incidents.

• Support requirements analysis for new Memorandum of Understanding or legislative requirements introduced during the project and continue this analysis during productions operations.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

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.

In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This program temporarily reduces employees’ monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the salary reduction.

Special Requirements

A resume is required.

A cover letter is required.

Take the required examination here: Information Technology Associate Examination

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:

• Ability to uphold PPSD values: Professionalism, Accountability, Customer Service, Collaboration, and Trust.

• Ability to develop and foster collaborative working relationships.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment, remaining engaged in a virtual work environment.

• Ambition to develop thorough job knowledge through research and the desire to share that knowledge with others.

• Ability to effectively communicate, foster relationships, and facilitate meetings with staff at all levels.

• Ability and willingness to manage multiple tasks, adjust priorities, and meet deadlines while maintaining tact and a positive attitude.

• Ability and willingness to ask questions, evaluate information, and develop new and innovative approaches to recommend changes in a timely manner.

• Ability to comprehensively analyze, develop and clearly document processes and procedures, and identify process improvement opportunities.

• Ability to conduct technical research and communicate solutions.

• Ability to gather, document, and review system requirements and specifications.

• Knowledge of the State’s human resources and payroll operations, systems, policies, and procedures.

• Knowledge of and experience researching and interpreting legislation, regulation, and policy.

• Knowledge of and experience developing, executing, and documenting user acceptance test plans and scripts.

• Knowledge of and experience with the Systems Development Lifecycle (SDLC) principles and practices.

• Knowledge of the California Project Management Framework.

Benefits

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

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 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.
• Other - Cover Letter - Please provide a cover letter no longer than one page. Include in the letter why you are interested in these positions and how your experience has prepared you for the job.