Claim Auditor Series

California State Personnel Board Specification

Series established July 7, 1999

Scope

This series specification describes Claim Auditor classifications typically used to administer, supervise, or conduct technical prepayment audits of claim schedules submitted by State departments and local government agencies for payment from the State Treasury. Claim Auditors examine claims and supporting documentation to determine that: proper funds and appropriation exist and may be charged; there is sufficient authority for incurring the financial obligation; the expenditure is within the statutory function of the agency and is legal in accordance with the State Constitution, statutes, applicable court decisions and Attorney General opinions, and complies with the terms and conditions of a contract. Claim Auditors complete claim correction/deletion correspondence documents; recommend approval or denial of a claim; research and prepare written statements; make recommendations explaining deficiencies, issues, or inquiries concerning claims. Claim Auditors are also required to make agency contacts to resolve questionable claims to ensure propriety of purpose and sufficiency of law to support authorization of all payments made as the result of a claim schedule.

Definition of Series

Positions in this series examine claim schedules; review contracts for sufficiency of law; resolve controversies arising from audits with staff from agencies or local governments; apply new or pertinent statutory provisions, regulations, court decisions, Attorney General Opinions, and administrative rules and regulations to claims against the State; confer with staff of State departments and local governments to explain new and/or amended procedures, statutes, court decisions, legal opinions, and/or administrative policies governing the payment of claims. Claim Auditors may also be required to complete correspondence for the return of improper claims for correction or deletion of questionable items on claim schedules; return improper, invalid, or illegal claims; and approve valid claim schedules.

Entry Level

Entry into the Claim Auditor series is typically gained through the Office Assistant (Typing), Office Assistant (General), Account Clerk II, or through experience gained outside State service in auditing, accounting, and/or record keeping.

Factors Affecting Position Allocation

Variety and complexity of audit claim schedules, applicable laws, rules, regulations, court decisions, legal opinions, independence of action and level of decision-making authority, level of contacts, degree of program and supervisory responsibilities, supervision received or given, and the sensitivity of the claim audit program on the organizations audited.

Definition of Levels

Claim Auditor

This is the recruiting, training, and development classification for candidates who, with close supervision, apply contracts, laws, rules, and regulations to auditing claim schedules.

Senior Claim Auditor

This is the first journey level, requiring independence and proficiency to handle complex claim schedules. Typically, this level is assigned complex claim schedule prepayment audits requiring the application of complex contract rules, regulations, and legal opinions prior to approval of claims for payment.

Assistant Principal Claim Auditor

This level may supervise claim auditors at the entry or journey level responsible for auditing claims against the State for financial obligations made by State departments and/or local governments; or function as a nonsupervisory specialist performing the most complex claim audits, assisting with program development, providing training and guidance to new claim auditors, or functioning as a recognized authority by handling the most complex, sensitive claim schedules.

Principal Claim Auditor

This level supervises and is responsible for long-range planning, direction, and coordination of the claim audit for the Office of the State Controller.

Minimum Qualifications

Claim Auditor

Either I

One year of experience in California state service performing clerical duties at a level of responsibility not less than that of an Office Assistant (Typing), Range B; an Office Assistant (General), Range B; or an Account Clerk

Ii.

Or II

Eighteen months of clerical experience outside of State service performing audit, accounting, or record-keeping duties. (Academic education above the 12th grade may be substituted for one year of the required general experience, on the basis of 12 semester hours being equivalent to one year of experience.) and

Education: Equivalent to completion of the 12th grade. In appraising the relative qualifications of candidates, consideration will be given to the extent and type of pertinent education above the 12th grade, such as professional accounting courses given by a certified residence or business school.

Senior Claim Auditor

Either I

One year of experience with the State Controller's Office performing the duties of a Claim Auditor or a Supervising Account Clerk I.

Or II

Two years of experience outside of State service performing auditing of claims or expenditures of financial record keeping, at least 18 months shall have been in a responsible position involving complex auditing, accounting, or record-keeping work. (Education in a professional accounting curriculum given by a certified residence or business school may be substituted for one year of the required general experience, on the basis of 12 semester hours being equivalent to one year of experience.) and

Education: Equivalent to completion of the 12th grade. In appraising the relative qualifications of candidates, consideration will be given to the extent and type of pertinent education above the 12th grade, such as professional accounting courses given by a certified residence or business school which may be substituted for one year of the required general experience, on the basis of 12 semester hours being equivalent to one year of experience.

Assistant Principal Claim Auditor

Either I

One year of experience with the State Controller's Office performing the duties of a Senior Claim Auditor or a Supervising Account Clerk II.

Or II

Two years of experience with the State Controller's Office performing the duties of a Claim Auditor or a Supervising Account Clerk I.

Or III

Three years of experience outside State service performing auditing of claims or expenditures or financial record keeping, at least two years shall have been in a responsible position involving complex auditing, accounting, and/or record keeping. (Education in a professional accounting curriculum given by a certified business or residence school may be substituted for one year of the required technical experience, on the basis of 12 semester hours being equivalent to one year of experience.) and

Education: Equivalent to graduation from the 12th grade. In appraising the relative qualifications of candidates, consideration will be given to the extent and type of pertinent education above the 12th grade, such as professional accounting courses given by a certified residence or business school.

Principal Claim Auditor

Either I

One year of experience with the State Controller's Office performing the duties of an Assistant Principal Claim Auditor.

Or II

Two years of experience with the State Controller's Office performing the duties of a Senior Claim Auditor.

Or III

Four years of experience outside State service performing complex auditing of claims or expenditures or financial record keeping, at least two years shall have been in a responsible position involving complex auditing, accounting, and/or record keeping. (Education in a professional accounting curriculum given by a certified residence or business school may be substituted for one year of the required technical experience, on the basis of 12 semester hours being equivalent to one year of experience.) and

Education: Completion of at least 12 semester hours of a professional accounting curriculum. (Additional education in a professional accounting curriculum by a certified residence or business school may be substituted for two years of experience in Pattern III on the basis of 12 semester hours being equivalent to one year of experience.)

Knowledge and Abilities

All Levels:

Knowledge of: Basic principles of accounting procedures and methods used by private or public agencies and organizations of State Government; applicable laws, contracts, rules, and statutes.

Ability to: Apply the appropriate laws, rules, and regulations; make sound decisions and recommendations when approving or denying claims; communicate effectively.

Special Personal Characteristics

Assistant Principal Claim Auditor

Principal Claim Auditor

Demonstrated supervisory ability, tact, and attention to detail; demonstrated ability to complete the most complex program-related projects.

Class History