Harman Patil (Editor)

California State Controller

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Style
  
The Honorable

Inaugural holder
  
John S. Houston 1849

California State Controller

Term length
  
Four years, two term limit

Formation
  
California Constitution

Website
  
California State Controller's Office

The State Controller of California is the Chief Financial Officer of the State of California in the United States. The post has broader responsibilities and authority than the California State Treasurer. Responsibilities include investigative authority for every dollar spent by the state, and being an ex-officio member of the state's Board of Equalization.

Contents

The State Controller is elected to a four-year term but is limited to two terms. The current state controller is Betty Yee.

Duties

  • As the state’s chief fiscal officer, acts as the state’s accountant and bookkeeper of all public funds.
  • Administers the state payroll system and unclaimed property laws.
  • Serves on 76 boards and commissions, including the Board of Equalization, Franchise Tax Board, CalPERS, and CalSTRS.
  • Conducts audits and reviews of state operations. The office performs a multitude of financial audits, compliance audits and attestations. The areas of government audited and reviewed by the State Controller include California School Districts, the California State Lottery, Oil and Gas Lease Royalties, State Agencies, RDAs, and a multitude of local governments. It is considered one of the premiere audit agencies of the State of California.

    • Staff

    The Office has a staff of Deputy State Controllers that help the State Controller fulfill her elected duties, including sitting on the Board of Equalization and other boards for the State Controller in absentia. Noted former Deputy State Controllers include Barrett McInerney, James Burton, and Laurette Healey.

    References

    California State Controller Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA