CONTROLLER OVERSEES. EDIE LAMBERT BREAKS IT DOWN. CALIFORNIA VOTERS ARE ELECTING A STATE CONTROLLER THIS YEAR. SO WHAT DOES THE STATE CONTROLLER ACTUALLY CONTROL? HERE’S A QUICK LOOK AT THE JOB THE CONTROLLER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR TRACKING AND PROTECTING THE STATE’S PUBLIC FUNDS. THAT INCLUDES AUDITING STATE SPENDING, MONITORING THE MONEY SITUATION FOR LOCAL AND STATE GOVERNMENTS, AND OVERSEEING THE PAYROLLS FOR STATE AGENCIES AND THE CSU SYSTEM. THE CONTROLLER IS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST AND FORGOTTEN PROPERTY THAT’S BEEN TURNED OVER TO THE STATE. SO IF YOU’RE EVER LOOKING FOR YOURS, THIS IS THE OFFICE WHERE YOU GO. THE CONTROLLER CHAIRS THE FRANCHISE TAX BOARD AND SITS ON THE BOARDS OF SOME PUBLIC RETIREMENT SYSTEMS. THEY ALSO SERVE AS ONE OF FIVE MEMBERS OF THE STATE BOARD OF EQUALIZATION. THE STATE CONTROLLER HAS A LIMIT OF TWO FOUR YEAR TERMS IN OFFICE. AND
What is the State Controller responsible for? | California Politics 360
Before you vote, we want to explain what exactly the Controller oversees
Updated: 8:25 AM PDT Apr 19, 2026
California voters will decide who they want as the state’s controller this year.Before you vote, we want to explain what exactly the controller oversees.Let’s break it down.PUBLIC FUNDSThe controller is responsible for tracking and protecting the state’s public funds. The job includes:Auditing state spendingMonitoring the money situation for the state and local governmentsAdministering payroll systems for the state government and CSU systemLOST & FOUNDThe controller is responsible for the lost and forgotten property that’s been turned over to the state.Californians can search for unclaimed property on the controller’s website. BOARDS & COMMISSIONSThe controller chairs the Franchise Tax Board, which helps taxpayers file timely and accurate tax returns.The controller also sits on the boards of some public retirement systems, like those for teachers and public employees.The controller is one of five members of the State Board of Equalization.TIME IN OFFICE & PAYThe controller has a limit of two four-year terms in office.In 2025, the job paid $196,743, according to the Department of Human Resources.
California voters will decide who they want as the state’s controller this year.
Before you vote, we want to explain what exactly the controller oversees.
Let’s break it down.
PUBLIC FUNDS
The controller is responsible for tracking and protecting the state’s public funds.
The job includes:
Auditing state spendingMonitoring the money situation for the state and local governmentsAdministering payroll systems for the state government and CSU system
LOST & FOUND
The controller is responsible for the lost and forgotten property that’s been turned over to the state.
Californians can search for unclaimed property on the controller’s website.
BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
The controller chairs the Franchise Tax Board, which helps taxpayers file timely and accurate tax returns.
The controller also sits on the boards of some public retirement systems, like those for teachers and public employees.
The controller is one of five members of the State Board of Equalization.
TIME IN OFFICE & PAY
The controller has a limit of two four-year terms in office.
In 2025, the job paid $196,743, according to the Department of Human Resources.