California Department of Tax & Fee Administration Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 19 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
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2 roles · 19 reportsCandidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at California Department of Tax & Fee Administration.
California Department of Tax & Fee Administration
Tax Auditor
Entry Average Negative experience No offer 1 round
Interview process
Background check Offer
Interview formats
Presentation
I applied for the Tax Auditor role at CDTFA and had a panel interview on October 17th, where I received a tentative offer. After that, I went through fingerprinting and a background check, and submitted all necessary documents like my transcripts and diploma. I was expecting to start, but then I heard nothing for four months. My follow-up emails were ignored. It took persistent emailing, almost begging for an update, before I finally got a rejection email. It felt like they just wanted to shut me up instead of making a timely decision. What's worse, I know classmates who had the same interview and got offers within a month. I understand rejections happen, but CDTFA's handling of it was frustrating. If they rescinded my tentative offer, they should have told me clearly and quickly, not left me hanging with false hope for months. When I contacted HR, they said a manager would call, but they never did. Despite my efforts, I felt disrespected and undervalued. This whole experience was shocking and disheartening. As a government agency, CDTFA should be more transparent, fair, and professional. Candidates put in time, effort, and hope, and being treated this way is unacceptable. I hope CDTFA improves its hiring process so no one else has to endure this painful and frustrating experience.
Confirmed questions0 questions
No confirmed questions were included in this interview report.
California Department of Tax & Fee Administration
Student Assistant
Intern Easy Positive experience Decline offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen
Interview formats
Behavioral
The interview process wasn't too difficult. They emphasize the STAR method, and you can find some questions online if you search. It was generally straightforward. I also heard they use the STAR method for scoring during hiring.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Can you tell me about a time you faced a challenge and how you resolved it?
California Department of Tax & Fee Administration
Tax Auditor
Entry Difficult Neutral experience No offer 3 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Technical screen Onsite
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical
They asked behavioral questions. For instance, how you deal with an irate taxpayer. Then, a 'tell me about yourself' question. They also wanted to know about my experience using different spreadsheet software to analyze data. And be ready for questions on Materiality, etc. Basically, just be prepared and really read the duty statement.
Confirmed questions4 questions
- Can you detail your experience with various spreadsheet software systems for data analysis?
- How would you handle an irate taxpayer?
- Tell me about yourself.
California Department of Tax & Fee Administration
Accounting Officer Specialist
Mid Average Negative experience No offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Take home Onsite
Interview formats
Technical Group
After completing an online exam and application, I had an in-person panel interview. Some issues came up with the logistics, like parking info being missing and the waiting area being empty for a bit. The interviewers didn't seem very engaged, making me wonder if they even liked their jobs. Things might be different now, but it felt like a disorganized experience overall and I ended up with more questions about working there.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Do you have experience in governmental accounting?
California Department of Tax & Fee Administration Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from California Department of Tax & Fee Administration interview reports.
“Can you provide instructions to someone trying to purchase a book from an online store?”
Read reports →“Regarding an individual with a past due account, what would be your approach to collecting the past due amount?”
Read reports →“How would you handle an irate taxpayer?”
Read reports →“What's your experience with spreadsheet software for data analysis?”
Read reports →“Do you have experience in governmental accounting?”
Read report →“Is knowledge of behavioral interview questions a plus?”
Read report →“Can you share an instance where you encountered a language barrier in a conversation and how you managed the situation?”
Read report →“What skills can you offer the CDTFA?”
Read report →“Can you detail your experience with various spreadsheet software systems for data analysis?”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 19 California Department of Tax & Fee Administration interview reports.