(a) The head of the office is the California State Auditor, who shall be appointed by the Governor from a list of three qualified individuals nominated by the Joint Legislative Audit Committee by a vote of at least a majority of the committee membership from each house of the Legislature. The Joint Legislative Audit Committee shall select the three qualified individuals from a pool of candidates after conducting a comprehensive search for qualified individuals. The Joint Legislative Audit Committee shall provide at least 120 days’ notice that it is seeking applicants for nomination by providing notice in the Journals of the Senate and the Assembly and by advertising in appropriate newspapers and with nationally acknowledged professional journals and associations. Names for consideration by the Joint Legislative Audit Committee may be submitted by members of the Legislature, professional organizations, individuals, and other entities.

(b) The term of any individual appointed as the California State Auditor shall be four years. Any vacancy in the office of the California State Auditor shall be filled in the same manner provided by this subdivision for a full term.

(c) As the head of the office, the California State Auditor may establish constituent parts of the office to carry out the powers and duties of the office unless otherwise specified by law.

(d) The office has a Chief Deputy California State Auditor.

(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 606, Sec. 1. (AB 32) Effective January 1, 2018.)