In this screenshot, State Comptroller Thomas
DiNapoli addresses CSEA members in a recent
State Comptroller’s Office recruitment video.
Watch the video at cseany.org.
Our union has been working with New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli on recruiting workers for multiple open CSEA-represented positions in the State Comptroller’s Office.
The available positions are based across the state.
The office has more than 2,700 public employees statewide who are dedicated to ensuring taxpayer dollars are used effectively and for public good. These positions are open to those who are new to government work or current New York state employees looking for a change.
“We have numerous CSEA positions available, including positions in our our retirement call center,” said DiNapoli, in a recent recruitment video. “CSEA members are greatly valued at the State Comptroller’s Office. We are privileged that many [CSEA members] choose to stay and build their entire career with us. It’s more than a job; it’s a career with purpose.”
“This is an incredible opportunity for anyone seeking a career in public service,” said CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan. “Our union is working in partnership with the State Comptroller’s Office to find people to fill these positions. Public employment not only has many benefits but can be incredibly rewarding. I encourage anyone who is seeking a job to consider these opportunities.”
On these pages are testimonials by the New York State Comptroller’s Office of three CSEA members employed there who enjoy the office’s many opportunities for advancement, the rewarding nature of the work and the work-life balance that public employment offers.
Call center representatives and benefit examiners, including the CSEA members featured here, are pivotal in serving more than 1 million NYSLRS members, retirees and beneficiaries. Learn more about the roles and building a career with purpose at the State Comptroller’s office at osc.ny.gov/jobs.
Ladder of opportunity, benefits attract Afzal to NYSLRS
Afzal
At the State Comptroller’s office, you can build a meaningful career while achieving personal and professional balance.
That’s what drew Muhammad Afzal, a CSEA member and Employees’ Retirement System Examiner 2 at the New York State and Local Retirement System (NYSLRS), to join the team in 2016.
Before joining NYSLRS, he was working in the sales department of a lawn care company.
“I was just focusing on – like everybody else – what I was making at that point,” said Afzal.
He realized the value of having state benefits – more time off to spend with his family, quality health insurance coverage and a pension – was worth more to him in the long term.
After learning about the promotional opportunities available, Afzal chose NYSLRS.
“I love the ladder of opportunity,” he said. “I think if I didn’t join the Comptroller’s office, I probably wouldn’t be at the level I am right now.”
Now a Grade 12, Muhammad helps calculate service credit, which is used to determine future pension benefits. The fact that he gets to help members with their future retirement benefits is a source of inspiration for him.
“You are helping,” said Afzal. “That’s why I like it, my work – I enjoy every day.”
He encourages others to consider joining the team.
“I already recommended the Comptroller’s Office to my friend,” said Afzal.
Rodd: “The state definitely gives me a sense of security”
Rodd
When you join the Office of the State Comptroller, you’re starting a career with purpose.
Just ask April Rodd, a CSEA member and Employees’ Retirement System Examiner (ERSE) with the New York State and Local Retirement System (NYSLRS).
Rodd joined NYSLRS in 2022 with service to others in mind.
“I didn’t want to be at a private company where I didn’t know who I was working with or if we had the same goals,” said Rodd. “Here, we all have the same purpose – to help our customers and provide meaningful work for the community.”
She started as a trainee and has since thrived as an ERSE, working with members transferring service credits between other New York retirement systems.
“I was trained super quickly and efficiently and my career just seemed to take off,” said Rodd. “That surprised me because I thought it would be a gradual thing, like it would take years to get better at what I do, but I’m seeing improvement day-to-day.”
Rodd also appreciates the robust benefits that come with state work, including the work-life balance provided by generous paid time off.
“I love the holidays because I get to spend more time with my family,” said Rodd. “To have that extra day with the kids when they are home from school – it’s really nice.”
“The state definitely gives me a sense of security, which I didn’t have before,” said Rodd. “And that stability; I feel like I can envision my future here and I know what to expect.”
When asked what she would tell others who are considering a career in public service, she didn’t hesitate.
“It’s worth taking the leap,” said Rodd. “It’s rewarding, both personally and professionally, and the opportunities are just endless.”
Work-life balance, professional growth rewarding for Snyder
Snyder
The State Comptroller’s office offers opportunities to lay down professional roots, grow your skills and advance up a defined career ladder.
Jennifer Snyder, a CSEA member and Call Center Representative 2 at the New York State and Local Retirement System (NYSLRS), joined our team in 2019 after a lack of promotional opportunities in her roles at a hospital call center left her wanting more.
The promise of professional growth brought her to NYSLRS where she started training as a Call Center Representative 1.
In just four years’ time, Snyder’s career at NYSLRS has taken off. She has gone from her starting Grade 9 position to a Grade 12, and is now a Grade 14 supervisor, assisting with the trainings that she herself had taken part in just a short time ago.
“This is an environment where if you’re willing to put in the effort and the work, the Call Center will absolutely reward you,” said Snyder. “I feel like it was one of the best decisions I’ve made.”
Snyder was also drawn in by the promise of a better work-life balance and paid leave.
“In my previous job, there was no such thing as weekends and holidays off,” said Snyder.
Snyder still finds herself thankful for the amount of time off and other benefits available, particularly the health insurance, because she knows from experience it’s not always a given with other employers.
“When I was in my early 20s, I worked in retail,” said Snyder. “By the time I was eligible to get the health insurance, because it was a minimum wage job, I couldn’t afford their health insurance premium.”
She encourages others to consider opportunities at the State Comptroller’s office.
“There’s no time like the present,” said Snyder. “The package of health insurance and the time off that we are given, as well as the holidays. It’s a fantastic gig.”
To see links to open positions and find Civil Service exam information, visit cseany.org.
