Gov. Code, § 12402

The Controller may organize the Controller’s office into divisions and may, in conformity with the State Civil Service Act (Part 2 (commencing with Section 18500) of Division 5) and the State Constitution, appoint deputy controllers, chiefs of divisions, and other subordinate officers and employees as may be necessary for the proper conduct of the office. In addition to deputy controllers that may hold title and office pursuant to the power of appointment vested in the Controller by Section 4 of Article VII of the State Constitution or pursuant to appointment of an established classification in the state civil service, the Controller may designate and appoint, or terminate the designation and appointment of, any officers or employees of the Controller’s office having status in other classifications in the state civil service, to act as deputy controllers while performing the duties of their established classifications. Appointments and terminations of appointments made pursuant to this section shall be effective when signed by the Controller.