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Assistant Accounting Controller Jobs in California

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Assistant Accounting Controller information

See California salary details

$41.5K

$101.1K

$148K

How much do assistant accounting controller jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant accounting controller in California is $101,097.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,400.00 and $117,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant accounting controller?

Assistant Accounting Controllers are financial professionals who support the Accounting Controller in overseeing an organization's accounting operations. Their responsibilities typically include assisting with the preparation of financial statements, ensuring compliance with accounting regulations, managing internal controls, and supervising accounting staff. They play a key role in budgeting, auditing, and financial reporting processes. This position often serves as a stepping stone to more senior roles in accounting and finance management.

What is the difference between Assistant Accounting Controller vs Accounting Manager?

AspectAssistant Accounting ControllerAccounting Manager
CertificationsCPA or CMA often preferredCPA or CMA often preferred
Work EnvironmentSupports accounting department, reports to ControllerLeads accounting team, oversees financial reporting
ResponsibilitiesAssists in financial controls, reporting, and complianceManages accounting staff, ensures accurate financial statements

The Assistant Accounting Controller typically supports the Accounting Manager by assisting with financial reporting, compliance, and internal controls. While both roles require similar certifications and work in the accounting department, the Assistant Accounting Controller focuses more on supporting and executing tasks, whereas the Accounting Manager has broader managerial responsibilities and oversees the entire accounting team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant accounting controller?

To thrive as an Assistant Accounting Controller, you need a strong background in accounting principles, financial reporting, and budgeting, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance and often a CPA or similar certification. Proficiency with ERP systems like SAP or Oracle, advanced Excel skills, and familiarity with GAAP or IFRS standards are usually required. Attention to detail, leadership, and effective communication are essential soft skills for overseeing teams and ensuring accurate financial processes. These skills ensure robust financial controls, compliance with regulations, and smooth financial operations within the organization.

What are some common challenges faced by assistant accounting controllers, and how can they effectively manage them?

Assistant Accounting Controllers often face challenges such as managing tight reporting deadlines, ensuring accuracy in financial statements, and adapting to changes in accounting standards. To effectively handle these challenges, it's important to maintain strong organizational skills, stay updated on industry regulations, and foster clear communication within the accounting team. Collaborating closely with senior controllers and auditors can also help identify potential issues early and streamline processes, making the workload more manageable.
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Accounting Controller jobs in California? For Assistant Accounting Controller jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Accounting Controller jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Accounting Controller jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Assistant Accounting Controller jobs? Cities in California with the most Assistant Accounting Controller job openings:
Infographic showing various Assistant Accounting Controller job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $101,097 per year, or $48.6 per hour.

Accounting Controller

PCI Pharma Services

San Diego, CA • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


PCI Pharma Services rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

441st of 536 rated manufacturers


Job description

Life changing therapies. Global impact. Bridge to thousands of biopharma companies and their patients.


We are PCI.


Our investment is in People who make an impact, drive progress and create a better tomorrow. Our strategy includes building teams across our global network to pioneer and shape the future of PCI.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS-OTHER DUTIES MAY BE ASSIGNED:

  • You will be responsible for all aspects of accounting (revenue, accounts payable, accounts receivable, billing, payroll, general ledger, fixed assets, audit, etc.)
  • Direct and supervise a large team of people by proactively managing and coaching the team to provide employee development opportunities.
  • Manage and deliver the monthly financial close process timely to include preparation and/or review of journal entries, assurance that all costs incurred are properly recorded, and completeness of account reconciliations.
  • Oversee variance analysis and review expenses by financial statement line item for reasonability, investigate unusual amounts, make any corrections as necessary, and determine root cause and solutions.
  • Interact at all levels and with budget owners or other stakeholders to produce timely, efficient and accurate month-end close process and all internal management and financial reporting. May include revenue recognition and lease accounting.
  • Participate in the ongoing development & establishment of accounting policies, procedures, and operational strategies to include the review and implementation of process and system changes.
  • Drive continuous process improvements leveraging digital technology and support the development and enhancement of the ERP platform to ensure systems integrity, financial effectiveness and controls.
  • Collaborate with external auditors to ensure successful audit results and compliance.
  • Define and maintain department KPI's.
  • Ensure compliance with internal control policies.
  • Assist with compilation of information for preparation of tax returns.
  • Performs other duties and corporate finance projects as assigned by manager

For candidates in San Diego, CA, the hiring range for this position is $150,60- $168,000 annually, plus eligibility for an annual performance bonus. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors, including but not limited to specific and relevant experience, education, credentials, geography, and subject matter expertise. PCI offers full-time employees a competitive benefits package that includes paid time off, health insurance coverage (including dental and vision), flexible spending account, and 401(k).

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  • CPA, CMA, or MA in Accounting with 10+ years related work experience.
  • Manufacturing experience is highly desired.
  • Pharmaceutical Industry experience preferred.
  • Managerial experience in a larger organization (>$100M revenue)
  • Relevant accounting experience in manufacturing.
  • Apply GAAP accounting standards related to revenue recognition, lease accounting and asset capitalization.
  • Experience with accounting software JDE / QAD or similar ERP platform is a plus
  • Ability to quickly comprehend a complex organizational structure, including the general ledger structure and various financial systems, is essential.
  • Proven ability to leverage current technology to drive process efficiency and improve accuracy
  • Advanced analytical skills in combination with excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Exceptionally well organized, flexible and easily adaptable to changing conditions
  • Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines and manage conflicting priorities.
  • Advanced and demonstrated proficiency with Excel.
  • Self-motivated with the ability to multi-task, work independently and with minimal direction.
  • High energy, high ownership of work products and dedication and commitment to driving results.
  • Confident, fact-based decision maker.
  • Proactive, looking for new solutions, opportunities and insights.
  • Approaches problems from different perspectives to suggest and implement solutions.
  • Forecast issues pro-actively to prevent potential impacts; both internally and externally.
  • Facilitates communication between team members to ensure efforts are aligned.
  • Takes accountability for delivering on commitments; owns mistakes and uses them as opportunities for learning and development.
  • Ability to solve complex problems.
  • Adept at using logic and reasoning to work through problems and analyze information.
  • Pro-active approach and leadership style.
  • Work Hybrid - San Diego
  • "Roll-up-your-sleeves" attitude.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties the employee is:

  • constantly required to sit, and to reach to use computers and other office equipment
  • constantly required to sit for extended periods of time, up to four (4) hours/time.
  • occasionally required to lift to 25 pounds
  • constantly required to view objects at close and distant ranges
  • frequently required to communicate with others

Note: For the purpose of this summary, occasionally is used to represent up to 1/3 of the time given to the workday, frequently represents 1/3 to 2/3 of the time and constantly represents 2/3 or more of the time.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Employee will work with moderate noise levels. Employee will perform tasks while experiencing numerous interruptions. Employee may occasionally be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, toxic chemicals, vibration, and bio-hazardous materials. OPTIONAL: Employee may travel by car and airplane to work at different locations and may occasionally be required to travel overnight. The work environment is fast-paced and demanding. This position has the utmost responsibility for compliance with the rules and regulations regarding a safe and healthy work environment relative to their actions and conduct. Off-shift, weekend and overtime duties may be required.

This job description may not list all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Join us and be part of building the bridge between life changing therapies and patients. Let's talk future

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement:
PCI Pharma Services is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We do not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital or domestic or civil union status, familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, disability, military eligibility or veteran status, or any other protected status.

At PCI, Equity and Inclusion are at the core of our company's purpose: Together, delivering life-changing therapies. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive workplace by holding ourselves accountable to the highest standards of understanding, fairness, respect, and equal opportunity - at every level. We envision a PCI community where everyone can belong and grow, and we strive to bring this vision to reality by continuously and intentionally assessing our people practices, policies and programs, marketing approach, and workplace culture.


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