Associate Controller Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $162,006.58 - $226,809.22 Annually
Location : Ventura County Government Center, CA
Job Type: At-Will
Job Number: 01620AUD-26AA (BF)
Department: Auditor-Controller (recruitment by CEO-HR)
Opening Date: 07/10/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
BE PART OF SOMETHING AMAZING!
Learn more about this opportunity. Click here to view the Assistant Auditor-Controller job brochure.
The County of Ventura offers an attractive compensation and benefits package. The salary range for this position is $162,006.58 to $226,809.22 annually. An employee in this position will also be eligible for the following:

• General Salary Increase: A general salary increase of 3.5%, effective December 20, 2026, and 3.5%, effective December 19, 2027.
• Educational Incentive: An additional cash payment of 2.5% for completing an associate degree, 3.5% for a bachelor's degree, or 5% for a graduate degree, each pay period.
• Executive Annual Leave: The selected candidate will earn 248 hours per year, increasing to 288 hours after 5 years of service, 328 hours after 10 years of service, and 368 hours after 15 years of service. Credit for prior public service may be considered (Management Resolution, § 1202A).
• Annual Leave Redemption: The ability to "cash in" or redeem up to 100 hours of Annual Leave per year after using 80 hours of Annual Leave within the previous 12 months (Management Resolution, § 1207).
• Holidays: 13 paid days annually, including a scheduled floating holiday.
• Deferred Compensation: Eligible to participate in the County's 401(k) Shared Savings Plan and/or the Section 457 Plan. This position is eligible for up to a 3% match on your 401(k)contributions. Effective February 9, 2024 (and annually thereafter), eligible employees meeting the criteria in Sec. 1907 of the Management Resolution will receive a two percent (2%) non-elective contribution of their annualized compensation into their 401(k) account.
• Health Insurance Plans: Medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your dependents. A flexible credit allowance of up to $1,024.11 biweekly, depending on enrollment plan tier.
• Car Allowance: May be provided with an automobile allowance of $525.00 per month.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Boost your spending power by reimbursing yourself with pre-tax dollars for IRS-approved dependent care and health care expenses.
• Pension Plan: Both you and the County contribute to the County's Retirement Plan. If eligible, you may establish reciprocity with other public retirement systems, such as CalPERS.
• Additional Benefits: Incumbents are entitled to County-paid membership in professional organizations related to their position; other benefits include Disability Plans, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, and Wellness Program.
• Work Schedule: Our team operates on a regular, in-office schedule: Monday through Friday. We ensure support for all County agencies, promote seamless collaboration, and allow for consistent personal planning.

Why Apply
Step into a high-impact leadership role at the heart of Ventura County's financial operations. As Assistant Auditor-Controller, you'll partner directly with the Auditor-Controller to oversee a broad portfolio of critical functions - from accounting and reporting to property tax administration and financial planning - helping to safeguard public resources and ensure fiscal accountability for one of California's most dynamic counties.
You'll lead a talented team of accounting and finance professionals in an office that values integrity, innovation, and continuous improvement, while playing a meaningful role in shaping the County's long-term financial health and transparency. This is a rare opportunity to apply your expertise at the highest level of county government and leave a lasting impact on the communities and citizens of Ventura County.
If you're a seasoned financial leader ready to take on a role of broad responsibility and public purpose, this is an opportunity worth exploring.
The Position
The Assistant Auditor-Controller serves in a key leadership role within the department, assisting the Auditor-Controller in planning, organizing, and directing the department's accounting and systems analysis operations, and stepping in as acting Auditor-Controller when needed. This position coordinates departmental activities through section chief deputies and staff, provides general oversight of accounting forms, methods, and record-keeping practices used by County agencies, departments, institutions, and special districts under the Board of Supervisors, and regularly confers with County officials, taxpayers, and representatives of other public agencies on fiscal, revenue, and budgetary matters. The Assistant Auditor-Controller will also play an integral part in an upcoming payroll/HR systems implementation, helping lead the department's conversion to a new payroll/HR platform, along with other duties as assigned.
Key Responsibilities

• Direct the development, preparation, and justification of the department's annual budget
• Oversee the preparation and review of financial reports and data, recommending or developing new procedures as needed
• Review the work of subordinate staff, addressing inefficiencies or procedural deviations
• Support and help lead the department's conversion to a new payroll/HR system

Auditor-Controller Office
The Ventura County Auditor-Controller's Office serves as the County's chief financial authority, providing professional fiscal leadership to protect the interests of Ventura County's 823,000+ residents. Charged by State law with overseeing the accounting and financial operations of all activities under the Board of Supervisors, the office delivers a broad range of essential services through four core divisions: Financial Management & Reporting, General Accounting, Internal Audit, and Property Tax & Financial Planning. These divisions collectively manage more than $1.33 billion in annual payroll and vendor disbursements, administer property tax calculations and distributions, conduct independent audits to safeguard County assets, and produce financial reports that promote transparency and public accountability.
The office is committed to delivering these services in a customer-oriented, efficient, and effective manner while continuously improving and modernizing County financial systems. As part of this commitment, the office is preparing for an upcoming payroll/HR systems implementation that will convert the County to a new platform, reflecting its ongoing investment in modern, reliable financial infrastructure.
Why Ventura County
Located on California's beautiful Gold Coast, Ventura County offers rolling hills, sweeping ocean views, and a near-perfect Mediterranean climate. With an average annual temperature of 74 degrees and a high quality of life, it's home to more than 800,000 residents and consistently ranks among the safest regions in Southern California. The County's diverse economy spans tourism, agriculture, and high-tech industries across well-planned, vibrant communities.
Ventura County is a general-law county governed by a five-member Board of Supervisors, with a County Executive Officer overseeing daily operations, the budget, and strategic initiatives. The organization is committed to engagement and accountability and to fostering a respectful, inclusive environment that supports employees and the communities they serve.
Backed by a $3 billion budget and more than 10,000 full-time equivalent positions, the County delivers a wide range of services through 27 departments and agencies-including public safety, social services, healthcare, resource management, parks, public works, airports, and the harbor. Six additional elected officials lead key departments: the Assessor, Auditor-Controller, Clerk- Recorder/Registrar of Voters, District Attorney, Sheriff, and Treasurer-Tax Collector.
Agency/Department: Auditor-Controller
Payroll Title: Assistant Auditor-Controller
This is an at-will position exempt from the provisions of the Civil Service Ordinance. Incumbents in this classification are eligible for benefits at the MB2 level.
Recruitment Schedule:
This position is open on a continuous basis; applicants are encouraged to apply promptly for immediate consideration. The scheduled first review of resumes will be conducted the week of August 3, 2026. Applicants submitted after that date will be reviewed on a rolling basis. This recruitment may close without notice.
Resume Review:
Resumes will be reviewed, and those candidates demonstrating strong senior fiscal leadership, broad experience with budgeting and financial operations, and solid knowledge of governmental accounting and compliance will be considered for this opportunity. Please ensure your resume and cover letter clearly highlight these areas.
Typical Qualifications
Leadership & Professional Experience

• Senior-level financial management experience in a public-sector or large, complex organization (e.g., finance director, controller, CFO, or similar).
• Experience directing budget development, financial planning, and accounting operations.
• Ability to work independently, lead projects, and anticipate organizational needs.

Technical Expertise

• Strong knowledge of governmental accounting, auditing, financial reporting, and applicable Federal, State, and local fiscal regulations.
• Ability to analyze complex financial data, resolve technical issues, and provide clear recommendations.
• Skilled at synthesizing financial information and preparing accurate, concise reports.
• Solutions-oriented mindset with the ability to improve processes and procedures.

Communication & Collaboration

• Effective communication and partnership-building with elected officials, department heads, and internal/external stakeholders.

To qualify for this position, an individual must possess the education and experience necessary to perform the duties successfully. A typical combination includes:
Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field.
• Requires three years of continuous senior fiscal management experience within the past five years in an organization with comparable fiscal responsibilities.
• California CPA license is desirable.

Other Requirements

• Possession of or ability to obtain and maintain a valid California driver's license.
• Work is performed in a collaborative, team-oriented on-site office environment, Monday through Friday.

Recruitment Process
To APPLY for this executive opportunity, please submit a resume and cover letter that illustrate all of the following:

• Senior Fiscal Leadership: Leadership experience in financial management within a public-sector or large, complex organization, such as a county or city finance director, controller, chief financial officer, or comparable senior fiscal management role.
• Budget & Operations Leadership: Experience directing budget development, financial planning, and accounting operations across a large, multi-function organization.
• Governmental Accounting & Compliance: Comprehensive knowledge of governmental accounting principles, auditing practices, and financial reporting standards, including familiarity with Federal, State, and local codes and regulations governing county fiscal operations.

Submit in one of the following ways:
Submit your resume and cover letter online at http://www.venturacounty.gov/jobsOR E-mail to:
This recruitment will remain open until filled. The first review of resumes will be conducted the week of August 3, 2026. Applicants submitted after that date will be reviewed on a rolling basis. To receive prompt consideration, please submit your materials by the first review date. All relevant experience, training, and education must be included to determine eligibility.
Interview Process
Well-qualified candidates, as evidenced by their résumés, may be invited to an initial screening interview, which could be conducted by phone, one-way video, or another format at the County's discretion. Candidates who advance will be invited to an in-person panel interview. Top finalists will then meet with Auditor-Controller leadership for a final interview. Interviews may be consolidated or expanded depending on the size and quality of the candidate pool.
Background Investigation
The selected candidate may be subject to a thorough background investigation, which may include inquiries into past employment, education, criminal history, and driving record. In addition, the successful candidate will undergo DOJ/FBI Live Scan fingerprinting.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The County of Ventura is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability, family or medical leave status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital or medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy-related conditions), or sexual orientation.
For more information about this position, please contact Bill Friedel at (805) 654-2419 or at
YOUR BENEFITS AS A COUNTY OF VENTURA EMPLOYEE
EXECUTIVE AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT LEVEL (Groups 1 & 2)
To learn more about Benefits, Retirement, and the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), see links