ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Automotive Controller Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

GHJ

Controller

Bakersfield, CA

$120K - $140K/yr

Reporting directly to the CFO, the Controller will lead a four-person accounting team and take ownership of the company's core accounting operations, financial reporting, controls, and close ...

Ignite Human Capital

Controller

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

$100 - $150/hr

Position Overview Family office in Beverly Hills is seeking a Controller to work with the CFO. The Controller will assist with all accounting functions for residential and commercial properties and ...

Pinnacle Search

Controller

San Jose, CA · On-site

We're partnering with a private equity-backed, high-growth field-based services company seeking a hands-on Controller/Head of Finance & Accounting to help build and scale the finance and accounting ...

Now CFO

Controller

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Controller Consultant Bay Area, CA Compensation: $150,000 $180,000 base salary, depending on experience Location: Bay Area, CA | Hybrid with regular client-site work Employment Type: Full-Time NOW CF ...

Blueprint CFO

Controller

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$120 - $140/hr

Reporting directly to the CFO, the Controller will lead a four-person accounting team and take ownership of the company's core accounting operations, financial reporting, controls, and close ...

Pinnacle Search

Controller

San Francisco, CA · On-site

We're partnering with a private equity-backed, high-growth field-based services company seeking a hands-on Controller/Head of Finance & Accounting to help build and scale the finance and accounting ...

Now CFO

Controller

San Jose, CA · Hybrid

$150K - $180K/yr

Controller Consultant - Bay Area, CA Compensation: $150,000-$180,000 base salary, depending on experience Location: Bay Area, CA | Hybrid with regular client-site work Employment Type: Full-Time NOW ...

Bellows Plumbing, Heating & Air

Controller

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site +1

$95K - $135K/yr

About the Financial Controller position We are looking for a skilled Financial Controller who will be responsible for all aspects of financial management, including corporate accounting, regulatory ...

The Network 101

Controller

Scotts Valley, CA · On-site

$230K - $270K/yr

Controller (Hands-On Build Role | Hardware / Manufacturing) Location: Scotts Valley, CA (Onsite 4-5 days/week) Relocation support provided Salary: $230,000 - $270,000 base + meaningful equity We are ...

Strategic Employment

Controller

Newhall, CA · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

Controller -- Heavy Civil / General Engineering Construction A well-established, family-owned heavy civil contractor in the Santa Clarita Valley is looking for a Controller to run their accounting ...

GHJ

Controller

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Reporting directly to the CFO, the Controller will lead a four-person accounting team and take ownership of the company's core accounting operations, financial reporting, controls, and close ...

Conexus

Controller

Chino, CA · On-site

Controller Compensation: $170,000 - $220,000 + Bonus Location: Chino, CA 91708 (Onsite) Email your word document resume to Hayley.h@conexusrecruiting.com and reference the subject as Controller ...

Pinnacle Search

Controller

San Mateo, CA · On-site

We're partnering with a private equity-backed, high-growth field-based services company seeking a hands-on Controller/Head of Finance & Accounting to help build and scale the finance and accounting ...

Asset Living

Controller

Folsom, CA · Remote

$110K - $150K/yr

The controller leads a team of assistant controllers and accountants and has regular interaction with clients and auditors. Together with other controllers, ensure accounting procedures conform to ...

Pacific Fusion

Controller

San Leandro, CA · On-site

Why This Role Matters As Controller, you will be responsible for all accounting and financial ... Experience working in industries such as: fusion, energy, aerospace, automotive or manufacturing

Now CFO

Controller

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150 - $180/hr

As a Controller Consultant, you'll partner directly with executive leadership teams to strengthen accounting operations, improve financial visibility, build scalable processes, and support strategic ...

Pinnacle Search

Controller

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

We're partnering with a private equity-backed, high-growth field-based services company seeking a hands-on Controller/Head of Finance & Accounting to help build and scale the finance and accounting ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsAutomotive Controller JobsAutomotive Controller Jobs in California

Automotive Controller information

See California salary details

$54.3K

$117.9K

$173.2K

How much do automotive controller jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive controller in California is $117,932.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,700.00 and $136,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an automotive controller?

An Automotive Controller is a finance professional responsible for overseeing the accounting, financial reporting, and budgeting processes within an automotive dealership or manufacturing company. They ensure compliance with industry regulations, manage internal controls, and provide financial analysis to support business decisions. Additionally, they oversee accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and tax filings while working closely with management to improve profitability.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an automotive controller in an auto dealership?

Automotive Controllers are responsible for overseeing all accounting operations, preparing financial statements, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with automotive industry regulations. You’ll typically supervise accounting staff, reconcile dealership accounts, handle payroll, and work closely with department managers to analyze financial performance. The role also involves monthly and yearly closing processes, working with external auditors, and implementing internal controls. Expect to collaborate regularly with dealership ownership and department heads, making the position both strategic and hands-on in a fast-paced environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the automotive controller position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automotive Controller, you need strong financial management skills, a solid understanding of dealership accounting, and a degree in accounting or finance. Familiarity with dealership management systems (such as CDK Global or Reynolds & Reynolds), advanced Excel skills, and CPA certification are often highly valued. Attention to detail, leadership ability, strong organizational skills, and effective communication set top candidates apart. These competencies are essential for ensuring financial accuracy, regulatory compliance, and effective collaboration within an automotive dealership environment.

How do you become an automotive controller?

To become an automotive controller, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field, along with experience in financial management or accounting within the automotive industry. Strong analytical skills, knowledge of accounting software, and understanding of automotive operations are also important. Some roles may require professional certifications such as CPA or CMA.

What are the most commonly searched types of Automotive Controller jobs in California?

The most popular types of Automotive Controller jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Automotive Controller jobs in California?

For Automotive Controller jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Automotive Controller jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Automotive Controller jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Automotive Controller jobs?

Cities in California with the most Automotive Controller job openings:

Automotive Controller jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automotive Controller job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,932 per year, or $56.7 per hour.

Controller

GHJ

Bakersfield, CA

$120K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

GHJ Search & Staffing is partnering with a successful, privately held company in the agriculture and organic produce industry to identify a hands-on Controller for its Bakersfield headquarters.

Reporting directly to the CFO, the Controller will lead a four-person accounting team and take ownership of the company's core accounting operations, financial reporting, controls, and close processes.

This is not a purely oversight-focused Controller position. The successful candidate will be comfortable operating at both the leadership and transactional levels—developing the accounting team while personally getting into journal entries, reconciliations, general ledger activity, financial reporting, and accounting issues when needed.

The opportunity is particularly well suited for a Controller or experienced Accounting Manager who enjoys working in a smaller, entrepreneurial environment and wants significant visibility and the opportunity to expand their responsibilities over time.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead the accounting function and maintain ownership of accurate and timely month-end and year-end close.
  • Remain actively involved in journal entries, account reconciliations, general ledger activity, and resolution of accounting discrepancies.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a four-person AP/AR accounting team.
  • Oversee grower accounting, settlements, and reporting, ensuring accuracy and transparency.
  • Prepare and review financial statements, budgets, forecasts, and variance analyses.
  • Partner closely with the CFO on cash flow forecasting, budgeting, financial reporting, analysis, and business decision support.
  • Maintain and strengthen internal controls and ensure compliance with GAAP and applicable financial requirements.
  • Partner cross-functionally with sales, operations, and grower relations to understand how operational activity flows through the financial statements.
  • Identify and implement accounting process, systems, reporting, and workflow improvements.
  • Leverage technology and automation to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and scalability of the accounting function.
  • Maintain effective financial reporting and accounting workflows within the company's ERP environment.
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; Accounting preferred.
  • 7+ years of progressive accounting experience with significant hands-on general ledger and close responsibility.
  • Accounting management, Assistant Controller, Controller, or comparable leadership experience.
  • Demonstrated experience leading and developing accounting staff.
  • Strong knowledge of GAAP, accrual accounting, financial reporting, and internal controls.
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
  • Strong ERP/accounting systems experience.
  • Agriculture, produce, food production/distribution, or another inventory-based industry background strongly preferred.
  • Experience with grower accounting, settlements, farming operations, or agricultural accounting is highly desirable.
  • Famous ERP experience is a plus.
What They're Looking For

The ideal Controller combines strong technical accounting skills with a hands-on mentality. You enjoy leading people but don't believe a Controller title means stepping away from the accounting itself.

You are someone who will dig into an unusual balance, prepare or review a journal entry, help resolve a reconciliation issue, improve a process, and work alongside the team when necessary.

This is a highly visible position with direct access to the CFO and executive leadership and the opportunity to assume greater responsibility as the organization evolves.

#GHJSS #LI-MO1

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.