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Chief Controller Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Controller

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Bay Area, CA | Hybrid and Client Facing Employment Type: Full Time NOW CFO is seeking an experienced Controller Consultant to provide senior level accounting and financial leadership to businesses ...

Controller

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Bay Area, CA | Hybrid and Client Facing Employment Type: Full Time NOW CFO is seeking an experienced Controller Consultant to provide senior level accounting and financial leadership to businesses ...

Controller

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Bay Area, CA | Hybrid and Client Facing Employment Type: Full Time NOW CFO is seeking an experienced Controller Consultant to provide senior level accounting and financial leadership to businesses ...

Bay Area, CA | Hybrid and Client Facing Employment Type: Full Time NOW CFO is seeking an experienced Controller Consultant to provide senior level accounting and financial leadership to businesses ...

Controller

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

At NOW CFO, we're looking for a hands‑on Controller to join our Bay Area consulting team and step into meaningful, high‑impact client work from day one. This role is a great fit for Controllers ...

Controller

San Diego, CA · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Approximately 3 6 months Compensation: $140k-$160k About NOW CFO NOW CFO is an outsourced ... Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Director, or comparable leadership experience * Hands ...

Controller

San Diego, CA · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Approximately 36 months Compensation: $140k-$160k About NOW CFO NOW CFO is an outsourced accounting ... Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Director, or comparable leadership experience * Hands ...

Controller

San Diego, CA · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Approximately 3-6 months Compensation: $140k-$160k About NOW CFO NOW CFO is an outsourced ... Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Director, or comparable leadership experience * Hands ...

About NOW CFO NOW CFO is an outsourced accounting and finance firm. We give businesses financial ... Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Director, or comparable leadership experience * Hands ...

NOW CFO, established in 2005, is a roll-up our sleeves full service consulting firm with a singular focus on outsourced CFO, Controller, accounting, and finance needs. Our employees are skilled ...

NOW CFO, established in 2005, is a "roll-up our sleeves" full service consulting firm with a singular focus on outsourced CFO, Controller, accounting, and finance needs. Our employees are skilled ...

NOW CFO, established in 2005, is a roll-up our sleeves full service consulting firm with a singular focus on outsourced CFO, Controller, accounting, and finance needs. Our employees are skilled ...

Controller

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Overview At NOW CFO, we're seeking a hands‑on Controller to join our growing Bay‑Area consulting team and step into meaningful client engagements from day one. This opportunity is ideal for ...

The Controller will partner with the CFO, CEO and provide financial reporting for the leadership and the Board. Responsibilities: -Own accounting operations including AR, AP, Payroll, GL, revenue ...

The Controller will partner with the CFO, CEO and provide financial reporting for the leadership and the Board. Responsibilities: -Own accounting operations including AR, AP, Payroll, GL, revenue ...

The Controller will partner with the CFO, CEO and provide financial reporting for the leadership and the Board. Responsibilities: -Own accounting operations including AR, AP, Payroll, GL, revenue ...

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Showing results 1-20

Chief Controller information

See California salary details

$54.3K

$117.9K

$173.2K

How much do chief controller jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief 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 the difference between Chief Controller vs Controller?

AspectChief ControllerController
Required CredentialsTypically requires CPA or equivalent accounting certifications, extensive experience in financeOften requires CPA or similar certifications, with less seniority needed
Work EnvironmentSenior finance department, executive-level meetings, strategic planningFinance or accounting departments, daily financial operations
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in large corporations, government agencies, and complex organizationsCommon in corporations, non-profits, and smaller organizations
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding senior financial roles, responsibilities, and qualificationsClarifying financial management positions, career progression

The Chief Controller is a senior financial executive overseeing the entire accounting and financial reporting functions, often involved in strategic decision-making. The Controller typically manages daily accounting operations and ensures compliance. While both roles require accounting certifications like CPA, the Chief Controller holds a higher leadership position with broader responsibilities.

How much is the salary of a chief controller?

The salary of a chief controller typically ranges from $80,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on the industry, location, and level of experience. They often hold advanced certifications and oversee financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance within organizations.

What cities in California are hiring for Chief Controller jobs?

Cities in California with the most Chief Controller job openings:

Controller

Bakersfield, CA • On-site

Blueprint CFO
Accounting Services • 11 - 50 employees

$120K - $140K/yr

Other

Posted 9 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.

$120,000 - $140,000 a year

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