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Controller In Accounting Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

US Metro Bank

Accounting Manager

Garden Grove, CA · On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

POSITION OVERVIEW The Accounting Manager/Assistant Controller is accountable for the accounting operations of the Bank, to include assisting in the production of periodic financial reports ...

US Metro Bank

Accounting Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

POSITION OVERVIEW The Accounting Manager/Assistant Controller is accountable for the accounting operations of the Bank, to include assisting in the production of periodic financial reports ...

US Metro Bank

Accounting Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

POSITION OVERVIEW The Accounting Manager/Assistant Controller is accountable for the accounting operations of the Bank, to include assisting in the production of periodic financial reports ...

US Metro Bank

Accounting Manager

Garden Grove, CA · On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

POSITION OVERVIEW The Accounting Manager/Assistant Controller is accountable for the accounting operations of the Bank, to include assisting in the production of periodic financial reports ...

EMCOR Group Inc

Mesa Energy Systems, Inc.

Irvine, CA

$135K - $165K/yr

Assistant Controller is a manager-level position responsible for assisting the Controller in directing the Company's accounting and finance functions. These functions include establishing and ...

AMVAC CHEMICAL CORP

Corporate Controller

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$180K - $190K/yr

American Vanguard has a unique opportunity for a Corporate Controller in Irvine, California with a current CPA. American Vanguard is a diversified agricultural and specialty products company that ...

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All JobsController In Accounting JobsController In Accounting Jobs in California

Controller In Accounting information

See California salary details

$47.4K

$103.9K

$158.9K

How much do controller in accounting jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for controller in accounting in California is $103,893.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,900.00 and $120,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can you make $500,000 a year as an accountant?

A Controller in accounting can potentially earn $500,000 annually, especially in large corporations or senior executive roles, often including bonuses and profit sharing. However, such high compensation levels are uncommon and typically require extensive experience, advanced certifications like CPA or CMA, and leadership responsibilities. Most accountants and controllers earn significantly less, with salaries varying based on industry, location, and company size.

What does a controller do in accounting?

A controller in accounting is responsible for overseeing the company's financial reporting, maintaining accounting records, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards. They manage financial statements, budgets, and internal controls, often using accounting software, and typically hold certifications like CPA. The role involves supervising accounting staff and providing financial analysis to support management decisions.

Who is higher, CFO or controller?

In accounting, the Controller is responsible for overseeing internal accounting operations, while the CFO (Chief Financial Officer) holds a higher executive position overseeing the company's overall financial strategy, including accounting, finance, and risk management. The CFO typically reports to the CEO and has broader responsibilities than the Controller.

Is controller a high level position?

A controller in accounting is a senior management position responsible for overseeing financial reporting, internal controls, and accounting policies. It typically requires extensive experience, advanced knowledge of accounting standards, and often a CPA certification, making it a high-level role within an organization.

What are Controllers in Accounting?

Controllers in accounting are senior professionals responsible for overseeing the financial operations of an organization. They manage accounting records, ensure compliance with financial regulations, and prepare financial reports such as balance sheets and income statements. Controllers often supervise accounting staff, develop internal controls, and collaborate with executive management to support budgeting and strategic planning. Their role is essential in maintaining the financial integrity and accuracy of a company’s finances.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Controller in Accounting, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Controller in Accounting, you need in-depth knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance, typically backed by a CPA or similar credential and a relevant degree. Familiarity with ERP systems like SAP or Oracle, advanced Excel skills, and experience using financial analysis software are crucial. Strong leadership, analytical thinking, and effective communication set outstanding controllers apart. These skills and qualities ensure accurate financial management, regulatory adherence, and effective guidance of finance teams within an organization.

What are some of the biggest challenges a Controller in Accounting may face during the monthly close process?

Controllers often encounter challenges such as tight deadlines, coordinating with multiple departments to gather accurate financial data, and resolving discrepancies before financial statements are finalized. Managing last-minute adjustments, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and maintaining internal controls can also add complexity. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and proactive issue resolution are key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring a smooth monthly close.

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

AspectController In AccountingAccounting Manager
CredentialsCPA or equivalent, accounting degreeCPA or accounting degree often preferred
Work EnvironmentOversees entire accounting department, strategic focusManages accounting team, focuses on daily operations
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in corporations, large organizationsCommon in various industries, including corporate and non-profit
Search & Comparison IntentHigh overlap in responsibilities and credentialsSimilar roles, but with different scope

The Controller In Accounting typically holds a senior role overseeing all accounting functions, focusing on financial reporting and compliance. The Accounting Manager manages daily accounting operations and team supervision. While both roles require similar credentials and are found in similar environments, the Controller has a broader strategic responsibility, whereas the Manager focuses on operational tasks.

What cities in California are hiring for Controller In Accounting jobs? Cities in California with the most Controller In Accounting job openings:
Controller In Accounting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Controller In Accounting job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $103,893 per year, or $49.9 per hour.
Controller of Accounting (Controller)

Controller of Accounting (Controller)

Skirball Cultural Center

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$140K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

The Skirball Cultural Center seeks an experienced full-time Controller.

The Controller is a key financial leader responsible for ensuring compliance, accuracy, and efficiency of the accounting operations. Reporting to the CFO, this role manages a small team and oversees critical financial processes, including month-end close, cash management, accounts payable, general ledger, audits, and tax preparation. The Controller also drives process improvements, strengthens internal controls, and provides actionable insights to support organizational decision-making.

Note: This position is on-site. The Controller must work daily from the Skirball Cultural Center campus.

Salary Range: $140k - $150k / year

    Responsibilities:

    Financial Operations & Reporting

    • Lead the month-end close process, ensuring timely and accurate financial statements.
    • Maintain financial hygiene through regular account reconciliations, petty cash counts, inventory counts, clearing accounts, fixed assets, prepaids accruals, etc.
    • Oversee cash management, accounts payable, and general ledger functions.
    • Ensure team delivers timely and accurate programmatical and capital projects/expenditures results
    • Collaborate with leadership and departments to provide the most effective reporting and information

    Compliance, Audit & Budget

    • Lead timely year-end audit processes with auditors and tax preparers (990, 5500, 403(b), etc.) ensuring completion which includes schedule preparation, reconciliation and adjustment recording
    • Ensure timely submission of statutory reporting as well as other financial (BLS, AG, county, city, state, etc.) reporting and compliance
    • Assist in researching and analyzing new accounting standards and ensure appropriate planning and implementation of new standards
    • Facilitate departmental cost and trend analysis to identify efficiencies and support decision-making.
    • Assist in preparation of annual operating and capital budgets

    Team Leadership

    • Ensure deadlines are met by actively reprioritizing deliverables as competing priorities evolve to ensure balanced workload while providing CFO timely updates
    • Ensure effective archiving process for digital and physical documents/files which complies with records retention policy
    • Direct, train, and mentor staff. Actively participate in career development of team

    Qualifications, Experience, and Attributes:

    • REQUIRED: At least a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Mathematics, or Economics or the equivalent experience
    • PREFERRED: 8+ years of experience in accounting in an operational multi-unit organization
    • PREFERRED: Certified Public Accountant License (CPA); experience in accounting for a nonprofit organization
    • Skilled thought partner
    • Proven experience in staff management, including demonstrated ability to hire, lead, and develop team members
    • Self-directs and manages upward comfortably
    • Effectively manages multiple projects, dynamically shifts prioritization, operates with both attention-to-detail and big picture focus
    • Strong knowledge and application of GAAP especially with regards to restricted gifts and the management of the accounting processes to support clean reporting
    • Ability to identify, promote, process / systems efficiencies and aid implementation
    • Be a good listener and seek to know competent details of team tasks to better solve new issues and help decision-making
    • Effective oral and written communication, including the ability to translate financial data into meaningful information
    • Proven skills in accounting/financial systems and processes, as well as strong Excel skills.
    • Motivated by collaboration and commitment to provide high quality, timely customer service to internal and external customers

    Physical and environmental demands of the job: Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds.

    Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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