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Cost Controller Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Mynt Systems

Controller

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

This role owns the month-end close, financial reporting, job cost accounting, payroll oversight, and internal controls. Beyond execution, the Controller is expected to evaluate existing systems and ...

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 ... Billing, A/R, A/P, Cost Accounting, Inventory Accounting and Revenue Recognition, GL and Counsel

Dunlop

Controller

Benicia, CA · On-site

Financial Controller Dunlop Manufacturing, Inc., a long-standing manufacturer for the Music ... Oversee and monitor cost accounting system and provide recommendations and guidance to management ...

Wieland

Controller

South Gate, CA

$114K - $143K/yr

Strong knowledge of financial reporting, cost accounting, inventory accounting, and internal controls. * Experience with ERP systems and financial consolidation/reporting systems, such as OneStream.

Wieland

Controller

South Gate, CA · On-site

$114K - $130K/yr

Strong knowledge of financial reporting, cost accounting, inventory accounting, and internal controls. * Experience with ERP systems and financial consolidation/reporting systems, such as OneStream.

Wieland

Controller

South Gate, CA · On-site

$114K - $130K/yr

Strong knowledge of financial reporting, cost accounting, inventory accounting, and internal controls. * Experience with ERP systems and financial consolidation/reporting systems, such as OneStream.

Real Time CFOs

Financial Controller

Davis, CA · On-site

Looking to hire a Controller with experience in manufacturing accounting and finance. This position ... An advanced understanding of cost accounting and payroll is a must. HR understanding is also a plus.

General Matter

Controller

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

Reliable, low-cost enrichment is the catalyst for the nuclear Renaissance now under way. Our ... Controller As General Matter's Controller, you will play a pivotal role in building and scaling the ...

Real Time CFOs

Financial Controller

Davis, CA

Looking to hire a Controller with experience in manufacturing accounting and finance. This position ... An advanced understanding of cost accounting and payroll is a must. HR understanding is also a plus.

Semtech

Plant Controller

Alhambra, CA · On-site

$165K - $180K/yr

Reporting to the SR Controller SIP, this role is responsible for executing plant-level cost accounting, financial reporting, and operational analysis. Strategic financial decisions and senior ...

Strategic Employment

Plant Controller

Fullerton, CA · On-site

$110K - $137K/yr

... cost accounting, and business analysis. Responsibilities • Lead monthly close and financial ... Controller, Assistant Controller, Operations Controller, or similar leadership experience • ...

General Matter

Controller

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Reliable, low-cost enrichment is the catalyst for the nuclear Renaissance now under way. Our ... Controller As General Matter's Controller, you will play a pivotal role in building and scaling the ...

Semtech

Plant Controller

Alhambra, CA

$165K - $180K/yr

Reporting to the SR Controller SIP, this role is responsible for executing plant-level cost accounting, financial reporting, and operational analysis. Strategic financial decisions and senior ...

PSG Global Solutions

Cost Accountant

Brea, CA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

The Cost Accountant will support the Controller in executing cost accounting functions and assist in the development of information needed to support operating plans. The Cost Accountant will be ...

Praxt Talent

Plant Controller

West Sacramento, CA · On-site

$115K - $125K/yr

Plant Controller We are partnering with a manufacturing company seeking a Plant Controller to serve ... Monitor inventory levels and cost trends while supporting operational decision-making. * Develop ...

Sun West Mortgage-Since 1980

Controller

Cerritos, CA · On-site

The Controller will be responsible for the accuracy of all financial functions, including cost accounting, cycle management, reporting, risk analysis, internal controls, etc. You will demonstrate ...

KCG

Be Seen First

Controller

Irvine, CA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Manufacturing Operations Controller Orange County, CA (Preference) | Multi-Site | 50-70% Travel We ... Strong cost accounting and inventory experience * Background in precision machining, aerospace ...

MONZON & SON ENTERPRISES INC

Controller

Lynwood, CA · On-site

$135K - $150K/yr

The Controller plays a critical leadership role in overseeing the financial operations and ... Provide and Analyze financial data to identify trends, variances, and opportunities for cost ...

Real Time CFOs

Financial Controller

Sacramento, CA · On-site

Looking to hire a Controller with experience in manufacturing accounting and finance. This position ... An advanced understanding of cost accounting and payroll is a must. Salary based on amount of ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsCost Controller JobsCost Controller Jobs in California

Cost Controller information

See California salary details

$35K

$97K

$146.1K

How much do cost controller jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for cost controller in California is $96,990.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,100.00 and $117,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cost controller?

Cost controllers track and control the costs associated with a project. They work in many different industries, including business, construction, and health care. As a cost controller, your job duties include verifying costs with vendors and suppliers, estimating expenditures, and recommending cost-saving measures to upper management. To become a cost controller, you need a bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or a related field and several years of industry experience.

How does a cost controller typically collaborate with project managers and other departments to ensure project budgets are maintained?

A Cost Controller works closely with project managers, procurement teams, and finance departments to monitor spending, forecast costs, and ensure budgets are adhered to throughout a project's lifecycle. Regular meetings and status updates are common, allowing the Cost Controller to track progress, identify potential overruns early, and suggest corrective actions. Effective communication and proactive problem-solving are essential, as the role often involves negotiating with various stakeholders to maintain financial discipline while supporting project objectives.

What is the difference between Cost Controller vs Cost Analyst?

AspectCost ControllerCost Analyst
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in finance, accounting, or related field; certifications like CMA or CPA are commonSimilar credentials; often holds degrees in finance, accounting, or economics; certifications like CMA are advantageous
Work EnvironmentUsually employed in construction, manufacturing, or large corporate projects; involved in budgeting and cost managementWorks in finance or accounting departments; focuses on analyzing costs and financial data
Industry UsageCommonly used in industries with large projects or production processesUsed across various industries for financial analysis and reporting

While both roles involve financial analysis, a Cost Controller primarily manages and monitors project or departmental budgets, ensuring costs stay within limits. A Cost Analyst focuses on analyzing financial data to identify cost-saving opportunities and support decision-making. Both roles require strong analytical skills and financial knowledge, but their focus areas differ slightly.

How much does a cost controller make in the US?

A cost controller in the US typically earns between $60,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Senior or specialized roles can pay over $100,000, especially in large companies or high-cost areas. The role often requires proficiency with budgeting, financial analysis, and cost management tools.

What does a cost controller do?

A cost controller is responsible for monitoring and managing a company's expenses to ensure projects and operations stay within budget. They analyze financial data, prepare reports, and implement cost-saving measures, often using accounting software. Strong analytical skills and attention to detail are essential for this role.
More about Cost Controller jobs

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

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

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

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

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Cost Controller jobs in CA?

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Cost Controller jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cost Controller job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,990 per year, or $46.6 per hour.

Controller

Mynt Systems

Santa Cruz, CA • On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Department: Finance & Accounting
Reports To: CFO / COO
Location: 111 Mission Street, Santa Cruz, CA (Hybrid)
FLSA Status: Exempt
Compensation: $115,000 - $140,000, based on experience
About MYNT
MYNT Systems is a vertically integrated energy company built to lead the global energy transition by uniting engineering, construction, analytics, and long-term asset operations under one roof. Unlike fragmented market players, we originate, engineer, construct, and manage high-complexity, clean-energy infrastructure with an operator's mindset and an investor's discipline. We focus on rigorous performance and full lifecycle control of energy assets to de-risk capital, deliver measurable returns for clients, and scale a new standard for dependable, clean power in the rapidly growing distributed energy market.
Role Summary
The Controller is responsible for the full accounting operations of MYNT Systems and its related entities. This role owns the month-end close, financial reporting, job cost accounting, payroll oversight, and internal controls. Beyond execution, the Controller is expected to evaluate existing systems and processes critically, identifying gaps, recommending improvements, and leading implementation when systems need to be replaced or restructured.
This is a hands-on role in a lean finance team. The Controller works closely with the COO/CFO and collaborates with project management, HR (including payroll function oversight), and operations to ensure financial data is accurate, timely, and decision-useful.
Core Responsibilities
Financial Close & Reporting
  • Own the full month-end close cycle, including journal entries, accruals, and balance sheet reconciliations
  • Produce monthly financial statements and management reports on a defined close calendar
  • Maintain dual reporting methodology: earned revenue basis for internal management reporting; billed basis for lender and bonding reporting
  • Prepare and maintain WIP schedules, over/under billing analysis, and job cost reports by project
  • Support year-end close and coordinate with external CPA firm for tax preparation and audit
  • Develop management reporting that goes beyond accuracy into actionable insight, including margin analysis by project, business unit performance, and trend identification
  • Develop and maintain financial KPIs for project performance, operational efficiency, and business unit profitability
  • Produce monthly Backlog Analysis and Progress Billing Summary reports, flagging variances and anomalies to CFO/COO
  • Maintain over/under billing analysis as a standalone deliverable
  • Own the monthly Earned Revenue Workbook, including pulling Job Summary Reports from Jonas, reconciling milestone vs. earned revenue basis, and ensuring monthly financial statements reflect ASC 606 revenue recognition

Job Cost & Construction Accounting
  • Maintain job cost accounting across all active projects using Jonas Premier (ERP)
  • Validate earned revenue monthly using Job Summary Reports (JSR) in accordance with ASC 606 percent-complete methodology
  • Partner with Project Management and field operations to ensure cost coding accuracy, change order tracking, time card accuracy, and budget vs. actual visibility
  • Identify and escalate job cost variances and margin erosion in a timely manner
  • Manage grant revenue recognition for clean energy incentives (CALeVIP, CEC, ITC) including supporting documentation and AJEs
  • Establish and maintain warranty reserve accounting policies, including determination of reserve amounts, timing of accrual, and release methodology; ensure reserves are properly reflected in job cost, WIP, and earned revenue calculations

Accounts Payable, Receivable & Payroll
  • Oversee AP, AR, and subcontractor payment processes; ensure compliance with conditional and unconditional lien waiver requirements
  • Oversee field payroll processing, prevailing wage compliance, and certified payroll submission in coordination with payroll provider (Bizhaven/Paylocity) and external compliance firm (PWC); review prevailing wage payroll batches before release and certified payroll submissions before DIR filing
  • Oversee payroll provider (Bizhaven) for payroll processing function, including bi-weekly payroll batches, time card approval workflow, prevailing wage payroll, and certified payroll
  • Review and approve payroll batches before release; serve as primary point of accountability for payroll accuracy
  • Oversee fringe benefit accounting and remittance tied to IBEW signatory obligations, including reconciliation against Jonas burden rates
  • Support ITC/PWA documentation package for placed-in-service projects, including running ratio reconciliation and records retention
  • Manage owner draws, intercompany transactions, and related-entity accounting across MYNT Systems, AMPS-EV I LLC, and real estate holding entity

Internal Controls & Compliance
  • Design, document, and enforce accounting policies and internal controls
  • Maintain fixed asset register and depreciation schedules (book depreciation managed in-house)
  • Support banking, bonding, lender, and insurance broker relationships, including preparation of financial packages and WIP certifications
  • Ensure compliance with California sales and use tax, contractor license requirements, and relevant employment tax obligations
  • Own records retention policy enforcement, including ITC/PWA-specific documentation requirements
  • Review vendor and subcontractor contracts for financial terms (payment, indemnity caps, LDs, retention) and coordinate subcontractor financial vetting
  • Develop and maintain written accounting policies and memos for non-routine matters (CIP, warranty accounting, cost capitalization, inter-company transfers)

Financial Systems Architecture & Process Design
  • Own the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of financial processes and reporting infrastructure. This includes maintaining existing systems (labor reclassification, earned revenue reconciliation, cash flow dashboards) and building new processes to support evolving business needs
  • Identify reporting and accounting gaps; translate business questions into financial analyses and systems that provide decision-useful information to leadership
  • Build scalable accounting infrastructure that supports growth without proportional increases in manual effort or complexity
  • Evaluate accounting systems, tools, and workflows on a recurring basis-not just for accuracy, but for fitness as the company scales
  • Identify when processes need to be replaced rather than improved; develop and execute transition plans
  • Partner with COO/CFO on system selection, ERP configuration, and financial process design

Vendor & External Partner Oversight
  • Serve as primary point of accountability for finance-adjacent external vendors, including Biz Ops (Higherring), Prevailing Wage/Compliance firm (PWC), and payroll processing function at HR vendor (Bizhaven)
  • Review vendor deliverables for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with MYNT standards before any external submission or executive distribution
  • Manage recurring vendor scope, performance, and SLA compliance; surface scope or performance issues to CFO/COO
  • Oversee fleet cost management, including registration, insurance certificates, and personal-use imputation (in partnership with Construction Manager for operational day-to-day)
  • Oversee insurance policy management and annual renewal coordination across all non-HR policies
  • Oversee vendor and software license management, including procurement and renewal decisions within approved budget
  • Note: HR-side vendor relationship with Bizhaven (handbook, OSHA, workplace investigations, benefits compliance, AB 1825, onboarding/offboarding) remains with COO/CFO; Controller oversight is scoped to the payroll processing function only

Leadership & Team Development
  • Manage and develop accounting staff (currently 1-2 direct reports)
  • Build team capacity through documentation, cross-training, and clear process ownership
  • Serve as a resource to operations, project management, and HR on finance-related questions
  • Partner with department leaders (PM, Sales, Field Operations) on financial visibility, project profitability, and operational decision-making
  • Operate as accountable owner (A) for accounting deliverables produced by the Finance Manager (R), including review, approval, and quality control before any external distribution or executive reporting
  • Hold recurring weekly meetings with the Finance Manager for accounting review, guidance, and ongoing development

Requirements
Qualifications
Required
  • 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 2 years in a controller or senior accounting leadership role
  • Construction industry accounting experience, including job costing, WIP reporting, and percent-complete revenue recognition (ASC 606)
  • Strong knowledge of GAAP and construction accounting principles
  • Experience with a construction ERP (Jonas Premier, Sage 300 CRE, Foundation, Viewpoint, or equivalent)
  • Demonstrated ability to evaluate and improve-or replace-accounting systems and processes
  • Proficiency in Excel, including reconciliation and reporting model development
  • Familiarity with California prevailing wage and certified payroll requirements
  • Experience managing or overseeing external service providers, including accountability for vendor deliverable quality and scope
  • Experience overseeing payroll processing in a multi-jurisdiction or prevailing wage environment

Preferred
  • Experience with IBEW or other union payroll and benefit fund reporting
  • Experience with multi-entity accounting and intercompany eliminations
  • Familiarity with solar, electrical contracting, or renewable energy EPC contractors
  • Experience supporting bonding and lender financial reporting
What We're Looking For
  • Systems thinker. You see friction as signal.
  • Improvement vs. replacement instinct. You know when to fix a process and when to replace it.
  • Discipline. You close on time, every time, and you make it better each cycle.
  • Range. You can explain a WIP schedule to a project manager and a covenant calculation to a lender.
  • Curiosity. You want to understand the business, not just the books.
  • Ownership. You are direct, accountable, and don't need hand-holding.
Direct Reports
  • Finance Manager
Working Conditions
  • Supplemental Information to Assist Organizations In Their Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • http://www.niqca.org/documents/ADAPhysicalRequirementsChecklist.pdf
Physical Requirements
  • Supplemental Information to Assist Organizations In Their Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • http://www.niqca.org/documents/ADAPhysicalRequirementsChecklist.pdf
General Benefits*
  • Access to medical, dental, vision, life, EAP and 401K.
  • Up to 42 hours of paid Continued Education for learning and supporting your personal and professional growth.
  • $1,000 annual professional development stipend.
  • Cell phone reimbursement.
  • Laptop reimbursement.
  • 1 week vacation at 6 months of continuous employment.
  • Unlimited vacation after 1+ year tenure.

*All subject to probationary period
Working at MYNT
At MYNT, we are more than just a vertically integrated energy company; we are a community of innovative problem-solvers dedicated to leading the global energy transition. Our culture is built on the foundation of Empowering People and Growth, where we prioritize our team members and champion their potential with unwavering integrity.
We thrive in a collaborative, team-based environment that embraces healthy debate. We challenge one another to perform at our best, believing that Bold Curiosity and a "Whatever It Takes" attitude are essential to driving solutions and resolving roadblocks. At MYNT, we encourage you to show up, work hard, and embrace growth-which includes the freedom to make mistakes, learn, and do better, all while creating a community that shows up for each other, respects one another, and has a good time doing it.
MYNT Systems is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

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