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Financial Controller Contract Jobs in California

Teksky

Financial Controller

Hayward, CA · On-site

Citizens - this position will be working directly on a contract with the U.S. Government, which requires all employees performing these functions be U.S. Citizens. This position is contingent on the ...

Strategic Legal Practices

Controller

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$140K - $190K/yr

Champion AI-powered tools across finance - contract review, intelligent invoice processing, anomaly detection, and automated reporting. * Drive integrations between accounting platforms, practice ...

Strategic Legal Practices

Controller

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$140K - $190K/yr

Champion AI-powered tools across finance -- contract review, intelligent invoice processing, anomaly detection, and automated reporting. * Drive integrations between accounting platforms, practice ...

Strategic Legal Practices

Controller

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$140K - $190K/yr

Champion AI-powered tools across finance - contract review, intelligent invoice processing, anomaly detection, and automated reporting. * Drive integrations between accounting platforms, practice ...

Legal Industry Company

Controller

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

Champion AI-powered tools across finance -- contract review, intelligent invoice processing, anomaly detection, and automated reporting. * Drive integrations between accounting platforms, practice ...

Morrison

Chief Financial Officer

Chico, CA · On-site

$200K - $220K/yr

Large Contract & Revenue Management * Lead financial oversight of high-value prepaid contracts ... Provide strategic oversight and mentorship to the Financial Controller and Accounting Specialist ...

Morrison

Chief Financial Officer

Chico, CA · On-site

$200K - $220K/yr

Large Contract & Revenue Management * Lead financial oversight of high-value prepaid contracts ... Provide strategic oversight and mentorship to the Financial Controller and Accounting Specialist ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsFinancial Controller Contract JobsFinancial Controller Contract Jobs in California

Financial Controller Contract information

See California salary details

$39K

$109.7K

$155.9K

How much do financial controller contract jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for financial controller contract in California is $109,688.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,300.00 and $127,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Financial Controller Contract vs Financial Analyst?

AspectFinancial Controller ContractFinancial Analyst
CredentialsCPA or equivalent, accounting degreeFinance, accounting, or related degree
Work EnvironmentFinance departments, accounting firms, corporate officesCorporate, investment firms, consulting
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in companies needing financial oversight, often on a contract basisUsed for financial planning, analysis, and reporting

The main difference is that a Financial Controller Contract oversees financial operations and compliance, often on a temporary basis, while a Financial Analyst focuses on analyzing financial data to support decision-making. Both roles require strong financial credentials but serve different functions within an organization.

What is a financial controller contract?

A Financial Controller Contract is a temporary or fixed-term position in which a finance professional oversees the accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting functions of an organization. Contracted Financial Controllers are often hired to manage financial operations during periods of transition, such as mergers, staff leave, or organizational restructuring. They ensure accuracy in financial statements, compliance with regulations, and may also help implement new financial systems or processes. This role typically requires strong accounting expertise, attention to detail, and the ability to quickly adapt to new environments.

What are some common challenges a financial controller faces when working on a contract basis, and how can they be addressed?

Financial Controllers working on contract assignments often encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to new company cultures, understanding unique financial systems, and meeting tight deadlines for financial reporting. To succeed, it's important to rapidly build relationships with existing finance teams, be proactive in learning company-specific processes, and clarify expectations with stakeholders early on. Leveraging strong communication skills and drawing on experience from previous roles can help contract Financial Controllers integrate efficiently and deliver value from day one.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a financial controller contract?

To thrive as a Financial Controller (Contract), you need strong expertise in accounting, financial analysis, and compliance, typically supported by a relevant degree and professional certifications like CPA or ACCA. Advanced proficiency in financial reporting software (such as SAP, Oracle, or QuickBooks) and Excel is also crucial. Exceptional attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and strong communication skills help you lead teams and liaise with stakeholders effectively. These skills ensure accurate financial oversight, regulatory compliance, and sound decision-making vital for organizational stability during contract engagements.
What are the most commonly searched types of Financial Controller jobs in California? The most popular types of Financial Controller jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Financial Controller Contract jobs in California? For Financial Controller Contract jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Financial Controller Contract jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Financial Controller Contract jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Financial Controller Contract jobs? Cities in California with the most Financial Controller Contract job openings:
Financial Controller Contract jobs near you
Infographic showing various Financial Controller Contract job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,688 per year, or $52.7 per hour.

Financial Controller

Atlas Data Storage, Inc.

South San Francisco, CA • On-site

$230K - $260K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

About AtlasBase
AtlasBase is a fast-growing pioneer in Molecular Computing, bridging the gap between traditional IT and biotechnology. We are redefining global IT infrastructure by driving breakthroughs in both Molecular Compute and Molecular Data Storage. By commercializing synthetic DNA-based technologies at IT scale, AtlasBase delivers ultra-high-density, low-maintenance, and carbon-conscious solutions built for the explosive growth and value of the world's data. Leveraging nature's most durable medium, we provide a virtually permanent foundation that transforms how the world processes and secures its most critical information.
Originally spun out of Twist Bioscience, our team is an elite fusion of scientists, engineers, and operators dedicated to solving some of the most complex infrastructure challenges on Earth. While our work is grounded in deep science, our success depends on world-class talent across every discipline. We are seeking a Financial Controller who is ready to bring their expertise to a high-impact environment and help us build a brand-new category of technology.
The Role:
We are seeking a Financial Controller to lead the accounting function, with the vision and experience to build a strong financial foundation for rapid growth and provide strategic insight as we build a brand-new category of technology. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Financial Controller will lead all aspects of accounting, financial operations, reporting, and internal financial systems and controls, while ensuring the rigor, scalability, and financial discipline needed to support rapid growth. You will be responsible for building scalable systems, strengthening internal controls, and ensuring financial accuracy and compliance. As the Company's accounting leader, you will partner closely with our accomplished Executive Team and divisional leadership to support strategic decisions and operational growth.
Responsibilities:
  • Oversee all day-to-day accounting operations, including general ledger, AP/AR, payroll, and month-end close
  • Ensure accurate and timely financial statements in compliance with GAAP, including technical matters such as revenue recognition, lease accounting, R&D expenditures and capitalization, and stock-based compensation
  • Develop and implement internal controls, accounting policies, and scalable processes
  • Manage cash flow forecasting, budgeting, and financial planning in collaboration with executive leadership
  • Lead annual audit and tax preparation with external auditors and advisors.
  • Implement and manage accounting systems, tools, and infrastructure suitable for a growing startup
  • Support contract review, financial modeling, and cost analysis to inform business decisions
  • Partner cross-functionally with Operations, R&D, and Sales/Business Development to track project costs and financial performance
  • Prepare board-level financial reporting packages and support investor communications, as needed
  • Communicate Company performance and trends through effective use of dashboards and KPIs to support executive decision making

Qualifications:
  • 8+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including experience in a Controller, Assistant Controller, or Senior Accounting Manager role
  • Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and experience managing audits
  • Prior experience in a high-growth startup in technology, biotech, or hardware/manufacturing environment
  • Proven ability to design and implement accounting processes and systems
  • Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, cash flow, and forward-looking financial modeling
  • Exceptional attention to detail, analytical skills, and financial acumen
  • Proficiency with accounting software (e.g., NetSuite or similar) and Excel/Google Sheets
  • Ability to 'see around corners' to plan for what's next and provide leadership in building the accounting & finance function
  • Ability to operate both strategically and hands-on in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • CPA certification (required)
  • Big 4 or related audit experience (required)
  • Experience with cost accounting, sales accounting, inventory management, or manufacturing accounting (required)
  • Experience leading Single Audits and supporting federal grant compliance or government contracting a plus
  • Familiarity with SaaS or hybrid revenue models.

Additional:
  • In-office or hybrid; relocation considered
  • Authorization to work in the U.S is a precondition to employment. AtlasBase is unable to provide H1B visa sponsorship for this position at this time.

Competitive Benefits Package
  • Generous PTO Policy
  • 12 Paid Holidays
  • 401k Program with Match
  • Lunch and snacks in office
  • Robust health, dental, vision insurance, and more

Why AtlasBase?
AtlasBase is a pioneer in Molecular Computing, bridging the gap between traditional IT and biotechnology. We are redefining global IT infrastructure by driving breakthroughs in both Molecular Processing and Molecular Data Storage. By commercializing synthetic DNA-based technologies at IT scale, AtlasBase delivers ultra-high-density, low-maintenance, carbon-conscious solutions built for the explosive growth and value of the world's data. Leveraging nature's most durable medium, we provide a virtually permanent foundation that transforms how the world processes and secures its most critical information. We've raised over $150M from ARCH Ventures (early investor in Illumina, Juno Therapeutics, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, GRAIL, Array BioPharma et al), Deerfield Management (early investor in Nuvalent, Melinta Therapeutics et al) and other top-tier investors. Based in South San Francisco, and our team comes from world class organizations like Twist Bioscience, Net App, Illumina, and other highly successful companies. Join us in building the future of Molecular Computing!
The pay range for this role is:
230,000 - 260,000 USD per year (HQ)

Apply