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Interim Controller Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Junior Accountant

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$30 - $36/hr

Interim Controller FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Non-Union Salary: $30.00 - $36.00/hour (DOE) Excellent benefits package available Summary: Reporting to the Interim Controller, the Junior Accountant will ...

Assistant Controller

San Jose, CA · On-site

$85 - $105/hr

Company in the South Bay is seeking a Controller or Assistant Controller on an interim/consulting basis. Seeking individuals who come with a minimum of 10 years of experience working in large ...

Assistant Controller

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

Our Mission is to end homelessness by providing interim housing, supportive services, and building ... POSITION PURPOSE The Assistant Controller will report to the Chief Financial Officer. As our ...

Assistant Controller

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

Our Mission is to end homelessness by providing interim housing, supportive services, and building ... POSITION PURPOSE The Assistant Controller will report to the Chief Financial Officer. As our ...

Controller

Sacramento, CA · On-site +1

$142K - $189K/yr

Controller Pay Information: Exempt - $142,300- $189,700per year Location: Remote first work ... Coordinate and manage the interim and annual audit process for all CDA companies and subsidiaries.

The Controller will be responsible for directing the fiscal functions of the organization and ... of all interim and final cost reports, third-party payor reimbursement reports, and related ...

BU Controller

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$140K - $150K/yr

... interim forecasts. * Support Unit managers in generating business plan and budget submissions ... Controlling * Ensure corporate policies and procedures are adhered to at Units. * Identify control ...

Showing results 21-40

Interim Controller information

See California salary details

$26

$65

$98

How much do interim controller jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for interim controller in California is $65.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51.01 and $77.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an interim controller, and why are they important?

To excel as an Interim Controller, you need a solid background in accounting principles, financial reporting, and management, typically supported by a CPA or similar accounting designation. Familiarity with ERP systems, advanced Excel skills, and experience with financial consolidation tools are often required. Strong leadership, adaptability, and excellent communication skills help manage teams and navigate organizational change. These skills ensure accurate financial oversight and smooth transitions during periods of change or organizational restructuring.

What are typical challenges faced by an interim controller when stepping into a new organization?

As an Interim Controller, you may encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to the company’s existing financial systems, understanding ongoing projects, and aligning with team dynamics on short notice. It's common to be tasked with identifying process inefficiencies while maintaining day-to-day accounting operations. Effective communication and building trust with both the finance team and executive leadership are key to delivering results during your limited tenure.

What is the difference between Interim Controller vs Controller?

AspectInterim ControllerController
CredentialsCPA or equivalent, accounting experienceCPA or equivalent, accounting experience
Work EnvironmentTemporary, project-based, often in multiple companiesFull-time, permanent role within a company
Employer UsageHired for transitional periods or special projectsLong-term financial leadership within an organization

The Interim Controller is a temporary, project-focused role often filled during transitions or special projects, requiring similar credentials as a Controller. In contrast, a Controller is a permanent, full-time position responsible for ongoing financial management. Both roles demand accounting expertise and certifications like CPA, but their employment nature and duration differ significantly.

What is an interim controller?

An Interim Controller is a finance professional hired on a temporary basis to manage a company's accounting operations during a transition period, such as a vacancy, leave of absence, or organizational change. Their main responsibilities include overseeing financial reporting, managing accounting staff, ensuring compliance with regulations, and maintaining internal controls. Interim Controllers help ensure business continuity and may also assist with process improvements or special projects until a permanent Controller is hired.

What is an interim controller?

An interim controller is a financial leader who works on a temporary, contract basis when a controller goes on leave, or an organization is in the process of finding a permanent replacement. As an interim controller, your responsibilities are to oversee the institution’s finances and review financial data. Your other duties include creating reports based on your analysis and research, which you present to executives or other top-level managers. You typically report to the company’s CFO and work with compliance specialists to ensure that the business is adhering to all state and federal laws.

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

The most popular types of Controller jobs in California are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Interim Controller jobs?

Cities in California with the most Interim Controller job openings:

Infographic showing various Interim Controller job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $137,096 per year, or $65.9 per hour.

Junior Accountant

Peninsula Humane Society

Burlingame, CA • On-site

$30 - $36/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Junior Accountant

Division: Finance & Administration Division

Reports To: Interim Controller

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Non-Union

Salary: $30.00 - $36.00/hour (DOE)


Excellent benefits package available


Summary: Reporting to the Interim Controller, the Junior Accountant will be responsible for ensuring the financial integrity of the general ledger and ensuring timely and smooth month-end and year-end closes. This position is responsible for reconciling account balances and bank statements for PHS/SPCA. Additionally, this position is responsible for the Payroll function and related reporting.

Position is hands-on and must be performed on-site.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

· Supporting the day-to-day and monthly accounting operations, including account reconciliations, journal entries and initiating reimbursements for some receivables.


· Assist with maintaining an accurate GL database and ensuring integrity between GL and development database.


· Assist with contributing to external audits by preparing schedules and coordinating projects, preparing reports and providing accurate and relevant information.


· Assist with documenting and maintaining policies, procedures and workflows for assigned areas of responsibilities.


· Perform bi-weekly payroll processing and related reporting, including verification of timesheets, union dues, etc.


· Working with human resources to ensure accurate employee set-up/changes in payroll, benefit/union deductions and reporting, accruals, and resolving payroll related issues/discrepancies. Processing and maintaining retirement transmission, reports and census. Preparing final checks timely.


· Prepare bank reconciliations and investigate discrepancies.


· Maintain fixed asset and depreciation schedules


· Maintain schedules for select prepaid expenses. Amortize as appropriate and record monthly allocation expenses.


· Prepare certain monthly reports in a timely manner


· Assist with departmental and organizational special projects as assigned


· Assist in budget preparation as necessary


· Perform other accounting duties as assigned



Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Upon hire, must pass a background check. Possess time management, problem solving and strong organizational skills. Must be detail-oriented and able to effectively prioritize competing projects.


Education and/or Experience:

Bachelor's degree in accounting from a four-year college or university or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Minimum 2 years’ experience in similar role. Thorough understanding of accounting and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Experience with Blackbaud Financial Edge and ADP Workforce Now strongly preferred.


Language Skills:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and/or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, employees, clients, customers, and the general public.


Mathematical Skills:

Ability to calculate earnings, labor hours and overtime plus figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.


Computer Skills:

Knowledge of computerized general ledger systems, such as Blackbaud Financial Edge; payroll systems, such as ADP Workforce Now; and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).


Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands and fingers to handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.


Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. May be exposed to zoonotic diseases. This position has designated start times due to time-sensitive duties, opening the shelter, offering services, etc.



EOE/M/F/D/V/SO