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Interim Controller Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Addison Group

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 ...

LIFEMOVES

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 ...

LIFEMOVES

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 ...

California Dental Association

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.

DHILLON HEALTHCARE GROUP

Controller

Salida, CA

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 ...

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Interim Controller information

See California salary details

$26

$65

$98

How much do interim controller jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 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 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 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.

More about Interim Controller jobs

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

The most popular types of Controller jobs in California are:

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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:

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Cities in California with the most Interim Controller job openings:

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

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

Interim Controller jobs near you
Infographic showing various Interim Controller job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $137,096 per year, or $65.9 per hour.

Accounting Consultant - Engagement Director

Cliftonlarsonallen

Glendora, CA

$50 - $85/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

CliftonLarsonAllen rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 23 rated bookkeepers and accountants

Job description

CLA is a top 10 national professional services firm where our purpose is to create opportunities every day, for our clients, our people, and our communities through industry-focused wealth advisory, digital, audit, tax, consulting, and outsourcing services. Even with more than 9,000 people, 130 U.S. locations, and a global reach, we promise to know you and help you.

CLA is dedicated to building a culture that invites different beliefs and perspectives to the table, so we can truly know and help our clients, communities, and each other.

About the role:

CLA is looking to hire Accounting Consultants (Engagement Directors) for our Client Accounting and Advisory Services (CAAS). CAAS provides customized accounting support for our clients (typically larger than $50M) on an interim and project basis. If flexibility, variety, and life balance are important to you...keep reading!

As an Engagement Director, you will:

  • Serve as a high-level interim or project-based accounting resource for clients in various industries on accounting, finance, tax, and audit roles (Interim Controller, Financial Reporting Manager, Internal Audit Manager, etc.).

  • Design/improve accounting processes such as: monthly close, management and financial reporting, forecasting, consolidations, and system implementations to name a few.

  • Take an active and hands-on approach in executing client engagements.

  • Have the opportunity to travel - the more open you are to travel, the more opportunities we can present to you!

  • Pick and choose your engagements - allow yourself to enjoy your career AND life.

  • Have access to full benefits package as an hourly employee.

What you will need:

  • Ten years relative work experience including public accounting. Prior industry experience as a CFO, Controller, SEC Reporting or Internal Audit Manager equivalent preferred. We love Big Four alum!

  • A bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business, or related field required.

  • Mastery in Microsoft Excel and experience in a variety of accounting software.

  • CPA certification is preferred but not required.

  • Prior project management and exceptional client service management experience preferred.

Our Perks:

  • Flexible PTO (designed to offer flexible time away for you!)

  • Up to 12 weeks paid parental leave

  • Paid Volunteer Time Off

  • Mental health coverage

  • Fertility benefits

Compensation Strategy

Our approach to compensation emphasizes collaboration and career growth. We pay competitive wages and view compensation as an investment in our people. Factors such as geography, experience, education, skills, and knowledge may impact position of pay within the range. These same factors may cause starting pay to be below or above the posted range. The California posting range for this role is $50.00- $85.00 per hour.

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Wellness at CLA

To support our CLA family members, we focus on their physical, financial, social, and emotional well-being and offer comprehensive benefit options that include health, dental, vision, 401k and much more.


To view a complete list of benefits, click here.


What CliftonLarsonAllen employees say

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About CliftonLarsonAllen

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) is a leading professional services company based in Minneapolis, MN, US. CLA operates in the accounting industry and offers a broad range of products and services such as wealth advisory, outsourcing, audit, tax, and consulting services. The company was founded in 1953 with a merger between two firms, Clifton Gunderson and LarsonAllen, in 2012. Working in accordance with their mission to create opportunities for clients, people, and communities, they have established a presence across the US, serving privately held businesses, non-profits, and governmental entities. Recognized for their contributions, CLA has received accolades such as the Innovative Firm of the Year award.

Industry

Accounting services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US

Year founded

2012

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