ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Startup Controller Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Gridware

Assistant Controller

San Francisco, CA

$165K - $180K/yr

Role Description As Assistant Controller, you'll be a key member of a lean finance team, working ... This is a hands-on role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced startup environment -- you'll be ...

Fab2

Controller

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$200K - $250K/yr

About the role As fab2 first dedicated accounting leader, this Controller will own the accounting ... Working at fab2 We're an early-stage hardware startup with solid funding, world-class advisors, and ...

Ever

Assistant Controller

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$165K - $200K/yr

Controller Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt About Ever Ever is building the modern electric ... Experience with high-growth startup or technology companies. * Automotive, dealership, retail, or ...

Mendaera, Inc.

Controller

San Mateo, CA · Hybrid

$185K - $226K/yr

About this role We are looking for a Controller who wants to build - not just manage, this is a ... You've worked at a startup or high-growth company before and know what that actually means day to ...

Pacific Fusion

Controller

San Leandro, CA · On-site

Why This Role Matters As Controller, you will be responsible for all accounting and financial ... Experience working in a startup * Experience implementing finance-touching software tools

Point2 Technology Inc.

Financial Controller

San Jose, CA · On-site

$130 - $160/hr

We are a fast-growing semiconductor company looking for an entrepreneurial, hands‑on Controller ... agility of a startup, and the massive upside of the expanding semiconductor industry.

Oklo

Senior Project Controller, Fuel

Santa Clara, CA · On-site +1

Startup or high-growth company experience Competencies We are looking for a Sr. Project Controller that is: * Comfortable operating in constructive tension with project leadership to protect ...

Layup Parts

Controller

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$150K - $210K/yr

We're building our finance and accounting function from the ground up and looking for a Controller ... Experience in a startup or small-team environment, building finance/accounting functions from ...

Oklo

Senior Project Controller, Fuel

Santa Clara, CA · On-site +1

Startup or high-growth company experience Competencies We are looking for a Sr. Project Controller that is: * Comfortable operating in constructive tension with project leadership to protect ...

MatX

Controller

Mountain View, CA · On-site

Your Place Here MatX is seeking a dedicated and experienced Corporate Controller to lead our ... Startup Savvy . Experience scaling accounting operations from early-stage through growth.

Mytime Active

Corporate Controller

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

In true startup fashion, this job encompasses several functions and you must be comfortable wearing ... You have at least 5 years of work experience in finance as a controller, accountant, or similar ...

MyTime

Corporate Controller

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

In true startup fashion, this job encompasses several functions and you must be comfortable wearing ... You have at least 5 years of work experience in finance as a controller, accountant, or similar ...

Layup Parts

Controller

Huntington Beach, CA

$150K - $210K/yr

... Controller who can own it end to end. As the first dedicated accounting hire, you'll report ... Experience in a startup or small-team environment, building finance/accounting functions from ...

Layup Parts

Controller

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$150K - $210K/yr

We're building our finance and accounting function from the ground up and looking for a Controller ... Experience in a startup or small-team environment, building finance/accounting functions from ...

Treeline

Controller

San Francisco, CA

As our Controller, you'll be the operational backbone of Treeline's finance function - running the ... Startup Mindset] You thrive in a fast-paced environment where the playbook is still being written ...

Treeline

Controller

San Francisco, CA · On-site

As our Controller, you'll be the operational backbone of Treeline's finance function running the ... Startup Mindset] You thrive in a fast-paced environment where the playbook is still being written ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsStartup Controller JobsStartup Controller Jobs in California

Startup Controller information

See California salary details

$54.3K

$117.9K

$173.2K

How much do startup controller jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for startup controller in California is $117,932.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,700.00 and $136,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a startup controller?

A Startup Controller is a finance professional responsible for overseeing accounting, financial planning, and internal controls in an early-stage company. They manage financial reporting, budgeting, cash flow, and compliance to ensure the startup's financial health. Unlike larger organizations, a Startup Controller often takes on a more hands-on role, wearing multiple hats in finance and operations. They work closely with founders and investors to provide strategic financial insights that support growth. Their role is critical in scaling the business while maintaining financial discipline.

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

To thrive as a Startup Controller, you need a solid background in accounting, financial reporting, and cash flow management, typically supported by a CPA or relevant degree. Experience with cloud-based accounting software such as QuickBooks Online, NetSuite, or Xero, as well as proficiency in Excel, is highly beneficial. Strong analytical thinking, adaptability, and clear communication are key soft skills that help navigate the fast-paced and dynamic startup environment. These skills are crucial for ensuring accurate financial oversight, supporting rapid growth, and facilitating sound decision-making for the organization.

What are the main challenges a startup controller faces in an early-stage company?

One of the main challenges for a Startup Controller is managing financial processes amid rapid growth and evolving business models, often with limited resources and lean teams. You'll need to build or refine accounting systems, establish financial controls, and adapt to shifting priorities while ensuring compliance and accurate reporting. Collaboration with founders, department heads, and sometimes investors is frequent, requiring both financial expertise and strong communication skills. Success in this role often means being proactive, resourceful, and ready to pivot quickly as the startup scales or changes direction.

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

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

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

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

Startup Controller jobs near you
Infographic showing various Startup Controller job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,932 per year, or $56.7 per hour.

Assistant Controller

Gridware

San Francisco, CA

$165K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

About Gridware
Gridware is a San Francisco-based technology company dedicated to protecting and enhancing the electrical grid. We pioneered a groundbreaking new class of grid management called active grid response (AGR), focused on monitoring the electrical, physical, and environmental aspects of the grid that affect reliability and safety. Gridware’s advanced Active Grid Response platform uses high-precision sensors to detect potential issues early, enabling proactive maintenance and fault mitigation. This comprehensive approach helps improve safety, reduce outages, and ensure the grid operates efficiently. The company is backed by climate-tech and Silicon Valley investors. For more information, please visit www.Gridware.io.

Role Description

As Assistant Controller, you'll be a key member of a lean finance team, working closely with the CFO to build and manage the company's core accounting infrastructure. This is a hands-on role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced startup environment — you'll be both a doer and a builder, establishing processes that will scale with the company while managing the day-to-day close.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to grow into a Controller role as the company scales.

Responsibilities
  • Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process, ensuring accuracy and timeliness 
  • Manage and mentor accounting staff (or manage outsourced bookkeeping/accounting resources, if applicable) 
  • Prepare and review journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial statements 
  • Ensure compliance with GAAP and help establish and maintain accounting policies as the company grows 
    • Own revenue recognition under ASC 606 across combined hardware, software subscription, and services offerings 
    • Own deferred revenue and contract balances 
    • Manage inventory from an ASC 330 perspective. 
  • Support the CFO in building scalable finance systems, processes, and internal controls 
  • Manage AP/AR, payroll accounting, and cash management processes 
  • Support audit readiness and manage relationships with external auditors, tax advisors, and other financial partners 
  • Help prepare materials for board meetings and investor reporting 
  • Assist with forecasting and variance analysis 
  • Evaluate and help implement accounting systems/tools (e.g., NetSuite, QuickBooks, Ramp, Bill.com) to support scale 
  • Ensure compliance with multi-state tax, sales tax, and other regulatory requirements as applicable 
Required Skills
  • 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, including some combination of public accounting (Big 4 or regional) and industry experience 
  • CPA preferred  
  • Deep knowledge of GAAP and technical accounting, specifically: 
    • Hands-on ASC 606 revenue recognition experience at a company selling bundled hardware and software subscriptions, including deferred revenue and allocating price across the pieces of a deal. 
    • Hands-on ASC 330 inventory + COGS experience at a company selling bundled hardware and software subscriptions. 
  • Experience owning or heavily contributing to a monthly close process 
  • Tax experience (income, sales & use, employee withholding, etc.) 
  • Comfortable operating with limited infrastructure and building processes from scratch 
  • Detail-oriented with strong organizational and project management skills 
  • Excellent communication skills — able to work cross-functionally and explain financial concepts to non-finance stakeholders 
  • Experience with modern accounting/finance tech stacks (NetSuite, QuickBooks, Bill.com, Ramp, Rippling, etc.) 
  • Prior experience at a startup or high-growth company strongly preferred 
  • A builder's mindset — energized by ambiguity and the opportunity to shape a function, not just execute in an established one 
This describes the ideal candidate; many of us have picked up this expertise along the way. Even if you meet only part of this list, we encourage you to apply!
 
Gridware Technologies Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
 
Benefits
Health, Dental & Vision (Gold and Platinum with some providers plans fully covered) 
Paid parental leave 
Alternating day off (every other Monday)
“Off the Grid”, a two week per year paid break for all employees. 
Commuter allowance 
Company-paid training