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Temporary Controller Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Controller

Irvine, CA · On-site

$70 - $90/hr

Controller Location: Irvine, CA (On-site) Assignment Type ... Temporary or Temp-to-Permanent Compensation: $70.00 - $90.00/hour Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9 ...

Controller

Irvine, CA · On-site

$70 - $90/hr

Controller Location: Irvine, CA (On-site) Assignment Type ... Temporary or Temp-to-Permanent Compensation: $70.00 - $90.00/hour Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9 ...

Controller

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$200 - $250/hr

Our team provides qualified Accounting and Finance professionals on a temporary and permanent basis ... A healthcare organization is seeking an experienced Controller to join its executive finance team.

New

Our team provides qualified Accounting and Finance professionals on a temporary and permanent basis ... A healthcare organization is seeking an experienced Controller to join its executive finance team.

Controller

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$200K - $250K/yr

Our team provides qualified Accounting and Finance professionals on a temporary and permanent basis ... A healthcare organization is seeking an experienced Controller to join its executive finance team.

Controller

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$135 - $160/hr

Our team provides qualified Accounting and Finance professionals on a temporary and permanent basis ... Overview Reporting to the CFO, the Controller will oversee all accounting, financial reporting ...

New

Controller

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$200K - $250K/yr

Our team provides qualified Accounting and Finance professionals on a temporary and permanent basis ... A healthcare organization is seeking an experienced Controller to join its executive finance team.

Our team provides qualified Accounting and Finance professionals on a temporary and permanent basis ... A large, mission-driven nonprofit is seeking an experienced Controller to lead accounting and ...

Controller

City Of Industry, CA · On-site

$209K - $225K/yr

Our team provides qualified Accounting and Finance professionals on a temporary and permanent basis ... A large, mission-driven nonprofit is seeking an experienced Controller to lead accounting and ...

Controller

City Of Industry, CA · On-site

$209K - $225K/yr

Our team provides qualified Accounting and Finance professionals on a temporary and permanent basis ... A large, mission-driven nonprofit is seeking an experienced Controller to lead accounting and ...

Our team provides qualified Accounting and Finance professionals on a temporary and permanent basis ... The Controller will oversee the company's accounting function, including financial reporting, close ...

Our team provides qualified Accounting and Finance professionals on a temporary and permanent basis ... The Controller will oversee the company's accounting function, including financial reporting, close ...

Our team provides qualified Accounting and Finance professionals on a temporary and permanent basis ... The Controller will oversee the company's accounting function, including financial reporting, close ...

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Showing results 1-20

Temporary Controller information

See California salary details

$54.3K

$117.9K

$173.2K

How much do temporary controller jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for temporary 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 temporary controller?

A Temporary Controller is a finance professional hired on a short-term basis to oversee a company's accounting and financial operations. They provide strategic financial guidance, ensure compliance with regulations, and manage reporting, budgeting, and internal controls. Companies often hire Temporary Controllers during transitions, such as leadership changes, mergers, or periods of rapid growth, to maintain financial stability.

What are the typical responsibilities and challenges faced by a temporary controller?

A Temporary Controller is often responsible for overseeing the accounting department, managing monthly close processes, preparing financial statements, and ensuring compliance with company policies and external regulations. Challenges can include quickly acclimating to a new organization's systems, identifying and resolving process gaps, and maintaining continuity during periods of transition. You may also be tasked with mentoring finance staff or implementing new procedures to improve efficiency. Adaptability and strong leadership skills are crucial, as you will need to hit the ground running and drive results in a short time frame. This role offers valuable exposure to different industries and company cultures, enriching your professional experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the temporary controller position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Temporary Controller, you need a strong foundation in financial and managerial accounting, budget analysis, and regulatory compliance, usually supported by a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance and relevant experience. Familiarity with ERP systems like SAP or Oracle, advanced Excel skills, and professional certifications such as CPA or CMA are highly valued. Strong leadership, adaptability, and excellent communication skills set successful Temporary Controllers apart as they quickly integrate into new teams and environments. These competencies enable swift and effective oversight of financial operations, ensuring accuracy and continuity during transitions or staff absences.

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

The most popular types of Controller jobs in California are:

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Temporary Controller jobs?

Cities in California with the most Temporary Controller job openings:

Infographic showing various Temporary Controller job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,932 per year, or $56.7 per hour.

Financial Controller

AppleOne Employment Services

Santa Barbara, CA • On-site

$45 - $60/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Temporary Controller

Location: Santa Barbara, CA – Onsite

Assignment Length: Approximately 2 Months, could be a full-time hire depending on the candidate

Employment Type: Temporary

Compensation: $45–$60/hour, DOE

Position Overview

A local nonprofit is seeking an experienced, hands-on Temporary Controller to support the organization's accounting and finance operations during an approximately two-month transition period.

This position will be responsible for a broad range of day-to-day accounting functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, month-end reconciliations, account management, budgeting, payroll oversight, and audit support.

The Controller will also assist with supporting payroll processes for approximately 120 employees.

The former Controller will be available during the interim period to provide historical knowledge and assist with a smooth transition.

Key Responsibilities

  • Manage day-to-day accounting and financial operations
  • Oversee accounts payable and accounts receivable
  • Perform and review month-end account reconciliations
  • Manage general ledger accounts and ensure transactions are accurately recorded and classified
  • Prepare journal entries and assist with the month-end close
  • Monitor cash and account activity and resolve discrepancies
  • Assist with organizational budgeting, forecasting, and budget-to-actual analysis
  • Prepare financial reports and provide information to leadership as needed
  • Oversee and support payroll processes for approximately 120 employees
  • Assist with the transition and implementation of payroll processes into Paylocity
  • Maintain accounting records and financial information in QuickBooks
  • Support annual and/or financial audit activities, including preparing schedules, documentation, and responding to auditor requests
  • Maintain appropriate accounting procedures and internal controls
  • Ensure financial activities are handled in accordance with nonprofit accounting practices
  • Work collaboratively with organizational leadership, staff, outside partners, and the former Controller during the transition
  • Research and resolve accounting, reconciliation, payroll, and reporting discrepancies as needed

Qualifications

  • Previous nonprofit accounting experience required
  • Prior experience as a Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager, Finance Manager, or similar senior-level accounting professional
  • Strong hands-on experience with accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and month-end close
  • Demonstrated experience performing bank and balance sheet account reconciliations
  • Experience with budget preparation and budget-to-actual reporting
  • Previous experience supporting financial audits
  • Strong QuickBooks experience required
  • Payroll experience required; experience supporting a workforce of approximately 100+ employees preferred
  • Paylocity experience strongly preferred, particularly implementation or payroll conversion experience
  • Solid understanding of nonprofit accounting principles, financial reporting, and internal controls
  • Ability to quickly learn existing processes and step into a transitional accounting environment
  • Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
  • High level of accuracy and attention to detail
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with leadership and staff



AppleOne logo

About AppleOne

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

AppleOne is a renowned staffing service based in Glendale, California, USA. Positioned in the Human Resources industry, the company offers extensive staffing and recruiting solutions, such as temporary, full-time, and part-time placement, to companies across diverse industry sectors. The company was established by Bernie Howroyd in 1964, launching the business to aid others in finding excellent jobs and companies in finding excellent people.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Glendale, CA, US

Year founded

1964