Assistant CFO/Controller (Temporary Assignment)

CalCPA; Culver City (CA); On-site; USD 171,000 - 209,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Culver City is seeking a seasoned CPA to serve as temporary Assistant CFO/Controller. The role reports to the CFO and leads accounting, payroll, AP/AR, treasury, grant accounting, debt administration, and audit coordination to deliver accurate financial reporting.

The assignment may transition to permanent leadership as the department evolves. The position is full-time, primarily on-site at Culver City Hall, with potential for limited remote work after onboarding, and compensation of

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college/university, preferably in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Five years of progressively responsible professional governmental accounting experience, including at least three years in supervisory/management roles.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on leadership across accounting, payroll, AP/AR, treasury, grant accounting, debt administration, audit coordination, and financial reporting.
• Strengthen internal controls and ensure GASB/GAAP compliance and timely financial reporting.

Skills

Public sector accounting

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Five years governmental accounting experience

Tools

CPA (Highly Desired)

CPFA/CPFO (Highly Desired)

Job description

TEMPORARY ASSIGNMENT: ASSISTANT CFO - CONTROLLER

Location/ Employer: City of Culver City, CA

Compensation: $82.16 – $100.29 per hour DOE/DOQ

The City of Culver City, CA is seeking an accomplished Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to serve as its temporary Assistant Chief Financial Officer/Controller during an important period of growth and transition within the Finance Department. Reporting directly to the CFO, this hands‑on assignment offers the opportunity to provide immediate leadership across the City’s accounting and financial reporting functions while helping strengthen systems, processes, and internal controls as the Department builds additional capacity and advances its future organizational structure. If you are a seasoned public‑sector finance professional ready to put your expertise to work and make an immediate impact, Culver City wants to hear from you.

Temporary Assignment Details: The City intends to fill this temporary assignment through either a CalPERS retired annuitant appointment or a limited‑term appointment, depending on the selected candidate’s circumstances. This temporary assignment does not include City benefits. For the right individual, the assignment may also provide an opportunity to transition into the permanent Assistant CFO/Controller role as the City advances its future Finance Department structure.

The City is seeking to fill this temporary position expeditiously and will begin evaluating applications immediately as they are submitted. Strong candidates will be invited to participate in the interview process as applications are received and the recruitment may close without notice once a suitable candidate has been selected.

THE TEMPORARY ASSIGNMENT

Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the temporary Assistant Chief Financial Officer/Controller (ACFO) will serve as the City’s chief accounting administrator, providing hands‑on leadership across accounting, payroll, accounts payable and receivable, treasury, grant accounting, debt administration, audit coordination, and financial reporting. The position will play a key role in ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting, strengthening internal controls, and maintaining compliance with GASB, GAAP, and applicable regulatory requirements.

This assignment comes at an important point in the Finance Department’s evolution as the City strengthens its accounting infrastructure, evaluates how financial functions are organized, and prepares to increase departmental capacity. The Assistant CFO/Controller will provide immediate technical leadership and continuity while helping the CFO strengthen processes, support knowledge transfer, and prepare the accounting function for its future organizational structure.

The City is seeking a seasoned Certified Public Accountant (CPA) who is deeply grounded in governmental accounting and takes personal ownership of producing accurate, defensible financial statements. Equally important is a collaborative, team‑oriented leader who values precision and accountability while recognizing the dedication of an existing team that has consistently stepped beyond its formal responsibilities to meet the needs of the organization.

As the City advances this work, it anticipates recruiting for a permanent Assistant CFO/Controller and is open to considering the selected temporary appointee for that opportunity. This is expected to initially be a full‑time temporary assignment, with the selected individual working primarily onsite during the initial orientation period. Some remote work may be considered after a few months based on operational needs.

COMPENSATION & ASSIGNMENT DETAILS

• Compensation: $82.16 – $100.29 per hour DOE/DOQ
• Temporary Assignment: This position will be filled through either a CalPERS retired annuitant or limited‑term appointment, depending on the selected candidate’s circumstances.
• Potential Permanent Opportunity: While this recruitment is for a temporary assignment, the City is open to considering the selected individual for transition into the permanent Assistant CFO/Controller role based on mutual interest, performance, and the City’s evolving organizational needs.
• Benefits: This temporary assignment does not include City benefits.
• Work Schedule: This is anticipated to be a full‑time assignment of approximately 40 hours per week, however, the City operates on a 9/80 work schedule, closed alternating Fridays.
• On-Site Expectations: The selected individual is expected to work on site at Culver City’s City Hall, particularly during the initial months of the assignment to become familiar with the City’s systems, processes, and Finance team.
• Remote Work: After the initial onboarding period, the City may consider some remote work based on departmental and operational needs.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The Company is seeking to fill this temporary position expeditiously and will begin evaluating applications immediately as they are submitted. Strong candidates will be invited to participate in the interview process as applications are received and the recruitment may close without notice once a suitable candidate has been selected.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience & Education: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university preferably in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field, and five years of progressively responsible professional governmental accounting experience, including at least three years of supervisory or management experience.
• Licensure: Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license at time of appointment and throughout employment.
• Highly Desired: A Master's degree in a related field; Certified Public Accountant (CPA); Certified Public Finance Administrator (CPFA); or Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) is desired. Municipal finance and governmental accounting experience.