Assistant Controller

Pinnacle Recruitment; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Pinnacle Recruitment is looking for an experienced Assistant Controller in Bakersfield, California, to support day-to-day accounting operations in a dynamic agricultural business. This role involves financial reporting, budgeting, and managing accounting staff, ensuring timely financial information while improving processes.

The ideal candidate should possess strong accounting skills, leadership qualities, and industry experience in agriculture or manufacturing. A CPA designation and advanced Excel skills are highly desirable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience preferred.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.

Responsibilities

• Assist with oversight of daily accounting operations.
• Support month‑end and year‑end close processes.
• Prepare and review financial statements and journal entries.
• Monitor cash flow and budget vs actual reporting.
• Supervise and mentor accounting staff.

Skills

Accounting knowledge

Leadership capabilities

Financial analysis

Advanced Microsoft Excel skills

GAAP understanding

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA designation or CPA track

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

This position offers the opportunity to work closely with executive leadership and operations while supporting the financial health of a dynamic, fast‑paced agricultural business. The organization offers long‑term stability, a collaborative culture, and the ability to make a visible impact across the accounting and finance functions.

About the Role

The Assistant Controller will support the Controller in overseeing the company’s day‑to‑day accounting operations, financial reporting, budgeting support, and internal controls. This individual will play a key role in ensuring accurate and timely financial information while helping improve processes, strengthen reporting procedures, and support operational decision‑making. The ideal candidate will have strong accounting knowledge, leadership capabilities, and prior experience within agriculture, food production, manufacturing, or a related operational environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with oversight of daily accounting operations including general ledger, AP, AR, payroll, and reconciliations
• Support month‑end and year‑end close processes and ensure timely financial reporting
• Prepare and review financial statements, journal entries, and account reconciliations
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis activities
• Monitor cash flow, operating expenses, and budget vs. actual reporting
• Support audit preparation and coordinate with external auditors and tax professionals
• Maintain and improve internal controls, accounting procedures, and financial processes
• Assist with inventory, cost accounting, and operational reporting functions
• Partner with operations and department leadership to support financial decision‑making
• Supervise and mentor accounting staff while helping develop departmental efficiencies
• Ensure compliance with company policies and applicable accounting standards and regulations
• Assist with implementation and optimization of ERP systems and reporting tools as needed

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required
• CPA designation or CPA track preferred
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience preferred
• Prior agriculture, food manufacturing, farming, production, or related industry experience strongly preferred
• Strong understanding of GAAP, financial reporting, and internal controls
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis
• Cost accounting and inventory accounting experience preferred
• ERP system experience required
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills required
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced operational environment and manage multiple priorities