Controller

TALENT CONNECT EXECUTIVE SEARCH & HR SOLUTIONS; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Talent Connect Executive Search & HR Solutions is conducting a confidential search for an experienced Controller in the San Diego area. This leadership role oversees accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and compliance.

The ideal candidate combines technical accounting expertise with hands-on business partnership, leads a growing finance team, partners with executives, and builds scalable processes to support sustainable growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience with leadership responsibilities.
• Prior Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager, or equivalent senior role.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, GL accounting, and internal controls.
• Experience with month-end/year-end close, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, and analysis.
• Proficiency with accounting systems and Excel; experience reporting to executives.
• CPA or CMA designation (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day accounting operations including GL, AP, AR, and cash management.
• Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
• Prepare accurate financial statements and management reports.
• Develop internal controls and accounting policies.
• Lead budgeting and forecasting with executive leadership.
• Coordinate external audits, tax prep, and banking relationships.
• Mentor and develop the accounting team; partner with cross-functional teams.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Excel proficiency

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA or CMA designation (preferred)

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

About the Opportunity

Talent Connect Executive Search & HR Solutions is conducting a confidential search for an experienced Controller on behalf of a growing organization in the San Diego area. This is a key financial leadership position responsible for overseeing accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and compliance. The Controller will work closely with executive leadership and play an important role in strengthening the organization's financial infrastructure while supporting continued growth. We are seeking a finance leader who combines strong technical accounting expertise with a hands‑on, business‑minded approach.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, and related accounting functions.
• Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes.
• Prepare and review accurate and timely financial statements and management reports.
• Maintain appropriate account reconciliations, journal entries, accruals, and supporting documentation.
• Ensure accounting practices and financial reporting comply with GAAP and applicable requirements.
• Develop and maintain strong accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Lead annual budgeting and forecasting processes in partnership with executive leadership.
• Monitor financial performance and provide budget-to-actual and variance analysis.
• Develop financial reporting, KPIs, and analysis to support strategic and operational decision‑making.
• Monitor cash flow, working capital, and overall financial position.
• Coordinate external audits, tax preparation, and relationships with financial institutions and outside accounting partners.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial processes, reporting accuracy, efficiency, and scalability.
• Lead, mentor, and develop accounting team members.
• Partner cross-functionally with executive leadership and operational teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including leadership responsibilities.
• Previous Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager, or comparable senior accounting experience.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, general ledger accounting, and internal controls.
• Demonstrated experience managing month-end and year-end close.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, cash‑flow management, and financial analysis.
• Strong proficiency with accounting systems and Microsoft Excel.
• Experience working directly with executive leadership.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain financial information to non‑financial stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA or CMA designation.
• Experience within a growing, multi‑location, or multi‑entity organization.
• Experience implementing or improving accounting systems and financial processes.
• Experience managing or developing accounting teams.
• ERP implementation or optimization experience.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a hands‑on financial leader who can balance technical accounting responsibilities with strategic business partnership. This individual will be comfortable operating in a growing environment, establishing structure, improving processes, and providing leadership with accurate and actionable financial information.

They will bring a high level of integrity, accountability, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a confidential and fast‑paced environment.

Confidentiality

This search is being conducted confidentially by Talent Connect Executive Search & HR Solutions. Additional information regarding the organization will be shared with qualified candidates as they progress through the selection process.