Controller

Now CFO; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consulting firm in San Francisco is seeking a hands-on Controller Consultant to join their Bay Area team. This role involves leadership in client accounting operations, strengthening internal controls, and providing strategic financial insights across various industries. Candidates should have significant accounting leadership experience, especially in manufacturing and construction. The position offers a competitive salary of $150,000–$180,000 and a hybrid work schedule, with client support throughout the Bay Area.

Qualifications

• Strong Controller or senior accounting leadership experience.
• Comfort stepping into new environments and building trust quickly.
• Experience in manufacturing and construction preferred.
• Deep understanding of GAAP and financial reporting.
• Hands-on mindset, willing to dive in.
• Clear communicator who can translate financials into insights.

Responsibilities

• Step into Controller-level leadership roles for client organizations.
• Own and oversee day-to-day accounting operations.
• Strengthen internal controls and improve audit readiness.
• Manage core accounting functions such as A/R, A/P, and payroll.
• Lead accurate month-end and year-end closes.
• Evaluate financial health and identify efficiency opportunities.
• Partner with executives for actionable financial insights.
• Serve as a key point of contact for auditors.

Skills

Strong Controller or senior accounting leadership experience

Ability to build trust quickly

Experience in manufacturing and construction

Understanding of GAAP and financial reporting

Clear communicator

Hands-on mindset

Education

CPA preferred but not required

Job description

Job Description

At NOW CFO, we’re looking for a hands‑on Controller to join our Bay Area consulting team and step into meaningful, high‑impact client work from day one.

This role is a great fit for Controllers who enjoy variety, autonomy, and solving real problems. You’ll work with leadership teams across a range of industries, helping them bring structure to their accounting, improve visibility into the numbers, and make better business decisions. We’re especially interested in professionals with experience in manufacturing and construction, where strong controls and operational insight really matter.

As a Controller Consultant, you won’t be stuck in the same environment year after year. Each engagement is different—new challenges, new teams, and new opportunities to make an impact. You’ll act as a trusted advisor, rolling up your sleeves when needed while also providing strategic guidance to executives.

This is a full‑time consulting role with a hybrid schedule and competitive compensation of $150,000–$180,000, depending on experience. You’ll support clients throughout the Bay Area, and must be willing to commute between San Jose and Downtown San Francisco as needed, based on client preferences and engagement requirements.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Step into Controller‑level leadership roles for client organizations
• Own and oversee day‑to‑day accounting operations, including close, reporting, and compliance
• Strengthen internal controls, improve audit readiness, and clean up financial processes
• Manage and support core accounting functions such as A/R, A/P, GL, payroll, inventory, cost accounting, and revenue recognition
• Lead accurate and timely month‑end and year‑end closes
• Evaluate financial health and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and scalability
• Partner with executives and stakeholders to provide clear, actionable financial insight
• Serve as a key point of contact for auditors and external partners

What Makes Someone Successful Here

• Strong Controller or senior accounting leadership experience
• Comfort stepping into new environments and building trust quickly
• Background supporting multiple industries, with manufacturing and construction experience strongly preferred
• Deep understanding of GAAP, financial reporting, and internal controls
• A hands‑on mindset—you’re willing to dive in, not just delegate
• Clear communicator who can translate financials into insights leaders can act on
• CPA is a plus, but not required
• Public accounting experience is helpful, but not mandatory

Why NOW CFO

NOW CFO gives experienced accounting leaders the opportunity to do what they do best—solve problems, lead teams, and drive results—without being tied to a single company or industry. If you enjoy meaningful client work, flexibility, and the chance to make a real impact across multiple organizations, this role was built for you.