Controller - Public Sectors

Jobot; Inglewood (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobot is seeking a Senior Controller for a public-sector-focused organization in Westchester, CA. The role oversees the general ledger, month-end close, tax compliance, and financial reporting within a regulated municipal environment.

The ideal candidate brings 7+ years of progressive accounting experience at the controller level, strong GAAP knowledge, and a CPA is highly preferred. This on-site, permanent position offers leadership responsibilities and process-improvement opportunities.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, with Controller or senior leadership exposure.
• Strong GAAP knowledge and financial reporting requirements.
• Public-sector/municipal accounting experience preferred.
• CPA license is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the general ledger, month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Manage accounting operations, including journal entries, reconciliations, accruals, fixed assets, and account analysis.
• Oversee tax-related activities and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
• Prepare and review financial statements, schedules, and management reports in accordance with applicable accounting standards.
• Develop, document, and improve accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Identify opportunities to streamline accounting processes, improve efficiencies, and strengthen financial controls.
• Partner with internal departments and leadership to provide financial insight and support operational decision-making.
• Assist with annual audits and coordinate with external auditors, public accounting firms, and other external stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with applicable governmental accounting standards, regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Lead and mentor accounting staff while maintaining a high standard of accuracy and accountability.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and other financial planning initiatives as needed.

Skills

GL accounting

Month-end close

Financial reporting

Tax compliance

Process improvement

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Active CPA license preferred

Job description

Controller - Public Sectors

$180000 - $225000 per year | Westchester, CA | On-site | Permanent

A bit about us:

Our client, a well-established municipal government organization, is seeking an experienced Controller to oversee core accounting and financial reporting functions. This is a hands-on leadership opportunity for a well-rounded accounting professional who can manage the general ledger, month-end close, tax compliance, financial reporting, and process improvement initiatives across the organization.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong technical accounting foundation, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to operate effectively in a complex public-sector environment. Experience in public accounting, government/municipal accounting, or another highly regulated environment is highly preferred.

Why join us?

• Meaningful Impact: Play a key role supporting the financial operations of a municipal organization and the community it serves.
• Leadership & Ownership: Take ownership of critical accounting functions while partnering directly with organizational leadership.
• Process Improvement: Have the opportunity to modernize processes, strengthen controls, and drive greater efficiency across the accounting function.
• Stability: Join an established public-sector organization offering long-term career stability and a mission-driven environment.
• Professional Growth: Expand your experience across financial reporting, tax, compliance, audit, and municipal accounting.

Job Details

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the general ledger, month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Manage accounting operations, including journal entries, reconciliations, accruals, fixed assets, and account analysis.
• Oversee tax-related activities and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
• Prepare and review financial statements, schedules, and management reports in accordance with applicable accounting standards.
• Develop, document, and improve accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Identify opportunities to streamline accounting processes, improve efficiencies, and strengthen financial controls.
• Partner with internal departments and leadership to provide financial insight and support operational decision-making.
• Assist with annual audits and coordinate with external auditors, public accounting firms, and other external stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with applicable governmental accounting standards, regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Lead and mentor accounting staff while maintaining a high standard of accuracy and accountability.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and other financial planning initiatives as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Active CPA license strongly preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, with experience at the Controller or senior accounting leadership level.
• Strong knowledge of GL accounting, month-end close, financial reporting, reconciliations, and tax compliance.
• Experience improving accounting processes, controls, and workflows.
• Public accounting or public-sector/municipal accounting experience strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and financial reporting requirements.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while partnering effectively with leadership and cross-functional teams.

Jobot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity and all qualified candidates receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Jobot also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is Jobot’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.

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