Hands-On Controller | Lead Grower Accounting & Close

Ghj; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

GHJ Search & Staffing is recruiting a hands-on Controller for a private agriculture company in Bakersfield, CA. The role reports to the CFO and leads a four-person accounting team, owning month-end close, journal entries, reconciliations, and financial reporting.

The ideal candidate will combine technical accounting expertise with a hands-on leadership style, fostering growth of the team and enhancing internal controls within a smaller, entrepreneurial environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience with close responsibility.
• Accounting management or leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, internal controls, and financial reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead the accounting function and ownership of month-end and year-end close.
• Engage in journal entries, reconciliations, and general ledger activity as needed.
• Lead and develop a four-person AP/AR accounting team.
• Oversee grower accounting, settlements, and reporting for accuracy.
• Prepare and review financial statements, budgets, forecasts, and variances.
• Partner with the CFO on cash flow forecasting and decision support.
• Maintain internal controls and GAAP compliance.
• Collaborate across sales, operations, and grower relations to map financial flows.
• Identify and implement process improvements in accounting workflows.
• Leverage technology to improve accuracy and scalability of the function.
• Maintain ERP-based financial reporting workflows.

Skills

Hands-on accounting

GAAP knowledge

Leadership

ERP systems

Excel

Close process

Financial reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Accounting degree preferred

Tools

ERP software

Excel

Job description

GHJ Search & Staffing is recruiting a hands-on Controller for a private agriculture company in Bakersfield, CA. The role reports to the CFO and leads a four-person accounting team, owning month-end close, journal entries, reconciliations, and financial reporting.

The ideal candidate will combine technical accounting expertise with a hands-on leadership style, fostering growth of the team and enhancing internal controls within a smaller, entrepreneurial environment.