Interim Controller

Vaco by Highspring; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Vaco by Highspring seeks an experienced Interim Controller to lead accounting and financial operations for a growing, project-driven organization. This hands-on role combines tactical execution with strategic financial support for executive leadership.

The ideal candidate will manage month-end close, financial reporting, budgeting, cash flow, and project costing while strengthening controls and driving process improvements in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience with leadership responsibilities.
• Prior Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager, or Senior Accounting leadership experience.
• Strong understanding of financial reporting, general ledger accounting, and internal controls.
• Experience with project-based accounting, job costing, work‑in‑process reporting, and revenue recognition preferred.
• Hands‑on NetSuite experience required.
• Advanced Excel skills and strong analytical capabilities.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, evolving environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the month-end and year-end close process.
• Prepare and review financial statements, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Oversee general ledger activity and ensure accuracy of financial reporting.
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow planning.
• Analyze project profitability, job costing, and operational performance metrics.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, company policies, and internal controls.
• Coordinate with external auditors, tax advisors, and other business partners.
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and related accounting functions.
• Develop and improve accounting processes, procedures, and reporting capabilities.
• Partner with leadership to provide financial analysis and support key business decisions.
• Supervise and mentor accounting staff while promoting accountability and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Financial analysis

Forecasting

Communication

Process improvement

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

NetSuite

Excel

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Interim Controller to lead the accounting and financial operations of a growing, project-driven organization. This is a hands‑on leadership role for an accounting professional who can quickly assess existing processes, strengthen controls, improve reporting, and provide strategic financial support to executive leadership.

The ideal candidate is comfortable operating at both the tactical and strategic levels, managing day‑to‑day accounting operations while helping drive process improvements and operational efficiency across the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the month-end and year-end close process
• Prepare and review financial statements, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules
• Oversee general ledger activity and ensure accuracy of financial reporting
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow planning
• Analyze project profitability, job costing, and operational performance metrics
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, company policies, and internal controls
• Coordinate with external auditors, tax advisors, and other business partners
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and related accounting functions
• Develop and improve accounting processes, procedures, and reporting capabilities
• Partner with leadership to provide financial analysis and support key business decisions
• Supervise and mentor accounting staff while promoting accountability and continuous improvement

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience with leadership responsibilities
• Prior Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager, or Senior Accounting leadership experience
• Strong understanding of financial reporting, general ledger accounting, and internal controls
• Experience with project-based accounting, job costing, work‑in‑process reporting, and revenue recognition preferred
• Hands‑on NetSuite experience required
• Advanced Excel skills and strong analytical capabilities
• Excellent communication and leadership skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, evolving environment

Preferred Background

• Construction, contracting, engineering, manufacturing, or other project‑based industry experience
• Experience leading process improvement initiatives0
• Strong operational mindset with the ability to translate financial information into actionable business insights
• Experience managing small to mid‑sized accounting teams

What We're Looking For

• A leader who takes ownership and delivers results
• Someone who can establish structure while remaining hands‑on in the details
• A problem‑solver who enjoys improving processes and driving efficiencies
• A trusted business partner with strong integrity, sound judgment, and excellent communication skills
• An accounting professional who can step in quickly and make an immediate impact

This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned accounting leader seeking a high‑impact interim role with significant visibility and the ability to influence the direction of the finance function.

Equal Opportunity Notice

Highspring LLC (d/b/a Vaco by Highspring) and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries ("we," "our," or "Vaco by Highspring") are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by applicable law. The company is also committed to ensuring that persons who need them are provided with reasonable accommodations; if an accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact [e-mail].

Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal.

Privacy Notice

Vaco by Highspring respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies.

• California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here.
• Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here.
• Residents of all other states may access our policies here.
• Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here.
• Residents of countries governed by GDPR and UK GDPR may access our policies here.

Additionally, submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. More details about Vaco by Highspring's use of AI can be found here (https://www.highspring.com/ai-use-notices/). Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase will be conducted by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco by Highspring does not know and cannot opine on if its client's use of AI products in hiring.

Pay Transparency Notice

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to:

· the individual's skill sets, experience and training;

· licensure and certification requirements;

· office location and other geographic considerations; and

· other business and organizational needs.

With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses and/or participation in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's retirement plan (or similar retirement benefits).