Controller

We working on behalf of our client who is seeking an experienced On-Site Controller to lead the accounting functions for a significant California Agriculture Processing Operation. This individual will serve as the Senior Accounting Leader at the facility and will be responsible for the accuracy, integrity, and timely completion of accounting activities supporting both plant and farm operations. The on-site Controller will report into the Corporate Controller and CFO, work closely with plant leadership, corporate accounting, and operational teams while providing day-to-day leadership to the local accounting staff. This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on accounting leader who enjoys being close to the operation and can effectively balance accounting leadership, financial controls, transaction oversight, team development, and corporate reporting requirements. Key Responsibilities Lead the day-to-day accounting function for the California processing facility and related agricultural/farm operations, including certain third-party managed operations. Oversee a local accounting team consisting of a Senior Accountant, AP Supervisor, and AP Clerks. Provide oversight of accounts payable, payroll-related accounting/reporting, general accounting, reconciliations, and transactional accounting activities. Manage and support the monthly accounting close, ensuring accurate and timely completion of reconciliations, journal entries, accruals, and supporting schedules. Review and approve/post journal entries and ensure transactions are properly recorded in accordance with company accounting policies. Review balance sheet reconciliations and investigate and resolve discrepancies across accounting and operational systems. Maintain strong accounting controls and ensure financial information generated by the plant is complete, accurate, and appropriately supported. Coordinate with Corporate Accounting and centralized corporate functions, including accounts payable and other shared accounting processes. Oversee recurring returns, state filings, quarterly filings, annual filings, and other accounting-related compliance requirements applicable to the operation. Manage accounting activity across multiple systems, including the company's ERP and internal purchasing/three-way-match systems. Reconcile information between multiple operational and accounting platforms to ensure consistency and data integrity. Utilize Excel extensively to export, manipulate, reconcile, and analyze accounting and operational data. Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, internal controls, reporting accuracy, and efficiency. Partner closely with the Plant General Manager and other operational leaders, serving as the primary accounting resource for the facility. Provide accounting guidance to operational teams and help ensure plant transactions are recorded appropriately and consistently. Support corporate leadership with financial information, accounting schedules, audit requests, and other reporting as needed. Assist with internal and external audit requirements and ensure appropriate accounting documentation is maintained. Develop, coach, and mentor the local accounting team while establishing clear expectations, accountability, and effective workflows. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required. CPA and/or Master's degree preferred but not required. Strong progressive accounting experience within a mid-to-large company environment . Previous experience leading an accounting function at the Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Director, or similar level preferred. Experience within agriculture, food processing, manufacturing, or another multi-entity operation is strongly preferred . Strong understanding of general ledger accounting, month-end close, reconciliations, accounts payable, accruals, journal entries, and financial controls. Experience working with multiple accounting and operational systems and reconciling information between systems. Advanced Excel skills and comfort working with large amounts of financial and operational data. Demonstrated ability to lead and develop accounting staff while remaining willing to be hands-on when necessary. #J-18808-Ljbffr Central Valley Search Partners