Controller

Now CFO•San Jose, CA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

At NOW CFO, we're seeking a hands on Controller to join our growing Bay Area consulting team and step into meaningful client engagements from day one. This opportunity is ideal for experienced Controllers who thrive in dynamic environments, enjoy solving complex business challenges, and want exposure to a variety of industries and organizations. As a Controller Consultant, you'll partner directly with executive leadership teams to strengthen accounting operations, improve financial visibility, build scalable processes, and support strategic growth initiatives. Unlike a traditional Controller role focused on a single company, this position offers the opportunity to work alongside multiple organizations throughout the Bay Area. Our clients range from emerging growth companies to established businesses across industries such as technology, SaaS, manufacturing, construction, nonprofit, professional services, distribution, consumer products, and other high growth sectors. We're looking for a well rounded accounting leader who can quickly assess business needs, build trust with stakeholders, and create immediate value through both strategic insight and hands on execution. This is a full time consulting position offering a hybrid schedule, competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to collaborate with an accomplished team of finance and accounting professionals.

Requirements

Controller, Assistant Controller, or senior accounting leadership experience
Ability to quickly assess business challenges and adapt to new environments
Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, internal controls, and accounting operations
Proven success leading accounting teams and driving process improvements
Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate financial information for non financial audiences
Hands on leadership style with a willingness to dive into operational details when necessary
Candidates should reside within a reasonable commuting distance of Downtown San Francisco, the Peninsula, Oakland, or San Jose and be comfortable traveling to client sites as needed.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting organizations across multiple industries strongly preferred
CPA preferred but not required
Public accounting experience is a plus
Experience with ERP implementations, system conversions, or process transformation initiatives is highly valued
Experience in two or more of the following sectors is particularly attractive: Technology and SaaS, Manufacturing, Construction, Nonprofit, Distribution and Logistics, Consumer Products, Professional Services

Responsibilities

Serve in Controller level leadership roles for client organizations
Lead day to day accounting operations, financial reporting, and month end close processes
Strengthen internal controls, improve accounting workflows, and enhance audit readiness
Oversee general ledger activity, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, revenue recognition, inventory, cost accounting, and compliance functions as applicable to each engagement
Support budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and financial planning initiatives
Deliver timely and accurate financial reporting to executives, ownership groups, investors, lenders, and boards of directors
Evaluate existing accounting processes and implement scalable solutions that support growth
Partner with leadership teams to provide actionable financial insights and operational recommendations
Serve as a primary point of contact for auditors, banking partners, tax advisors, and other external stakeholders
Assist with ERP implementations, system upgrades, process improvements, and finance transformation initiatives