Controller

GHJ • Bakersfield, CA

2d • $150,000 - $180,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Our client, a leading vertically integrated agricultural organization, is seeking an experienced Farming Controller to lead the financial operations of its farming division. This is a strategic leadership role responsible for overseeing accounting, financial reporting, inventory management, cost accounting, budgeting, and financial planning for large-scale farming operations. The ideal candidate is a hands-on accounting leader with a strong background in agriculture, farming, produce, or food production who enjoys partnering with operations to drive financial performance and operational excellence. The Farming Controller serves as the primary financial leader for farming operations, ensuring the integrity of financial reporting while providing actionable insights that support business decisions. This individual will work closely with farm management and executive leadership to oversee operational accounting, inventory controls, crop costing, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis across multiple farming locations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
• 8+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including leadership responsibilities.
• Previous experience as a Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager, or similar leadership role.
• Strong experience within agriculture, farming, produce, food processing, manufacturing, or another inventory-intensive industry.
• Comprehensive knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, cost accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and internal controls.
• Experience managing inventory accounting, physical inventories, reconciliations, and cost analysis.
• Strong ERP systems experience and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication and leadership skills with the ability to build effective partnerships across operations and finance.

Nice To Haves

• CPA designation preferred.
• Experience supporting multi-site farming or agricultural operations.
• Knowledge of crop costing, production accounting, and agricultural inventory management.
• Experience with ERP implementations or system enhancements.
• Experience leading process improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead the accounting and financial reporting functions for farming operations.
• Oversee the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close process, ensuring timely and accurate reporting.
• Prepare and analyze financial statements, operational reports, and key performance metrics for executive leadership.
• Develop annual operating budgets, forecasts, and long-range financial plans.
• Partner with farm operations to analyze production costs, labor, equipment utilization, crop yields, and profitability.
• Oversee all inventory accounting, including growing crops, harvested products, packaging materials, farming supplies, fertilizer, chemicals, seed, and other agricultural inventories.
• Ensure accurate inventory valuation and costing in accordance with GAAP and company policies.
• Manage physical inventory counts, cycle counts, reconciliations, and variance analysis across multiple farming locations.
• Monitor inventory movements, shrink, production yields, and inventory turnover while identifying opportunities to improve inventory accuracy and operational efficiency.
• Oversee crop costing and production accounting to ensure accurate cost allocation throughout the growing, harvesting, and post-harvest processes.
• Maintain strong internal controls over inventory, fixed assets, purchasing, and financial reporting.
• Manage capital expenditure accounting, fixed asset reporting, and depreciation schedules.
• Coordinate annual audits and collaborate with external auditors, tax advisors, and internal stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, financial reporting, inventory management, and ERP utilization.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package, plus bonus structure
• Low cost healthcare plans for employee and family
• 401k match
• 3 weeks of paid time off
• 5 days of sick leave
• Cell phone reimbursement
• Flexible schedule
• Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates throughout California.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager