Controller
Location: Thermal / Palm Desert, California
Compensation: $110,000 – $140,000 per year
Department: Accounting
Reports To: CFO
Employment Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Industry: Greenhouse, Hydroponic, Agriculture
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Controller to lead the Accounting Department and partner closely with the CFO. This position is responsible for financial reporting, accounting systems, internal controls, payroll oversight, budgeting, and financial analysis across the organization.
The successful candidate will be detail-oriented, composed under deadline pressure, and comfortable working across departments in a fast-paced agricultural and production environment. This position requires strong accounting leadership, advanced Excel and ERP experience, and the ability to translate financial results into clear, practical recommendations for the executive team.
Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or equivalent business experience
- 5+ years of relevant accounting, controller, finance management, or equivalent business experience preferred
- Strong experience managing accounting teams, financial reporting, month-end close, budgeting, and internal controls
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables and lookup functions
- NetSuite ERP/accounting software and ADP HRMS experience are strong pluses
- Experience in agriculture, food, manufacturing, production, or multi-entity environments is helpful
- Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively with executives, department heads, staff, vendors, and outside accounting partners
- Ability to manage projects, mentor direct reports, establish priorities, and meet required deadlines with strong attention to detail
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, develop, and manage the Accounting Department, including employee training and day-to-day financial controls
- Maintain accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls that support accurate and reliable financial reporting
- Issue timely monthly financial statements and supporting reports, including variance analysis and other required agency reporting
- Develop and maintain the monthly closing calendar, with month-end completion targeted by the 5th business day of the following month
- Review and approve journal entries, schedules, cash budgets, sales reports, cost reports, and departmental financial analyses
- Develop annual budgets by department and provide ongoing financial analysis to support pricing decisions, contract negotiations, ROI evaluations, and profit/loss opportunities
- Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal reporting requirements, tax filings, payroll administration, insurance, OSHA-related risk areas, and other regulatory deadlines
- Partner with HR on payroll, benefits deductions, 401(k) deductions, recordkeeping, labor compliance, and HR-related software and process support
Compensation and Benefits
- $110,000 – $140,000 per year
- Health, dental, and vision benefits
- 401(k) and benefit programs
- Opportunities for professional growth and cross-department leadership
- Supportive, collaborative, family-owned work environment
- The unique experience of working with a herb farm and a passionate team
About the Company
We are a thriving, year-round, premium greenhouse-growing operation in the heart of California’s Coachella Valley. Our team cultivates and harvests a wide selection of fresh, high-quality herbs for national retailers and major chain stores.
As a family-owned agricultural operation, we rely on accurate financial controls, practical reporting, and collaborative leadership to help our teams grow profitably and serve customers well.
Schedule
This is a full-time, exempt position. Standard office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on site in Palm Desert, CA. Evening or weekend work may be required as job duties and deadlines demand.