--- title: 'Controller at GHJ' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/controller-ghj-bakersfield-rjntgyd320v1' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-10-15' --- # Controller at GHJ - **Company:** GHJ - **Location:** Bakersfield, CA - **Compensation:** $120k–$140k - **Employment:** full-time - **Work type:** onsite - **Posted:** 2026-08-24 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-15 - **Apply:** https://jobs.lever.co/ghj/1349bf72-6ad6-4926-b823-64741b2d5f13 ## Job description GHJ Search & Staffing is partnering with a successful, privately held company in the agriculture and organic produce industry to identify a hands-on Controller for its Bakersfield headquarters. Reporting directly to the CFO, the Controller will lead a four-person accounting team and take ownership of the company's core accounting operations, financial reporting, controls, and close processes. This is not a purely oversight-focused Controller position. The successful candidate will be comfortable operating at both the leadership and transactional levels—developing the accounting team while personally getting into journal entries, reconciliations, general ledger activity, financial reporting, and accounting issues when needed. The opportunity is particularly well suited for a Controller or experienced Accounting Manager who enjoys working in a smaller, entrepreneurial environment and wants significant visibility and the opportunity to expand their responsibilities over time. Key Responsibilities: - Lead the accounting function and maintain ownership of accurate and timely month-end and year-end close. - Remain actively involved in journal entries, account reconciliations, general ledger activity, and resolution of accounting discrepancies. - Lead, mentor, and develop a four-person AP/AR accounting team. - Oversee grower accounting, settlements, and reporting, ensuring accuracy and transparency. - Prepare and review financial statements, budgets, forecasts, and variance analyses. - Partner closely with the CFO on cash flow forecasting, budgeting, financial reporting, analysis, and business decision support. - Maintain and strengthen internal controls and ensure compliance with GAAP and applicable financial requirements. - Partner cross-functionally with sales, operations, and grower relations to understand how operational activity flows through the financial statements. - Identify and implement accounting process, systems, reporting, and workflow improvements. - Leverage technology and automation to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and scalability of the accounting function. - Maintain effective financial reporting and accounting workflows within the company's ERP environment. Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; Accounting preferred. - 7+ years of progressive accounting experience with significant hands-on general ledger and close responsibility. - Accounting management, Assistant Controller, Controller, or comparable leadership experience. - Demonstrated experience leading and developing accounting staff. - Strong knowledge of GAAP, accrual accounting, financial reporting, and internal controls. - Advanced Microsoft Excel skills. - Strong ERP/accounting systems experience. - Agriculture, produce, food production/distribution, or another inventory-based industry background strongly preferred. - Experience with grower accounting, settlements, farming operations, or agricultural accounting is highly desirable. - Famous ERP experience is a plus. What They're Looking For The ideal Controller combines strong technical accounting skills with a hands-on mentality. You enjoy leading people but don't believe a Controller title means stepping away from the accounting itself. You are someone who will dig into an unusual balance, prepare or review a journal entry, help resolve a reconciliation issue, improve a process, and work alongside the team when necessary. This is a highly visible position with direct access to the CFO and executive leadership and the opportunity to assume greater responsibility as the organization evolves. ## #GHJSS #LI-MO1 ## About GHJ ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: GHJ is a national advisory, accounting, and tax firm that partners with clients in niche industries to help them grow and achieve their strategic goals. - **Entity Type**: Private (partnership structure; no public funding rounds disclosed) - **Headquarters**: Los Angeles, California, United States - **Founded**: 1953 - **Founders**: Not publicly available ## Core Business - **Primary industry/industries**: Accounting, tax, and advisory services - **Target customers**: B2B – primarily enterprises and nonprofits in the entertainment & media, food & beverage, advertising, and nonprofit sectors - **Mission or purpose statement**: GHJ helps its people and clients pursue their passions, build thriving businesses, create a better future, and #BeMore every day. ## Products & Services - **Tax Services**: Compliance, planning, and strategy for businesses and individuals. - **Audit & Assurance**: Financial statement audits, reviews, and compilations. - **Client Accounting & Advisory Services (CAAS)**: Outsourced accounting, CFO advisory, and interim staffing. - **Transaction Advisory Services (TAS)**: M&A due diligence, valuation, and private equity support. - **Forensic Accounting & Litigation Support**: Investigative services, expert witness testimony, and dispute resolution. - **Management Consulting**: Strategic planning, operational improvement, and technology advisory. ## Market Standing - **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not disclosed (private firm) - **Key Metric**: Annual revenue estimated between $25M and $50M (source: LinkedIn company page) - **Notable Investors/Partners**: Affiliated with HLB International, a global network of advisory and accounting firms with resources in over 150 countries. - **Growth Signals**: 19.5% headcount growth year-over-year (230+ employees); recognized as 7th Fastest-Growing Firm; offices in Los Angeles, San Jose, Denver, Orange County, and Buffalo; expanding dispersed workforce. ## Competitive Advantages - **Deep industry specialization**: Focus on entertainment, food & beverage, media & advertising, and nonprofits – niches where GHJ builds deep expertise and long-term client relationships. - **DEIA commitment**: Awarded “DEI-Focused Firm of the Year” and “Employee Experience of the Year” – diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are core to operations. - **Hybrid-first culture**: “Anytime/anywhere” work model with flexible arrangements, unlimited PTO for exempt employees, and dedicated Wellness Weeks. - **Client proximity**: Offices in key US markets plus a dispersed workforce model that allows meeting clients where they are. - **Global reach via HLB**: Seamless access to international resources without losing local focus. ## Strategic Focus - **Invest in people and technology**: Deepen expertise, fuel sustainable growth, and deliver innovative solutions. - **Expand advisory services**: Growing Transaction Advisory Services and CAAS to meet demand from private equity and mid-market clients. - **Strengthen DEIA and community impact**: Through GHJ Foundation, employee grant committees, and matching donations; continue to champion an inclusive workplace. - **Talent retention and development**: Emphasis on mentorship, continuous learning, leadership development, and committee involvement to grow great people. ## Why Work Here - **Culture**: “#BeMore” philosophy encourages employees to be their best selves – not just work more. Emphasis on work-life balance, community engagement, and authenticity. - **Hybrid/Remote Policy**: Hybrid work environment is the norm; flexible arrangements for most roles. Dedicated Wellness Weeks (summer and winter) and unlimited PTO for exempt staff. - **Benefits**: Comprehensive benefits including health, retirement, professional development, and matching charitable donations. - **DEIA**: Strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility with internal cohorts and firmwide initiatives. - **Growth Opportunities**: Mentoring program, ongoing training, committee involvement (e.g., recruiting, industry teams, DEIA cohorts), and clear career paths. - **Awards**: Consistently named a “Best Firm to Work For,” “Top 100 Firm,” and recognized for innovation and employee experience. ## Sources 1. [ghjadvisors.com/careers](https://www.ghjadvisors.com/careers) 2. [ghjadvisors.com/about-us](https://www.ghjadvisors.com/about-us) 3. [linkedin.com/company/ghjadvisors](https://linkedin.com/company/ghjadvisors) 4. [jobs.lever.co/ghj](https://jobs.lever.co/ghj) 5. [ghjadvisors.com/careers/join-our-team](https://www.ghjadvisors.com/careers/join-our-team) ## Other roles at GHJ - [Accounting Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/accounting-manager-ghj-alpharetta-gzg4hbk0wrzz) — Alpharetta, GA - [Chief Financial Officer (CFO)](https://feeny.ai/job/chief-financial-officer-cfo-ghj-madison-ss7nrv0x2etn) — Madison, GA - [Accounting Specialist](https://feeny.ai/job/accounting-specialist-ghj-city-of-industry-842e2dxqyak0) — City of Industry, CA - [Controller](https://feeny.ai/job/controller-ghj-phoenix-c04d0rekjyj6) — Phoenix, AZ - [Accounting Specialist](https://feeny.ai/job/accounting-specialist-ghj-cypress-kfqjm10gcqnz) — Cypress, CA - [Legal Recruiting Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/legal-recruiting-manager-ghj-los-angeles-g7d4a6ywxwbm) — Los Angeles, CA - [IT Trainer](https://feeny.ai/job/it-trainer-ghj-los-angeles-7f83xyny04sx) — Los Angeles, CA - [Construction Accounting Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/construction-accounting-manager-ghj-phoenix-4s5kxhb84pxk) — Phoenix, AZ - [Temporary Construction Accountant](https://feeny.ai/job/temporary-construction-accountant-ghj-phoenix-xfjzcbdtr5c3) — Phoenix, AZ - [Hospital Chief Financial Officer](https://feeny.ai/job/hospital-chief-financial-officer-ghj-covington-m046dbmzayem) — Covington, GA