Controller

Job Description

Great benefits, family owned, and the opportunity to make a measurable financial impact!

Now Hiring: Controller
Location: Palm Desert, California

Relocation: Assistance Available for Qualified Candidates
Department: Accounting
Reports To: CFO
FLSA: Exempt, Full-Time, Regular, In Person
Industry: Agriculture

About Us

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.

Relocation

Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates who are excited to join our team and make a meaningful impact. We welcome experienced professionals from outside the Coachella Valley and are committed to helping the right candidate transition successfully

Position Overview

We’re looking for a hands-on, experienced Controller to lead the Accounting Department and partner closely with the CFO. This role manages financial reporting, accounting systems, department controls, payroll oversight, budgeting, and financial analysis across the organization.

The right person is detail-oriented, calm under deadline pressure, and comfortable working across departments in a fast-moving farm and production environment. You’ll bring strong accounting leadership, advanced Excel and ERP experience, and the ability to translate financial results into clear, practical recommendations for the executive team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and manage the accounting department, including training and day-to-day controls.
• Maintain accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls that support accurate and reliable reporting.
• Issue timely monthly financial statements and supporting reports, including variance analysis and other agency reporting.
• Develop and maintain the monthly closing calendar with month-end completion targeted by the fifth business day of the following month.
• Review and approve journal entries, schedules, cash budgets, sales reports, cost reports, and departmental financial analysis.
• Develop annual budgets by department and provide ongoing analysis for pricing decisions, contract negotiations, ROI, and profit and 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 or process support.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or equivalent business experience.
• Five plus years of relevant accounting, controller, or finance management 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, set priorities, and meet required deadlines with strong attention to detail.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation based on experience.
• 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.

Schedule

This is a full-time, exempt position. Standard office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Evening or weekend work may be required as job duties and deadlines demand.