The Controller is a senior-level, hands-on financial leader who customarily and regularly exercises discretion and independent judgment on matters of significance. This role is responsible for managing the winery’s accounting operations, establishing and enforcing financial policies and internal controls, and providing high-level financial analysis and guidance to executive leadership. While this position requires direct involvement in day-to-day accounting activities, the primary purpose of the role is the performance of exempt executive and administrative duties, including managing the accounting function, directing staff, and advising leadership on financial strategy, compliance, and risk management.

Compensation

Pay Scale: $120,000 – $150,000 annually

This pay range is provided in compliance with California pay transparency laws. Actual compensation within the range will be determined based on factors including relevant experience, skills, education, certifications, and internal equity.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Accounting & Financial Operations

•  Perform and oversee all hands-on accounting functions including general ledger entries, journal entries, account reconciliations, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll coordination, fixed assets, inventory accounting, and cost accounting.

•  Prepare, review, and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP.

•  Personally manage month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timeliness.

•  Maintain, document, and continuously improve internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure financial integrity.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Analysis

•  Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting process for the winery.

•  Monitor financial performance against budget and provide variance analysis and recommendations.

•  Develop financial models and analyses to support operational and strategic initiatives.

Compliance & Risk Management

•  Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including California employment and wage-and-hour laws as they relate to payroll and financial reporting.

•  Oversee sales and use tax, excise tax, and alcohol industry–specific compliance and reporting requirements.

•  Coordinate audits, reviews, and tax filings with external auditors and advisors.

•  Ensure compliance with internal policies and procedures.

Inventory & Cost Management

•  Oversee winery inventory accounting including bulk wine, bottled wine, dry goods, and supplies.

•  Ensure accurate costing of production, including labor, materials, and overhead.

•  Partner with operations to improve cost controls, inventory accuracy, and margin performance.

Leadership & Collaboration

•  Direct, supervise, and evaluate the work of accounting staff, including assigning work, setting priorities, providing training, and conducting performance evaluations.

•  Recommend hiring, promotion, disciplinary action, and termination decisions for accounting personnel, or provide input that is given particular weight.

•  Establish department goals, workflows, and procedures consistent with company objectives.

•  Serve as a key financial advisor to executive leadership, exercising independent judgment on financial, operational, and compliance-related matters.

•  Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, sales, HR, and executive leadership to support strategic initiatives and continuous improvement.

•  Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, sales, HR, and executive leadership.

•  Support due diligence, system implementations, and process improvements as needed.

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Exempt Classification Statement

This position meets the requirements of the California executive and administrative exemptions. The Controller’s primary duties include management of a recognized department, regular direction of employee work, and the exercise of discretion and independent judgment on matters of significance related to financial operations, compliance, and business strategy.

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Qualifications

Education & Experience

•  Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.

•  CPA or CMA strongly preferred.

•  Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 3–5 years in a leadership or controller-level role.

•  Previous winery experience strongly preferred, including experience with wine production accounting, inventory and bulk wine tracking, excise tax reporting, and alcohol industry regulatory requirements.

•  Experience in manufacturing, hospitality, or consumer packaged goods environments preferred.

•  Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 3–5 years in a leadership or controller-level role.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

•  Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting requirements.

•  Experience with inventory and cost accounting in a production environment.

•  Proficiency with accounting systems and ERP platforms; advanced Excel skills required.

•  Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

•  Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

•  Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

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Physical & Work Requirements

•  Ability to sit, stand, and work at a computer for extended periods.

•  Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds.

•  Ability to work extended hours during peak business periods such as month-end, year-end, and harvest season.

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