Interim Controller; Part-Time

Our Client is a $50mm manufacturer in Santa Barbara, CA.

We're seeking an experienced Interim Controller on a contract basis to cover a planned leave of absence. This is a high-impact role supporting a lean, capable accounting team during a period of exciting operational growth, including the onboarding of a new manufacturing facility.

This role is expected to last 5–6 months, working 20-30 hours per week. The hired individual must work on-site in Santa Barbara 3 days per week.

• Financial Close & Reporting:
  Own the monthly close process, maintaining the current 5-day close cadence. Prepare and review financial statements, journal entries, account reconciliations, and variance analyses to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
• Cost Accounting Oversight:
  Provide strategic direction to the on-staff cost accountant. Review and maintain standard costs, analyze manufacturing variances, and ensure cost data integrity across the organization.
• Play a key role in standing up standard costing for a new manufacturing site — including building out cost structures, BOMs, and related accounting workflows in Epicor.
• Manage and support a team of 4 direct reports, providing guidance, prioritization, and mentorship to keep the accounting function running smoothly in the absence of senior finance leadership.
• Partner with operations, supply chain, and production teams to ensure accounting practices align with manufacturing realities and business activity.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls, ensuring adherence to GAAP and company policies across all accounting functions.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities as needed, providing senior-level insight to inform business decisions.

• Required:
  
  Strong manufacturing and cost accounting experience
• Nice to Have: CPA Comfortable operating independently and providing senior-level guidance Collaborative team player who can hit the ground running