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Accountant/Financial Controller Salary in California

How much does an Accountant/Financial Controller make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Accountant/Financial Controller in California is $111,994 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $54.

However, an Accountant/Financial Controller's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $138,661
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $95,229 to $125,953
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $79,966
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Accountant/Financial Controller Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Accountant/Financial Controller Salaries

An Accountant/Financial Controller's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Accountant/Financial Controller Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Accountant/Financial Controller's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $102,016
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $102,865
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $105,692
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $109,086
  • Expert (over 8 years): $112,382
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Accountant/Financial Controller less than 1 year $102,016
Early Career Level Accountant/Financial Controller 1-2 years $102,865
Mid-Level Level Accountant/Financial Controller 2-4 years $105,692
Senior-Level Level Accountant/Financial Controller 5-8 years $109,086
Expert Level Accountant/Financial Controller over 8 years $112,382

How Do Accountant/Financial Controller Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Accountant/Financial Controllers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $112,421.
  • California: $111,994.
  • Massachusetts: $110,502.

Top Paying Cities for Accountant/Financial Controller

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $112,187
  • West Hollywood: $112,106
  • Dodgertown: $112,186

Accountant/Financial Controller Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Accountant/Financial Controller roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 0% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 5% above the average. Conversely, Accountant/Financial Controller positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Accountant/Financial Controller as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an Accountant/Financial Controller

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit $117,594 $57.0 5%

Accountant/Financial Controller Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Accountant/Financial Controller's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$95,229
Average $111,994/year
$125,953
$7,936
Average $9,333/month
$10,496
$1,831
Average $2,154/week
$2,422
$46
Average $54/hour
$61
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $125,953 $10,496 $2,422 $61
Average $111,994 $9,333 $2,154 $54
25th Percentile $95,229 $7,936 $1,831 $46

Find Your Next Accountant/Financial Controller Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Accountant/Financial Controller job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Superior Metals Manufacturing | BRIDGEPORT, NY

    Controller

    Superior Metals Manufacturing | BRIDGEPORT, NY

    Superior Metals Manufacturing seeks a Controller to lead all accounting and financial operations for our precision metal fabrication business. The Controll... more

    4 Days Ago

  • Superior Metals Manufacturing | SCRIBNER CORNERS, NY

    Controller

    Superior Metals Manufacturing | SCRIBNER CORNERS, NY

    Superior Metals Manufacturing seeks a Controller to lead all accounting and financial operations for our precision metal fabrication business. The Controll... more

    4 Days Ago

  • Superior Metals Manufacturing | CLOCKVILLE, NY

    Controller

    Superior Metals Manufacturing | CLOCKVILLE, NY

    Superior Metals Manufacturing seeks a Controller to lead all accounting and financial operations for our precision metal fabrication business. The Controll... more

    4 Days Ago

  • Superior Metals Manufacturing | FENNER, NY

    Controller

    Superior Metals Manufacturing | FENNER, NY

    Superior Metals Manufacturing seeks a Controller to lead all accounting and financial operations for our precision metal fabrication business. The Controll... more

    4 Days Ago

  • Superior Metals Manufacturing | CARDIFF, NY

    Controller

    Superior Metals Manufacturing | CARDIFF, NY

    Superior Metals Manufacturing seeks a Controller to lead all accounting and financial operations for our precision metal fabrication business. The Controll... more

    4 Days Ago

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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