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Accounting & Finance Controller Salary in California

How much does an Accounting & Finance Controller make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Accounting & Finance Controller in California is $117,574 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $57.

However, an Accounting & Finance Controller's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $141,538
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $110,662 to $130,118
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $104,368
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Accounting & Finance Controller Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Accounting & Finance Controller Salaries

An Accounting & Finance 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 Accounting & Finance Controller Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Accounting & Finance 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): $85,486
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $101,484
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $117,480
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $114,961
  • Expert (over 8 years): $137,132
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Cost Accountant II less than 1 year $85,486
Cost Accountant III 1-2 years $101,484
Cost Accountant IV 2-4 years $117,480
Accounting & Finance Controller 5-8 years $114,961
Cost Accounting Manager over 8 years $137,132

How Do Accounting & Finance 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 Accounting & Finance Controllers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $118,022.
  • California: $117,574.
  • Massachusetts: $116,007.

Top Paying Cities for Accounting & Finance 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: $117,777
  • West Hollywood: $117,692
  • Dodgertown: $117,776

Accounting & Finance Controller Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Accounting & Finance Controller roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Accounting & Finance Controller positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Accounting & Finance Controller as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Accounting & Finance Controller

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services $141,089 $68.0 20%
Biotechnology $135,210 $65.0 15%
Internet $135,210 $65.0 15%
Energy & Utilities $129,332 $62.0 10%
Pharmaceuticals $129,332 $62.0 10%

Accounting & Finance Controller Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Accounting & Finance 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
$110,662
Average $117,574/year
$130,118
$9,222
Average $9,798/month
$10,843
$2,128
Average $2,261/week
$2,502
$53
Average $57/hour
$63
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $130,118 $10,843 $2,502 $63
Average $117,574 $9,798 $2,261 $57
25th Percentile $110,662 $9,222 $2,128 $53

Find Your Next Accounting & Finance Controller Job

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

  • PCI Pharma Services | San Diego, CA

    Accounting Controller

    PCI Pharma Services | San Diego, CA

    PCI Pharma ServicesLife changing therapies.Global impact.Bridge to thousands of biopharma companies and their patients.Our investment is in people who make... more

    4 Days Ago

  • Curry Up Now | San Francisco, CA

    Finance and Accounting

    Curry Up Now | San Francisco, CA

    Accounting and Finance Intern. The Accounting and Finance Intern will have an opportunity to gain hands-on accounting experience and learn about the variou... more

    4 Days Ago

  • La Jolla LASIK Institute | La Jolla, CA

    Finance Accounting

    La Jolla LASIK Institute | La Jolla, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. La Jolla LASIK Institute. Business/Accountant/Finance. Intern. Un-paid Internship. La Jolla LASIK Institute — La Jolla, C... more

    4 Days Ago

  • Saviance | Long Beach, CA

    Accounting Finance

    Saviance | Long Beach, CA

    Job Title. Escheatment (Unclaimed Property) Emails, Updating Files, Log/Scan/File the Returned Letters. Job Description. Both remote (Monday, Wednesday, Fr... more

    1 Day Ago

  • Abacus Service Corporation | San Diego, CA

    Accounting Finance

    Abacus Service Corporation | San Diego, CA

    Abacus Service Corporation - - Responsibilities: Assemble voucher packages with invoices and approvals. Resolve payment discrepancies proactively. Enter in... more

    2 Days Ago

  • Omni Inclusive | Redwood City, CA

    Accounting Finance

    Omni Inclusive | Redwood City, CA

    Job Title. Sr. Accounts Payable Specialist. Location. Redwood City, CA (1201 Radio Rd). Pay Rate. 30/hr. Shift: Monday through Friday 8am - 5pm Hybrid - Re... 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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