Process Lead

Expected

Start date:

When the candidate is available

Location: California

Industry: Cannabis – Manufacturing & Distribution

Company Type: Private

Annual Revenue: ~$50M

Reports To: Client and Controller

The Assistant Controller will support the Controller in overseeing the accounting and financial reporting functions for a private California cannabis company operating in a highly regulated environment. This role plays a key part in ensuring GAAP-compliant financials, accurate inventory and cost accounting, compliance with California cannabis regulations, and adherence to IRC Section 280E. The ideal candidate has strong manufacturing accounting experience and is comfortable operating in a fast‑growing, regulated industry.

• Assist with monthly, quarterly, and year‑end close processes
• Prepare and review journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules
• Ensure timely and accurate GAAP‑compliant financial statements
• Assist in preparing management reporting packages and financial analyses
• Support year‑end tax preparation and financial statement reviews

• Oversee inventory accounting for cultivation inputs, work‑in‑process, finished goods, and distribution inventory
• Maintain accurate cost of goods manufactured (COGM) and cost of goods sold (COGS)
• Allocate labor, overhead, and production costs in accordance with GAAP and 280E requirements
• Monitor inventory adjustments, shrinkage, waste, and write‑offs
• Participate in and oversee physical inventory counts and cycle counts
• Reconcile inventory systems (ERP) with METRC records

• Support compliance with California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) regulations
• Ensure financial data aligns with METRC reporting and inventory movements
• Assist with CDTFA cannabis excise tax, sales tax, and use tax reporting
• Coordinate with external tax advisors on 280E cost capitalization strategies
• Support audits, regulatory reviews, and state examinations

• Maintain and enhance internal controls over cash, inventory, and revenue
• Document and enforce accounting policies and procedures
• Assist with ERP and accounting system implementations and enhancements
• Identify opportunities to improve accuracy, efficiency, and scalability as the company grows

• Assist with annual budgeting and rolling forecasts
• Analyze variances between actual results and budget/forecast
• Provide operational and margin analysis by product line, SKU, and channel
• Support ad hoc financial analysis for strategic decision‑making

• Supervise and mentor accounting staff as assigned
• Collaborate closely with operations, production, compliance, and sales teams
• Serve as a key backup to the Controller when needed

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance
• 5–7 years of progressive accounting experience
• Strong background in manufacturing and cannabis accounting
• Solid understanding of GAAP, inventory accounting, and cost accounting
• Experience working with inventory‑heavy environments
• Advanced Excel skills

• Direct experience in California cannabis accounting
• Knowledge of IRC Section 280E
• Experience with METRC and cannabis ERP systems
• ERP experience (Quick Books Enterprise, QBO)
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment
• Strong communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills