Controller recruiting for growing businesses
Hire a controller who lives near your office. RecruitJet finds, interviews and reference-checks candidates in any state.
About 65,600 openings a year across the US, on average, as people retire or change jobs. Employment is projected to grow 10% over 2025–35.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Financial managersWhat does a controller do in a small business?
- Owns the monthly close and the accuracy of the financial statements.
- Manages the accounting team, cash flow, budgets and forecasts.
- Works with the owner, the bank and the outside accountant on audits, taxes and financing.
Why the right hire matters
- Control. One person owns the close, cash and the financial statements.
- Decisions. Budgets and forecasts show what the business can afford.
- Credibility. Banks, auditors and investors deal with someone who knows the numbers.
What do we screen controllers for?
- Experience leading the close at a business of a similar size
- Hands-on knowledge of your accounting system and reporting needs
- References from past employers, checked before you meet them
- A commute to your office they can keep up
- Interview against your job description
- References from past employers
- Work history and dates
- CPA license or degree, where the role needs it
- Background check, with the candidate's consent
This is recruiter screening. Your own hiring checks still apply.
What does a controller earn?
It depends on where the job is. Three things move pay from state to state.
Cost of living
Pay tends to sit above the national average in high-cost states and metros, and below it where living costs are lower.
Local demand
Where more employers are hiring for a role than there are candidates, offers rise.
On-site, hybrid or remote
On-site roles are priced by the local market. Remote roles draw on a wider pool, which changes what candidates expect.
Contact us for a current salary benchmark for your state and role.
Request a HireHiring controllers in your state
We recruit for any industry, in any state in the U.S.
Industries that hire controllers
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5 min read · November 2026Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to hire a controller through a recruiter?
How long does it take to hire a controller?
What does a controller earn?
Do you place temporary or contract controllers?
Tell us who you need and when
- A shortlist of interviewed, reference-checked candidates, typically within 10 business days of kickoff
- One fee, paid on placement
- A free 90-day replacement guarantee
Takes about two minutes. We reply within one business day.
The Right Hire,
Right Here.