Golden State Cider - Financial Controller

Financial Controller

Location: Healdsburg, CA
Department: Accounting
Reports to: CEO

At Golden State Cider (Sonoma Craft), we’re a tight-knit crew dedicated to crafting exceptional beverages and building a workplace where people genuinely enjoy what they do. As we continue to grow, our financial operations play a critical role in keeping our business strong, scalable, and forward-moving — and that’s where you come in.

We’re looking for an experienced and detail-driven Financial Controller to lead our accounting function, elevate financial reporting, and ensure the integrity of our financial systems. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for overseeing daily accounting operations, month-end close, budgeting, compliance, and providing meaningful financial insights to guide strategic decision-making.

You’ll partner closely with Production, Sales, HR, and Leadership, making this a highly collaborative role where communication and accuracy truly matter. If you’re someone who enjoys improving processes, building strong financial frameworks, and working with a small but dedicated team — you’ll fit right in.

Job Summary

The Financial Controller oversees all accounting operations and ensures the accuracy and integrity of Sonoma Craft’s financial reporting and systems. This role manages the internal accounting team, maintains compliance with GAAP, and acts as the primary liaison with external accounting partners. The Controller provides analysis and insight to support strategic decisions, cost control, and operational efficiency. They develop and enforce financial policies, budgets, and internal controls to safeguard company assets. As a key advisor to leadership, the Controller helps guide Sonoma Craft’s financial strategy and long-term growth.

Job Responsibilities

Leadership & Oversight

• Lead and oversee the daily operations of the accounting department, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance across all financial processes.
• Supervise, train, and mentor accounting staff; establish clear SOPs, maintain system integrity, and ensure cross-functional alignment with production and operations.
• Serve as the primary liaison with the external accounting firm and other financial partners, ensuring GAAP compliance and accuracy in reporting.
• Recommend and implement improvements, adaptations, and revisions to accounting systems and procedures to enhance efficiency and control.

Financial Management & Reporting

• Prepare and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, ensuring proper GAAP presentation and internal consistency.
• Compile and analyze financial information to prepare entries to general ledger accounts, document transactions, and reconcile all balance sheet accounts.
• Interpret financial data and provide insights, analysis, and recommendations to senior management regarding financial performance, cost control, and revenue enhancement.
• Project accounting data to show the effects of proposed plans on capital investments, income, cash flow, and overall financial condition.
• Develop and maintain accurate cash flow forecasts and support management in budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning.

Accounting Systems & Controls

• Evaluate and ensure adequacy of accounting systems as the basis for financial reporting; design and implement new or modified account structures as needed.
• Establish and maintain internal controls to safeguard company assets, ensure policy compliance, and minimize financial risk.
• Coordinate annual audits, internal reviews, and compliance reporting.
• Devise and implement manual or computer-based systems to improve efficiency and accuracy in general accounting.

Accounts Payable & Receivable Oversight

• Review all invoices, check runs, and payment proposals for accuracy, coding, and appropriate approval per the Approval Matrix.
• Maintain oversight of vendor payments, credit card transactions, and special payments to ensure compliance and completeness.
• Oversee customer billing, credit terms, collections, and AR aging reviews; ensure accuracy of distributor and DTC pricing.
• Collaborate with warehouse and sales teams to resolve pricing or billing discrepancies.

Banking, Treasury & Cash Management

• Manage company banking relationships, including portal administration, cardholder oversight, and daily cash monitoring.
• Analyze the effects of transactions on cash position and liquidity; prepare reports and recommendations to support funding decisions.
• Serve as a secondary check signer and ensure adequate funding for payment cycles.

Payroll & Compliance

• Partner with HR for payroll execution and final termination payments; ensure timely remittance of payroll taxes and benefits contributions.
• Partner with HR and executive leadership to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local financial and labor regulations.
• Supervise staff preparation of 1099s, annual filings, and document retention per company policy.

Strategic Analysis & Advisory

• Advise the CEO and department heads on accounting matters, financial implications of strategic decisions, and opportunities for operational improvements.
• Provide financial modeling and scenario analysis to support strategic planning and investment decisions.
• Evaluate alternative accounting treatments and assess the financial impact of proposed business changes.

Insurance, Risk & Systems Administration

• Maintain current certificates of insurance and ensure adequate coverage for all company operations.
• Oversee all accounting-related systems (NetSuite, Bill.com, Square, banking portals) and ensure integration and data accuracy.
• Support DTC systems (Square, Shopify, VinoShipper, Expensify, Stripe) for accurate accounting flow and reconciliation.

Skills & Qualifications

• BS. degree in Business, preferably Accounting or Finance
• App Knowledge Required: Bill.com, On-Line Banking, DocuSign, Square, NetSuite, Excel
• 10 Years in full cycle Accounting (Required), preferably in the beverage industry
• High attention to detail, strong analytic & problem-solving skills
• Confidentiality
• Knowledge of Accounting principles and practices
• Strong working knowledge of inventory management and ability to set up operational processes for accurate inventory accounting
• Ability to multitask, meet deadlines and be a team player

Work Environment & Physical requirements

Travel Requirements:

• Occasional travel requires (up to 10%), with locations throughout Sonoma County

Office Hours/Location:

• This position is based in Healdsburg, CA. Expected in-offices days are Monday through Friday, 8:00AM - 4:30pm.
• Remote candidates will not be considered for this role.

Physical/Mental Requirements

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

Sonoma Craft LLC is a proud equal-opportunity employer.  We wholeheartedly embrace authenticity, diversity, and people's differences. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace for all our employees and consumers. 

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

Compensation range is $110K Annually - $136K Annually
Compensation is determined based on non-discriminatory, business-related factors, including but not limited to, training, experience, education and/or professional certifications, geographic location, and market data.

Benefits at Sonoma Craft

At Sonoma Craft, we believe in supporting the whole employee — mind, body, and lifestyle. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

Health Care Coverage

• Medical Insurance: 95% of the employee premium and 50% of dependent premiums covered
• Dental & Vision Insurance: 100% of the employee premium and 50% of dependent premiums covered

Monthly Wellness Allowance

• $100 monthly reimbursement to support physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing, including gym memberships, fitness classes, yoga, strength training, or passes to Regional, State, or National Parks

Paid Time Off

• 18 days of PTO annually, accrued from your start date

Company Holidays

• 11 paid holidays each year

Cider & Beer Allotments

• Monthly product perks to enjoy our craft beverages

401(k) Retirement Plan

• Eligibility begins after 90 days
• 100% match on the first 3%, and 50% match on the next 3% after one year of employment

We’re building a workplace where people thrive, and these benefits are just one of the ways we show our appreciation for all that you bring to the team.

Salary : $110,000 - $136,000