Chief Financial Officer Jobs in California
Chief Financial Officer jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in technology, venture-backed startups, entertainment, financial services, and healthcare and covering the full spectrum from vice president of finance stepping into a first CFO seat through seasoned executives overseeing multibillion-dollar operations. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Jose account for the largest share of openings, where companies like Wells Fargo, Apple, and Disney maintain significant finance leadership teams. Demand runs especially high for chief financial officers with expertise in IPO readiness, SaaS financial modeling, and healthcare system finance. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 280+ Chief Financial Officer jobs
Salary & Compensation
*UCLA provides a full pay range. Actual salary offers consider factors, including budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations. Salary offers at the top of the range are not common. Visit UC Benefit package to discover benefits that start on day one, and UC Total Compensation Estimator to calculate the total compensation value with benefits.
Qualifications
- Demonstrated success leading complex financial and organizational initiatives in a large and multifaceted environment. (Required) And
- Experience developing and communicating strategic recommendations to executive leadership. (Required) And
- Experience in higher education, public-sector finance, healthcare, research administration, or other complex mission-driven organizations. (Preferred)
- Advanced knowledge of financial planning, resource management, budgeting, forecasting, and performance measurement methodologies. (Required)
- Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to synthesize complex information and translate it into actionable insights. (Required)
- Demonstrated ability to lead through influence, build consensus, and manage competing priorities among diverse stakeholders. (Required)
- Outstanding written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills. (Required)
- Proven ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and manage highly sensitive matters. (Required)
Education, Licenses, Certifications & Personal Affiliations
- Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Public Administration, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. (Required) And
- Master's Degree Advanced degree such as MBA, MPA, MPP, MS Finance, or related field. (Preferred)
- Professional certification such as CPA, CGMA, CFA, or equivalent. (Preferred)
Special Conditions for Employment
- Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.
- Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.
Schedule
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PT and/or variable based on operational needs.
Union/Policy Covered
99-Policy Covered
Complete Position Description
https://universityofcalifornia.marketpayjobs.com/ShowJob.aspx?EntityID=38&JDName=Financial%20Analysis%20Manager%202%20(TBD_1000311) Apply
- Full Salary Range:
Salary & Compensation
*UCLA provides a full pay range. Actual salary offers consider factors, including budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations. Salary offers at the top of the range are not common. Visit UC Benefit package to discover benefits that start on day one, and UC Total Compensation Estimator to calculate the total compensation value with benefits.
Qualifications
- Demonstrated success leading complex financial and organizational initiatives in a large and multifaceted environment. (Required) And
- Experience developing and communicating strategic recommendations to executive leadership. (Required) And
- Experience in higher education, public-sector finance, healthcare, research administration, or other complex mission-driven organizations. (Preferred)
- Advanced knowledge of financial planning, resource management, budgeting, forecasting, and performance measurement methodologies. (Required)
- Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to synthesize complex information and translate it into actionable insights. (Required)
- Demonstrated ability to lead through influence, build consensus, and manage competing priorities among diverse stakeholders. (Required)
- Outstanding written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills. (Required)
- Proven ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and manage highly sensitive matters. (Required)
Education, Licenses, Certifications & Personal Affiliations
- Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Public Administration, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. (Required) And
- Master's Degree Advanced degree such as MBA, MPA, MPP, MS Finance, or related field. (Preferred)
- Professional certification such as CPA, CGMA, CFA, or equivalent. (Preferred)
Special Conditions for Employment
- Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.
- Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.
Schedule
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PT and/or variable based on operational needs.
Union/Policy Covered
99-Policy Covered
Complete Position Description
https://universityofcalifornia.marketpayjobs.com/ShowJob.aspx?EntityID=38&JDName=Financial%20Analysis%20Manager%202%20(TBD_1000311) Apply
- Full Salary Range:
See All 280+ Chief Financial Officer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Chief Financial Officer JobsChief Financial Officer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Chief Financial Officer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Gilead Sciences14
- Marriott International7
- CRUSOE5
- Vaco4
- HEI Hotels & Resorts4
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software11
- Education6
- Healthcare & Medical Services6
- Staffing & Recruiting5
- Science & Research2
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in chief financial officer jobs across California.
- CPA license issued or recognized by the California Board of Accountancy required
- Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or economics with a CPA or MBA preferred
- Ten or more years of progressive finance leadership including a controller or VP role
- Demonstrated experience with SEC reporting, GAAP compliance, and audit oversight
- Proven ability to lead financial planning, budgeting, and long-range forecasting processes
- Experience partnering with boards, investors, and external auditors in a California market
Chief Financial Officer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a chief financial officer in California?
Most chief financial officers in California hold a CPA license issued or recognized by the California Board of Accountancy, which requires passing the Uniform CPA Examination and meeting California's education and experience requirements. A bachelor's degree in accounting or finance is the foundation, and an MBA from a California business school strengthens candidacy significantly. Typical paths run through controller, director of finance, or VP of finance roles before the CFO seat.
Which companies hire chief financial officers in California?
Employers hiring chief financial officers in California right now include Gilead Sciences, Marriott International, and CRUSOE, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's density of publicly traded technology companies, health systems, and entertainment studios means sustained CFO demand well beyond the largest household names.
Which California cities have the most chief financial officer jobs?
San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Foster City have the most chief financial officer openings in California. San Francisco and San Jose are driven by the concentration of publicly traded and venture-backed technology companies in Silicon Valley, while Los Angeles reflects demand from entertainment, media, private equity, and a large and growing healthcare sector with major systems headquartered there.
Are there remote chief financial officer jobs in California?
Yes, though they are less common than in purely analytical or individual-contributor roles, since chief financial officers are typically expected to be present for board meetings, investor relations, and leadership team decisions. About 57% of chief financial officer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026. Strategic planning, FP&A oversight, and investor reporting are the functions most likely to be handled remotely.
How can I get hired as a chief financial officer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a senior manager or director of finance role at a California startup or mid-size company, where the finance team is small enough that one person owns a wide scope. Large California health systems and university medical centers run formal finance leadership development programs that build the budgeting and compliance background CFOs need. A California CPA license and experience closing audits or supporting a board reporting process are the credentials that move candidates ahead of the field.
Where can I find and apply to chief financial officer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to chief financial officer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated regularly. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 280+ Chief Financial Officer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Chief Financial Officer Jobs