Accounting

Assistant Controller job description

An Assistant Controller oversees month-end close processes, manages GL reconciliations, and ensures GAAP compliance — supporting senior finance leadership with critical accounting operations and audit coordination.

Published June 12, 2024Updated May 9, 20261017 likes

Explore all roles Browse Accounting

Job brief

We are seeking an experienced Assistant Controller to join our finance team and play a key role in our financial reporting and compliance functions. In this position, you will take ownership of the monthly close process, manage a team of staff accountants, and serve as a trusted advisor to senior management on accounting matters and internal controls. Working closely with our Controller, you will help drive process improvements, lead special projects, and ensure our financial operations support our company's growth objectives. If you are a CPA with strong technical skills and leadership experience who thrives in a dynamic environment, we would love to hear from you.

Key highlights

Lead monthly and quarterly close processes, ensuring timely and accurate financial statement preparation within established deadlines
Manage complex balance sheet reconciliations including intercompany accounts, fixed assets, and accrued liabilities using advanced Excel and ERP functionality
Coordinate external audit activities by preparing PBC schedules, responding to auditor inquiries, and ensuring compliance with SOX 404 internal control requirements
Supervise and mentor junior accounting staff, conducting performance reviews and providing technical accounting guidance on day-to-day transactions

What is a Assistant Controller?

An Assistant Controller is a senior accounting professional who serves as the second-in-command within an organization's finance department, supporting the Controller and CFO with financial reporting, internal controls, and regulatory compliance. Working extensively with ERP systems such as NetSuite, SAP, or Oracle Financials, Assistant Controllers manage complex month-end and year-end closing procedures, oversee multi-entity consolidations, and ensure adherence to GAAP or IFRS standards. Their expertise in financial analysis, audit coordination, and process improvement is essential for maintaining accurate financial records and supporting strategic business decisions across the organization.

What does a Assistant Controller do?

On a daily basis, an Assistant Controller reviews and approves journal entries, performs complex account reconciliations, and analyzes variance reports to identify and resolve discrepancies. They coordinate closely with external auditors during quarterly reviews and annual audits, prepare supporting documentation, and manage relationships with banking partners for cash management activities. Assistant Controllers also lead month-end close meetings with department heads, review consolidated financial statements for accuracy, and prepare management reports and board packages using advanced Excel modeling and financial reporting tools. They frequently collaborate with tax advisors, treasury teams, and operational managers to ensure proper accounting treatment of complex transactions.

Key responsibilities

Lead monthly and quarterly close processes, ensuring timely and accurate financial statement preparation within established deadlines
Manage complex balance sheet reconciliations including intercompany accounts, fixed assets, and accrued liabilities using advanced Excel and ERP functionality
Prepare detailed variance analysis reports comparing actual results to budget and prior periods, identifying key drivers and presenting findings to senior management
Coordinate external audit activities by preparing PBC schedules, responding to auditor inquiries, and ensuring compliance with SOX 404 internal control requirements
Oversee accounts payable and receivable functions, implementing process improvements to enhance accuracy and efficiency of cash flow management
Review and approve complex journal entries including revenue recognition, expense accruals, and multi-element arrangements under ASC 606
Develop and maintain financial reporting templates and management dashboards using Power BI or Tableau for executive-level decision making
Supervise and mentor junior accounting staff, conducting performance reviews and providing technical accounting guidance on day-to-day transactions

Requirements and skills

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance with CPA certification required, demonstrating strong technical accounting knowledge
5+ years of progressive accounting experience with at least 2 years in a supervisory role managing month-end close processes
Advanced proficiency in ERP systems such as NetSuite, SAP, Oracle Financials, or Microsoft Dynamics for transaction processing and reporting
Expert-level Microsoft Excel skills including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, macros, and financial modeling for variance analysis and forecasting
Strong understanding of GAAP principles, ASC 606 revenue recognition, and SOX compliance requirements for internal controls
Experience with financial reporting software such as Hyperion, OneStream, or Adaptive Insights for consolidation and management reporting
Public accounting experience with Big 4 or mid-tier CPA firms preferred, providing exposure to diverse industries and complex transactions
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to present financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders and board members

FAQs

What does an Assistant Controller do on a daily basis?

An Assistant Controller manages critical financial operations including reviewing journal entries, performing account reconciliations, and analyzing financial variances to ensure accurate reporting. They spend significant time coordinating with department heads during month-end close, preparing management reports, and supervising junior accounting staff. Daily responsibilities also include working in ERP systems like NetSuite or SAP to process transactions, communicating with external auditors and banking partners, and supporting the Controller with special projects and process improvements. Senior Assistant Controllers often participate in budget planning sessions and present financial analysis to executive leadership.

What qualifications are needed to become an Assistant Controller?

Most Assistant Controller positions require a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance plus CPA certification, along with 5-7 years of progressive accounting experience including supervisory responsibilities. Candidates need strong technical skills in ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or NetSuite, plus advanced Excel proficiency for financial analysis and reporting. Public accounting experience with exposure to audits and complex accounting standards like ASC 606 is highly valued. Many employers also prefer candidates with experience in SOX compliance, financial consolidations, and management reporting tools like Hyperion or Power BI.

Who does an Assistant Controller work with regularly?

An Assistant Controller collaborates closely with the Controller and CFO on strategic financial initiatives and reporting, while also managing relationships with external auditors, tax advisors, and banking partners. They work extensively with department heads across the organization to gather financial information during month-end close and provide accounting guidance on operational transactions. Internally, they supervise staff accountants and coordinate with treasury teams, payroll specialists, and IT departments for system implementations. Assistant Controllers also interface with board members and executive leadership when presenting financial reports and participating in audit committee meetings.

What is the typical salary range for an Assistant Controller?

Assistant Controller salaries typically range from $85,000 to $130,000 annually, with significant variation based on company size, industry, and geographic location. In major metropolitan areas, experienced Assistant Controllers at large corporations can earn $120,000-$150,000 plus bonuses and equity compensation. Those with CPA certification and Big 4 public accounting backgrounds often command premium salaries. The role offers strong career advancement opportunities, with many Assistant Controllers progressing to Controller positions within 3-5 years, which can lead to salaries in the $140,000-$200,000 range depending on company size and complexity.