Assistant Controller Job Descriptions, Average Salary, Interview Questions

We’re hiring for an assistant controller. The ideal candidate for our team will be interested in learning quickly, have a knack for working with world-class clients, and be excited to be surrounded by some of the best CPAs, accountants, and consultants in the industry. The assistant controller communicates financial data to internal and external contacts and agencies as required. You must have proven experience in financial management as well as experience carrying out a variety of accounting and finance tasks to ensure the financial health of the organization/company.

Typical duties and responsibilities

• Create financial statements
• Prepare financial reports monthly, quarterly, and yearly
• Ensure accounting practices are in compliance with legal guidelines
• Identify solutions to any discrepancies in financial records
• Maintain financial records and work with IT to maintain system processes
• Provide input into developing the budget
• Work closely with the company controller
• Work with the financial team to create internal policies and controls

Education and experience

• 2+ years of experience in accounting, finance, or a related field

Required skills and qualifications

• Highly organized with attention to detail
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficient in data analysis, problem-solving, and critical thinking
• Expert knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, and regulations
• Knowledge of basic office/accounting software programs
• Skilled in time management and prioritizing tasks
• Looks for ways to improve efficiency

Preferred qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field
• Certified Public Accountant status
• Experience in a related field
• Years of experience in private or public accounting
• Advanced Excel and computer skills
• ERP and Concur experience

Responsibilities

• Oversees and has responsibility for ensuring that the preparation of the Company’s SEC financial reporting on Form 10-Q, 10-K, and 8-K meets SEC requirements
• Reviews quarterly earnings releases and determines the appropriateness of items to be included/excluded from Non-GAAP measures
• Participates in the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes to ensure complete and accurate reporting
• Communicates and explains accounting issues and evolving accounting guidance to the management team
• Communicates directly with external auditors on financial statements and accounting issues to ensure agreement with Company’s decisions on accounting disclosures and issues
• Prepares white papers for technical accounting matters
• Establishes and publishes accounting policies
• Ensures SOX compliance

Requirements

• 5+ years experience working for a publicly traded organization
• Knowledge of internal and external reporting, audit preparation
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance
• CPA
• Manufacturing or distribution experience preferred

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to the A/R, A/P, and Billing team and for the day-to-day accounting and financial operations
• Lead and optimize accounting and financial operations, incl. process optimization, systems optimization, integration, etc.
• Responsible for monitoring performed by reviewing AP systems and banking program access where applicable
• Assist with the internal monitoring of the purchase order process by the accounting function
• Responsible for Accounts Receivable cash application reconciliation and oversight
• Ensuring proper verification and approval of routing and account numbers for electronic payments
• Resolve customer deductions in collaboration with sales and customer service teams
• Responsible for developing and maintaining treasury and Account Receivables/Payables principles, practices, and procedures to ensure accurate and timely financial statements
• Ensure the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal controls relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements are free from material misstatement
• Ensure an accurate and timely daily, monthly, quarterly, and year-end close
• Establish and maintain disclosure controls and procedures and effective internal control over financial reporting for the Company
• Oversee the preparation of monthly and quarterly management and regulatory reports
• Supervises the execution of all aspects of cash management operating strategies
• Develops and manages cash flow forecasting process, analysis, & reporting
• Work as a liaison to external auditors
• Actively drive continuous improvement opportunities in processes, policies, and standards
• Partner closely with the Controller to drive accounting policy alignment, reporting quality, and timeliness
• Responsible for all areas relating to external financial reporting and technical accounting
• Responsible for financial reporting, internal control documentation with respect to external reporting, technical accounting, process improvement, and audit preparation
• Support budget and forecasting activities

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Accounting
• MBA or Master’s Degree preferred
• 5+ years of experience
• Prior management experience and ability to lead a team
• Ability to tactfully interact with all business stakeholders for requests and resolution of issues
• Strong skills in Microsoft Office Suite particularly Excel and PowerPoint

What you will do

Under the general direction of the VP of Finance, the Assistant Corporate Controller will manage and oversee the daily operations of the accounting department including:

• Revenue recognition, Invoicing, Accounts payable/receivable, payroll, bank account reconciliations, journal entries, and general ledger
• Month/quarter/year-end close processes/reporting
• Treasury and budgeting, cash flow forecasting
• Revenue and expenditure variance analysis
• Identification of cost control opportunities throughout the P&L
• Maintain the Company’s accounting system in compliance with the requirements of the FAR and manage any pre-award and/or DCAA audits
• Indirect Rate calculations and Summary Cost Management Reporting
• Establish and enforce proper accounting methods, policies, and principles
• Coordinate with 3rd party CPA/tax firm and complete audits
• Develop and improve systems and procedures, and initiate corrective actions
• Manage insurance renewals and issues
• Assign projects and direct staff to ensure compliance and accuracy
• Lead, coach, and mentor team; conduct annual review process

Who you are

• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance or Accounting
• CPA or CMA a plus
• Strong technical accounting background with 5+ years of experience, preferably in the federal contracting industry
• 2+ years of project accounting experience (ASC606 experience)
• Technical and comprehensive knowledge of all finance, financial planning, accounting, and tax areas of a government contracting businesses including an excellent understanding of GAAP, FAR, and DCAA requirements
• Expertise in Quickbooks Online Advanced as well as time management systems and integrations
• Experience selecting, implementing, and operating in various account systems (i.e, Netsuite, Unanet, Deltek, etc.)
• Strong analytical capabilities including the ability to leverage financial data to design and generate critical business reports
• Excellent computer skills including all MS Office and Google Workspace applications, as well as low-code and no-code software
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and skills in planning and organization
• Ability to work independently to solve challenging problems and exercise sound judgment