Assistant Controller job description template
If you are hiring for this role, start here. This free template is our detailed definition of the position, with everything you need to find and hire the right person. Copy it, add your own requirements, and post it.
What is an Assistant Controller?
Assistant Controllers are financial professionals who usually work in accounting departments in various companies.
They collaborate with controllers and other specialists to provide support and assistance for accounting management, financial documentation, and billing and faxing processes.
They also help with budget preparation and analysis, data entry, and identifying and resolving accounting errors and inaccuracies.
The top Assistant Controller skills.
Five things separate a strong hire from a résumé that reads well. Use these as your scorecard criteria.
The job description, ready to post.
Copy it as written, or edit it until it sounds like your company. Both work.
We are actively looking for an Assistant Controller to join us in our accounting department. In this position, you will work closely with the Controller and other professionals on supporting various aspects of accounting management, including taxing, billing, invoicing, and reporting. Additionally, you will be assisting in the preparation and maintenance of financial statements, budgets, and forecasts, as well as the formulation and implementation of the control system in the company.
We value strong collaboration among departments and the ability to build and maintain trusty relationships with clients and colleagues. That is why our ideal candidate is a person with excellent verbal and written communication and collaboration, organizational, and analytical skills. Also, computer proficiency, budgeting, problem-solving, and mathematic skills are welcomed.
Duties and responsibilities
- Support various aspects of the accounting management.
- Assist in billing, taxing, invoicing, and reporting activities.
- Create and manage balance sheets and analyze earnings and expenses.
- Help with the preparation of financial statements and other documentation.
- Perform and manage data entry.
- Assist in forming budgets and forecasts.
- Participate in the preparation and implementation of internal control systems.
- Perform weekly, monthly, and yearly budget analyzes.
- Research, identify, and resolve accounting issues.
- Ensure legal compliance with all relevant state and federal laws, regulations, and procedures.
- Utilize accounting software to prepare reports and manage documentation.
Requirements
- A degree in accounting, finance, or a similar field.
- CPA certification is an advantage.
- Prior working experience as an Assistant Controller or related position.
- In-depth knowledge of accounting and financial processes (taxing, billing, budgeting).
- Knowledge of MS Office and accounting software.
- Strong analytical and numerical skills.
- Written and verbal communication.
- Organization and time management.
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Copy it straight into your job board or ATS, or have it emailed to you with the interview questions for this role.
Degree first, then the certification.
The majority of applicants possess a degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a relevant field.
Further certification, such as a CPA certificate, is a requirement for some employers, but generally, it represents a huge advantage.
Candidates should have a few years of experience in the accounting or finance working field in order to acquire knowledge and a set of skills essential for this position.
Candidates usually begin with internship or cooperative education programs in accounting or finance before applying for their first official job.
Certified Public Accountant
Demonstrates expertise in accounting principles and practices.
AICPASample interview questions for an Assistant Controller.
Once you have gathered the applications, work through these in order. Twelve questions across four areas, enough to tell your shortlist apart.
- What would you say about yourself in a few words?
- What is something you enjoy doing outside of work?
- How do you imagine your dream job?
- Why did you choose to become an Assistant Controller?
- What are your salary expectations for the first 6 months?
- Could you briefly tell us more about your previous working experience?
- How would you work with a Controller to achieve the company’s goals?
- How well do you think you will collaborate with other departments?
- What motivates you to keep going when you feel overwhelmed?
- What experience do you have developing and managing financial documentation for regulatory bodies?
- What was the hardest accounting problem you faced, and how did you solve it?
- How do you make a decision or execute a task when you don’t have all the necessary information?
How much to pay when hiring.
Annual pay by percentile. Where you land depends on the size of the cycle they will own, and the 25th percentile is usually where a first analyst hire sits.
Hourly equivalents run from $16 at the 10th percentile to $58 at the 90th.
Candidates may apply under a different name.
Post the title your industry uses and keep the rest of the description. These three roles overlap enough that the same posting usually reaches all of them.
Three titles, one description.
Search behavior varies by industry, so the same job is advertised under several names. If you are unsure which one your candidates search for, run two titles and see which fills.
Controller
Controllers work for businesses to ensure that financial records are kept up to date and correct for future reference.
$93,108 medianCorporate Controller
Accounting Specialist
Frequently asked questions.
What makes an Assistant Controller different from a Bookkeeper?
The main difference between these two positions is their working background.
Bookkeeper is typically an entry-level position, while an Assistant Controller must have strong knowledge and experience when it comes to financing and accounting.
Furthermore, a Bookkeeper mainly focuses on clerical and administrative duties and Assistant Controller is responsible for more demanding and higher-level tasks.
Who do Assistant Controllers work with?
Assistant Controllers mainly work with and report to Controllers.
They may also work with other departments to achieve the company's goals.
What are the crucial skills for Assistant Controllers?
Assistant Controllers must have excellent written and verbal communication, organization, analytical, budgeting, numerical skills, and computer skills.
How much do Assistant Controllers earn annually?
Assistant Controllers typically earn between $32,500 and $120,000 per year.
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