Assistant Controller Job Description Template - 2025 Guide

An Assistant Controller serves as a crucial support leader in the finance organization, bridging the gap between staff accountants and the Controller. This role combines hands-on accounting expertise with supervisory responsibilities, making it essential for organizations seeking to strengthen their financial operations and develop future finance leaders.

Key Highlights

• Average Salary Range: $75,000 - $105,000 annually
• Experience Level: 5-8 years in accounting/finance roles
• Education Requirement: Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance (CPA preferred)
• Growth Path: Direct advancement to Controller or Finance Manager roles
• Key Skills: Financial reporting, team leadership, process improvement, ERP systems
• Industry Demand: High across all sectors, especially in mid-size companies

Why This Role Matters

The Assistant Controller position represents a critical evolution in modern finance organizations. As companies grow and financial complexity increases, the traditional Controller role often becomes overwhelming for a single person. Assistant Controllers fill this gap by taking ownership of specific financial functions while developing the leadership skills necessary for future advancement.

This role is particularly valuable because it combines technical accounting expertise with people management, creating a pipeline of qualified candidates for senior finance positions. Organizations that invest in Assistant Controller roles typically see improved financial accuracy, faster month-end closes, and stronger succession planning within their finance teams.

Primary Job Description Template

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Assistant Controller to join our finance team and play a key role in our financial operations and reporting processes. In this position, you will support the Controller in managing day-to-day accounting activities while leading a team of accounting professionals to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.

As our Assistant Controller, you will take ownership of critical financial processes including month-end close procedures, financial statement preparation, and compliance activities. You will also mentor junior staff members and contribute to process improvements that enhance the efficiency and accuracy of our financial operations. This role offers excellent opportunities for professional growth and advancement within our organization.

The ideal candidate will bring strong technical accounting skills, leadership experience, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of financial integrity. You will work closely with senior management to provide financial insights that support strategic decision-making while ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and supporting schedules
• Assist in the preparation of management reports and financial analysis for senior leadership
• Review and analyze financial data to identify trends, variances, and areas for improvement
• Support external audit processes and coordinate with auditors during year-end procedures

Month-End and Year-End Close Management

• Lead month-end close activities and ensure timely completion of all closing procedures
• Review and approve journal entries, accruals, and adjustments prepared by staff accountants
• Coordinate with various departments to gather information needed for financial reporting
• Develop and maintain closing schedules and documentation to streamline processes

Team Leadership and Development

• Supervise and mentor staff accountants and accounting clerks
• Provide training and guidance on accounting procedures and company policies
• Conduct performance evaluations and support professional development initiatives
• Foster a collaborative team environment focused on accuracy and continuous improvement

Process Improvement and Controls

• Identify opportunities to improve financial processes and implement efficiency enhancements
• Develop and maintain accounting policies and procedures documentation
• Ensure compliance with internal controls and assist in SOX compliance activities
• Evaluate and recommend improvements to financial systems and reporting tools

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure adherence to GAAP, company policies, and regulatory requirements
• Support tax preparation activities and coordinate with external tax advisors
• Maintain accurate fixed asset records and depreciation schedules
• Assist with budget preparation and variance analysis reporting

Requirements

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 5-8 years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 2 years in a supervisory role
• CPA certification preferred, or actively pursuing certification
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting requirements
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, or similar)
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and financial analysis tools
• Demonstrated leadership and team management capabilities
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Public accounting experience with Big 4 or regional firm background
• Experience in a similar industry or business environment
• Knowledge of SOX compliance and internal controls
• Advanced Excel skills including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and financial modeling
• Familiarity with financial reporting software and business intelligence tools
• Strong project management and process improvement experience

What We Offer

Compensation Package

• Competitive salary range: $75,000 - $105,000 based on experience and qualifications
• Performance-based annual bonus opportunity (10-15% of base salary)
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with company matching up to 6%

Professional Development

• CPA exam support including study materials and exam fees
• Professional development budget for continuing education and certifications
• Clear advancement opportunities to Controller or Finance Manager roles
• Cross-functional exposure and leadership development programs

Work-Life Balance

• Flexible work arrangements with hybrid remote options
• Generous PTO policy with 15-20 days annually plus holidays
• Professional work environment with modern accounting systems and tools
• Collaborative culture that values work-life integration

Context Variations

Corporate Environment

Large corporations typically structure the Assistant Controller role with specialized focus areas such as consolidations, technical accounting, or specific business unit support. In these environments, the role may involve more complex reporting requirements, multiple legal entities, and sophisticated ERP systems. Corporate Assistant Controllers often have larger teams and more formal advancement paths to senior finance positions.

Startup Environment

In startup environments, Assistant Controllers wear multiple hats and often handle responsibilities that might be distributed among several roles in larger companies. This includes HR coordination, operations support, and direct involvement in fundraising activities. The role offers broader exposure but may require longer hours during critical periods and greater flexibility in job responsibilities.

Remote/Hybrid Environment

Remote Assistant Controller positions require strong communication skills and proficiency with cloud-based accounting systems. Success in remote environments depends on establishing clear processes for team management, regular check-ins with staff, and maintaining accuracy in financial reporting without direct oversight. Many companies offer hybrid arrangements allowing 2-3 days of remote work per week.

Industry Considerations

Industry	Unique Requirements	Typical Salary Adjustment
Manufacturing	Cost accounting knowledge, inventory management, standard costing	+5-10%
Technology	Revenue recognition (ASC 606), equity compensation, rapid growth scaling	+10-15%
Healthcare	Regulatory compliance, reimbursement models, non-profit accounting	+0-5%
Financial Services	Regulatory reporting, credit loss provisions, compliance-heavy environment	+10-15%
Real Estate	Property accounting, lease accounting (ASC 842), development projects	+5-10%
Non-Profit	Grant accounting, fund accounting, board reporting requirements	-5-0%

Compensation Guide

Salary Information

National Average Range: $75,000 - $105,000 annually

The Assistant Controller salary varies significantly based on company size, industry, geographic location, and candidate experience. Companies in high-cost-of-living areas and specialized industries typically offer premium compensation packages.

Metro Area	Salary Range	Cost of Living Adjustment
New York, NY	$85,000 - $125,000	+15-20%
San Francisco, CA	$90,000 - $130,000	+20-25%
Chicago, IL	$75,000 - $110,000	+5-10%
Dallas, TX	$70,000 - $105,000	Base range
Atlanta, GA	$70,000 - $100,000	-0-5%
Denver, CO	$75,000 - $110,000	+5-10%
Phoenix, AZ	$70,000 - $100,000	-0-5%
Nashville, TN	$65,000 - $95,000	-5-10%

Factors Affecting Compensation:

• Company Size: Organizations with $100M+ revenue typically pay 15-25% more than smaller companies
• CPA Certification: Can add $5,000-$10,000 to base salary expectations
• Industry Specialization: Technical industries (software, biotech) often pay premiums of 10-20%

Salary data compiled from PayScale, Glassdoor, and Robert Half 2025 Salary Guide

Interview Questions

Technical and Functional Questions

Q: Walk me through your month-end close process and how you would improve it. Evaluates process management skills and experience with financial close procedures.

Q: How do you ensure accuracy in financial reporting when managing a team of accountants? Assesses quality control methods and leadership approach to maintaining standards.

Q: Describe a time when you identified a significant accounting error. How did you handle it? Tests problem-solving abilities and ethical decision-making in financial reporting.

Q: What's your experience with implementing new accounting standards or system changes? Evaluates change management skills and technical accounting knowledge.

Q: How do you approach training junior staff on complex accounting concepts? Assesses mentoring abilities and communication skills for technical subjects.

Q: Explain how you would handle a situation where a journal entry doesn't balance. Tests analytical thinking and systematic problem-solving approach.

Q: What experience do you have with SOX compliance and internal controls? Evaluates knowledge of regulatory requirements and control environments.

Q: How do you prioritize tasks during busy periods like month-end or year-end? Assesses time management and organizational skills under pressure.

Behavioral Questions

Q: Tell me about a time when you had to deliver difficult financial news to management. Evaluates communication skills and professional maturity in challenging situations.

Q: Describe a situation where you had to manage a team member who was struggling with performance. Assesses leadership and people management capabilities.

Q: Give me an example of a process improvement you implemented that had significant impact. Tests initiative, analytical skills, and ability to drive positive change.

Q: How do you handle situations where you disagree with your supervisor's approach? Evaluates professional maturity and conflict resolution skills.

Q: Tell me about a time when you had to learn a new system or software quickly. Assesses adaptability and learning agility in technical environments.

Culture Fit Questions

Q: What motivates you most in an accounting and finance role? Determines passion for the field and alignment with role expectations.

Q: How do you stay current with accounting standards and industry best practices? Evaluates commitment to professional development and continuous learning.

Q: What's your ideal work environment and team structure? Assesses cultural fit and work style preferences.

Q: Where do you see your career in 3-5 years? Determines long-term goals and potential for growth within the organization.

Hiring Tips

Quick Sourcing Guide

Top Platforms for Assistant Controller Recruiting:

• LinkedIn: Most effective for experienced finance professionals with advanced search filters
• Indeed: Large candidate pool with strong local market presence
• Robert Half: Specialized finance recruiting with pre-screened candidates
• CPA Society Job Boards: Access to certified professionals actively seeking opportunities

Professional Communities:

• Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) local chapters
• American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) career center
• Financial Executives International (FEI) networking events

Posting Optimization Tips:

• Highlight growth opportunities and advancement potential
• Specify ERP systems and technical requirements clearly
• Emphasize team leadership and mentoring aspects
• Include flexible work arrangements if available

Red Flags to Avoid

Experience Mismatches: Candidates with only senior-level or only junior-level experience without the supervisory component Technical Gaps: Lack of experience with month-end close procedures or financial statement preparation Communication Issues: Inability to explain complex accounting concepts in simple terms during interviews Job Hopping: Pattern of leaving positions after less than 2 years without reasonable explanations Overqualification: Controller-level candidates who may leave quickly for more senior roles Limited ERP Experience: In today's environment, candidates should have experience with modern accounting systems

FAQ Section