What Does an Assistant Controller Do?
An assistant controller plays a key role in an organization’s accounting and finance department by ensuring accurate financial reporting, maintaining internal controls, and supporting the controller with audits, month-end close, and regulatory compliance. This position acts as a bridge between day-to-day accounting operations and high-level financial strategy, often overseeing staff accountants and coordinating cross-departmental financial processes.
Assistant controllers are typically involved in preparing financial statements in accordance with GAAP, managing reconciliations, assisting with budgeting and forecasting, and implementing financial controls to safeguard company assets. They also help prepare documentation for internal and external audits, identify areas for process improvement, and ensure the company meets both internal reporting timelines and external compliance standards.
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Assistant Controller Core Responsibilities
- Oversee daily accounting operations, including GL maintenance, reconciliations, and journal entries
- Assist with the preparation and review of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements
- Support internal and external audits by preparing schedules, reports, and required documentation
- Maintain and strengthen internal controls to ensure compliance with accounting policies
- Lead or assist with the month-end and year-end close process
- Help prepare budgets, forecasts, and variance analyses in coordination with the FP&A team
- Supervise and mentor staff accountants or AP/AR specialists
- Implement accounting system improvements and monitor ERP system usage
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Strong knowledge of GAAP and corporate accounting standards
- Proficiency in accounting software and ERP systems (e.g., Oracle, SAP, NetSuite)
- Experience with financial reporting, reconciliations, and audit support
- Advanced Excel skills including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and data modeling
Soft skills
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Strong leadership and team management skills
- High attention to detail and organizational abilities
- Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders
- Ethical judgment and a commitment to accuracy and transparency
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field
Certifications
- CPA license strongly preferred (sometimes required depending on industry or company size)
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of accounting experience, including supervisory responsibilities
- Experience in public accounting or a Big Four firm
- Familiarity with SEC reporting (for public companies)
- Knowledge of industry-specific accounting practices (e.g., manufacturing, real estate, healthcare)
- Master’s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration
National Average Salary
Assistant controller salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for an Assistant Controller is:
$88,755
Sample Job Description Templates for Assistant Controllers
Assistant Controller – Public Company
Position Overview
An assistant controller at a public company supports financial reporting and compliance with SEC regulations. This role ensures accurate, timely filings and implements SOX-compliant internal controls, serving as a key player in the financial close and audit readiness process.
Assistant Controller – Public Company Responsibilities
- Assist with preparing SEC filings, including 10-Qs, 10-Ks, and 8-Ks
- Ensure GAAP and SOX compliance across all financial reporting
- Coordinate quarterly and annual external audits
- Manage month-end close and consolidation processes
- Oversee internal controls and implement process improvements
- Lead financial statement preparation and variance analysis
- Support investor relations with financial data and disclosures
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in public company accounting, SEC filings, and SOX compliance
- Strong command of ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite, SAP) and SEC reporting tools
- Experience with consolidation, multi-entity accounting, and earnings releases
Soft skills
- High attention to detail in regulatory and disclosure requirements
- Clear communication with auditors and stakeholders
- Ability to thrive under tight filing deadlines
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance
Certifications
- CPA required
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of public company or Big Four experience
- Familiarity with XBRL tagging and disclosure checklists
- Master’s degree in accounting or finance
- Experience supporting earnings calls or investor communications
Assistant Controller – Nonprofit
Position Overview
An assistant controller in a nonprofit organization manages fund accounting, grants compliance, and financial reporting while supporting the controller in ensuring transparency and alignment with donor and regulatory requirements.
Assistant Controller – Nonprofit Responsibilities
- Oversee fund accounting, including tracking restricted and unrestricted funds
- Assist in grant budgeting, compliance, and reporting
- Prepare reports for board meetings and funders
- Support Form 990 preparation and external audits
- Monitor donor fund usage and restricted fund reconciliations
- Implement financial controls and budgeting procedures
Requirements
Hard skills
- Knowledge of nonprofit GAAP and fund accounting principles
- Experience with nonprofit accounting software (e.g., Blackbaud, Sage Intacct)
- Ability to prepare grant reports and monitor fund compliance
Soft skills
- Strong ethics and mission alignment
- Organized and detail-focused in documentation and reporting
- Ability to collaborate with program staff and external funders
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or nonprofit management
Certifications
- CPA preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 3+ years in nonprofit financial management
- Familiarity with Uniform Guidance and government grant reporting
- Experience working with board finance committees or foundations
- Master’s degree in nonprofit finance or public administration
Assistant Controller – Manufacturing
Position Overview
The assistant controller in a manufacturing environment oversees cost accounting, inventory controls, and financial reporting tied to production operations. They support financial planning, compliance, and strategic insights tied to manufacturing efficiency.
Assistant Controller – Manufacturing Responsibilities
- Manage cost accounting processes including standard costs, variances, and BOM reconciliation
- Monitor inventory valuation and physical count procedures
- Partner with operations teams on cost reduction strategies
- Lead month-end closing, journal entries, and variance analysis
- Support audits and maintain GAAP-compliant reporting
- Implement internal controls over procurement and inventory management
Requirements
Hard skills
- Strong background in cost accounting and inventory control
- Proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Plex)
- Understanding of manufacturing KPIs and product costing
Soft skills
- Analytical mindset with problem-solving skills
- Effective communication with operations and finance teams
- Focus on accuracy and process optimization
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance
Certifications
- CPA preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in manufacturing or industrial accounting
- Familiarity with Lean or Six Sigma principles
- Experience supporting plant-level reporting or capital expenditure tracking
- Master’s degree in accounting or supply chain finance
Assistant Controller – Real Estate
Position Overview
An assistant controller in real estate manages financial reporting and accounting for real estate portfolios, including property income, lease administration, and CAM reconciliations. They ensure accurate reporting and compliance across asset classes.
Assistant Controller – Real Estate Responsibilities
- Oversee property-level financials, rent roll accuracy, and lease accounting
- Manage CAM reconciliations and tenant billing adjustments
- Assist with cash flow reporting, budget prep, and audit support
- Maintain internal controls across multiple properties and entities
- Support asset managers with financial insights and reporting
Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with real estate accounting platforms (e.g., Yardi, MRI)
- Strong understanding of lease accounting (ASC 842) and property reporting
- Proficiency with budgeting and CAM/operating expense reconciliation
Soft skills
- Detail-oriented and deadline-driven
- Excellent communication with property managers and asset owners
- Organizational skills for managing multiple properties or funds
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or real estate
Certifications
- CPA preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 4+ years of real estate accounting experience
- Knowledge of REIT compliance and tax structuring
- Experience with development project cost tracking
- Master’s in real estate finance or accounting
Assistant Controller – Healthcare
Position Overview
An assistant controller in a healthcare organization supports financial compliance, billing oversight, and reporting related to healthcare operations. This role ensures accurate financial records and helps navigate complex reimbursement structures.
Assistant Controller – Healthcare Responsibilities
- Oversee GL accounting and financial reporting for clinics, hospitals, or systems
- Assist with payer audits, reimbursements, and patient revenue cycles
- Support Medicare/Medicaid cost reporting and compliance
- Lead monthly close, account reconciliations, and internal controls
- Collaborate with revenue cycle, billing, and compliance teams
Requirements
Hard skills
- Knowledge of healthcare accounting standards and regulatory compliance
- Proficiency in healthcare ERP systems (e.g., Lawson, Epic, Cerner financial modules)
- Understanding of third-party billing and reimbursement methodologies
Soft skills
- Precision in financial documentation and audit readiness
- Strong cross-functional communication skills
- Adaptable to regulatory and organizational changes
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or healthcare administration
Certifications
- CPA strongly preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of healthcare finance or hospital accounting experience
- Familiarity with HIPAA, CMS regulations, and value-based care models
- Experience supporting cost reporting and payer audit responses
- Master’s in healthcare administration or finance