Assistant Controller Job Description

Hiring for financial leadership roles is a big decision, and the foundation of successful hiring starts with a strong Assistant Controller job description. This mid-senior finance role plays a critical part in maintaining financial accuracy, overseeing compliance, and supporting strategic planning. But to attract the right candidate, your job post needs to do more than just list requirements—it needs to sell the role and your organization.

Let’s explore how to create an effective, high-converting job description for this vital position.

Why Assistant Controller Job Descriptions Make or Break Your Hiring

Did you know? 75% of job seekers reject opportunities due to vague or misleading job descriptions. This stat highlights just how much the quality of your job post impacts your hiring outcomes.

An Assistant Controller job description affects your:

  • Employer Branding: A clear and engaging JD reflects professionalism and transparency.

  • Candidate Quality: Specifics about responsibilities and requirements help filter unqualified applicants.

  • Time-to-Hire: A well-structured JD speeds up the decision-making process by aligning candidate expectations from day one.

Struggling with compliance gaps, mismatched candidate expectations, or high turnover? Don’t worry—we’ll share a ready-to-use template below that saves time and ensures accuracy.

Assistant Controller Job Description Template

Job Title: Assistant Controller

Department: Finance & Accounting

Reports to: Financial Controller / CFO

Summary:

[Company Name] is looking for a detail-driven and strategic Assistant Controller to support financial accuracy and organizational compliance. As the Assistant Controller, you will oversee accounting operations, mentor junior staff, and assist in producing timely, accurate financial reports.

Your role will be key to improving internal controls, streamlining processes, and ensuring our financial strategies align with organizational goals.

Responsibilities:

  • Oversee daily operations of the accounting department, including A/R, A/P, payroll, and general ledger
  • Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports
  • Maintain compliance with GAAP, regulatory policies, and audit requirements
  • Lead the month-end and year-end closing processes
  • Implement process improvements and internal control measures
  • Support budgeting and forecasting processes
  • Coordinate with auditors for internal and external audits
  • Provide mentorship and leadership to junior accounting staff

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (CPA or MBA preferred)
  • 4+ years of progressive accounting experience
  • Strong knowledge of financial reporting, GAAP, and internal controls
  • Proficient in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, NetSuite, SAP)
  • Analytical mindset with attention to detail
  • Strong leadership and communication skills

Frequently Asked Questions

An Assistant Controller is a mid-level finance professional who supports the financial controller or CFO by overseeing accounting operations, ensuring compliance, and managing internal controls. Their primary role is to ensure accuracy in financial reporting and maintain regulatory standards.

The Assistant Controller helps manage daily accounting functions, assists in budget planning, prepares financial reports, and leads internal audits. They also provide mentorship to the accounting team and ensure compliance with industry regulations.

Key duties include:

- Overseeing accounts payable/receivable and payroll

- Preparing financial statements

- Managing audits and compliance

- Analyzing financial performance

- Supporting strategic financial planning

While the Controller oversees the entire financial strategy and reporting process, the Assistant Controller supports this function by handling more day-to-day operational tasks. This includes supervising junior staff, processing transactions, and ensuring internal controls are met.

Yes. Regularly updating the JD ensures it reflects evolving responsibilities, compliance needs, and tools used within your organization.

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