Assistant Controller

Korn Ferry; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Korn Ferry client is seeking a hands-on Assistant Controller to join its growing finance organization. Reporting to the Controller, this role will lead a small accounting team, drive month-end close, financial reporting, and internal controls in a private equity-backed environment.

The ideal candidate will mentor 1–2 staff, improve processes, optimize Sage ERP workflows, and partner with leadership on ad hoc analyses and lender reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and core accounting principles.
• Experience managing or mentoring accounting staff.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with ERP systems.
• Excellent organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and participate in monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
• Review and prepare journal entries, reconciliations, and schedules.
• Ensure timely internal financial reporting packages.
• Analyze financial results and investigate variances.
• Supervise and mentor 1–2 direct reports and promote growth.
• Support internal controls and process improvements.

Skills

Advanced Excel

ERP systems experience

GAAP knowledge

Mentoring staff

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

Sage ERP

Job description

Our client is seeking a hands-on, highly motivated Assistant Controller to join its growing finance organization. Reporting directly to the Controller, this role will serve as a key member of the accounting team and help drive the integrity, efficiency, and scalability of the company's financial operations.

This is a true player-coach position, requiring an individual who can both execute day-to-day accounting responsibilities and provide leadership, mentorship, and oversight to a small team of accounting professionals. The ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic, private equity-backed environment, embraces change, and enjoys building processes that support rapid growth.

The Assistant Controller will play a critical role in monthly close activities, financial reporting, process improvement initiatives, and internal controls.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and actively participate in the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
• Review and prepare journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of internal financial reporting packages.
• Analyze financial results and investigate significant variances.
• Partner with the Controller to support management reporting and ad hoc financial analyses.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop 1-2 direct reports.
• Review work product for accuracy and completeness while promoting professional growth.
• Assist in establishing priorities, workflows, and performance expectations for the accounting team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

General Accounting Operations

• Oversee general ledger integrity and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Support accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets, prepaid expenses, accruals, and other accounting processes as needed.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and company accounting policies.
• Assist with revenue recognition and other technical accounting matters as applicable.

Process Improvement & Systems

• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, controls, and efficiencies.
• Serve as a key user within the Sage ERP environment and help optimize reporting and workflows.
• Support automation initiatives and system enhancements as the company continues to grow.
• Assist with the integration of acquisitions, new business lines, or operational changes when applicable.

Audit & Compliance

• Coordinate and support external audit activities.
• Assist with lender reporting, PE sponsor requests, and other stakeholder deliverables.
• Support the maintenance and enhancement of internal controls.
• Ensure compliance with corporate policies and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and core accounting principles.
• Experience managing or mentoring accounting staff.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience working within ERP systems.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred

• CPA designation strongly preferred.
• Experience in a private equity-backed company environment.
• Prior experience with Sage ERP.
• Background supporting multi-entity or multi-location organizations.
• Experience improving processes and implementing scalable accounting controls.

Compensation: $110,000 - $140,000 salary plus 10% bonus