Assistant Controller

MBE CPAs; Baraboo (WI); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with employer matching

Tuition reimbursement and CPA support

PTO

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

MBE CPAs seeks an Assistant Controller to lead accounting operations across the firm and affiliated entities, ensuring accurate financial reporting, robust controls, and timely closes in a multi-entity environment.

Based in or near Baraboo, WI, this salaried role offers strong leadership growth, cross-functional collaboration, and exposure to strategic finance initiatives across the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Three to seven years of progressive accounting experience.
• Working knowledge of GAAP, internal controls, and accounting best practices.
• Experience with general ledger accounting, reconciliations, month-end close processes, and financial reporting.
• Experience utilizing accounting and financial software applications.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day accounting functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, fixed assets, and general ledger activities.
• Prepare and review journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Manage monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial close processes.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and management reports.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities.
• Support internal controls, audits, and compliance-related activities.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Financial reporting

Excel proficiency

Analytical skills

Communication

Multitasking

Leadership potential

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

ERP systems

Power BI

Tableau

General ledger software

Job description

What's the role?

The Assistant Controller is a key member of MBE CPAs' internal finance and accounting team, working closely with the Controller to support financial operations across MBE and its affiliated companies. This position serves as the operational leader of the accounting department and plays a critical role in ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and efficiency of the organization's accounting and financial reporting functions.

MBE is a rapidly growing CPA firm operating alongside multiple affiliated companies, creating a dynamic, fast-paced, and complex finance environment. This role is ideal for an accounting professional who has developed a strong technical foundation and is ready to broaden their experience across multiple entities, priorities, deadlines, and projects while taking on increasing leadership responsibilities.

The Assistant Controller collaborates closely with the Controller and leaders throughout the organization to deliver accurate financial information, meaningful analysis, and operational insights that support informed decision-making and organizational performance. As the finance function continues to evolve, this role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.

Responsibilities

As the Assistant Controller, you'll work closely with the Controller while taking meaningful ownership of accounting operations, financial reporting, analysis, compliance activities, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Accounting Operations

• Manage day-to-day accounting functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, fixed assets, and general ledger activities.
• Ensure the accuracy, completeness, and integrity of financial transactions and records.
• Prepare and review journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Manage monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial close processes.
• Maintain the chart of accounts and general ledger structure across multiple entities.
• Ensure timely completion of accounting processes, reporting deliverables, and required deadlines.
• Perform bank reconciliations and research outstanding items and discrepancies.
• Assist with intercompany accounting and reconciliations across affiliated entities.
• Support cash management activities and monitor cash activity throughout the organization.

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and management reports.
• Develop recurring and ad hoc financial reports for leadership.
• Assist with annual budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities.
• Prepare budget-to-actual analyses and investigate significant variances.
• Conduct trend analyses and recommend actions to improve operational and financial performance.
• Support development of financial models, forecasts, and reporting tools.
• Prepare KPI dashboards, scorecards, and operational performance reports.
• Assist departmental leaders in understanding financial results, key business drivers, and performance trends.
• Provide analytical support to leadership on strategic projects and business initiatives.

Compliance & Internal Controls

• Ensure compliance with accounting policies, procedures, and applicable regulations.
• Support the Controller in maintaining effective internal controls and financial governance practices.
• Monitor accounting processes to safeguard organizational assets and financial information.
• Support external audit, tax, and compliance-related activities.
• Prepare audit schedules, workpapers, and supporting documentation.
• Assist with implementation of recommendations from audits and compliance reviews.

Process Improvement & Systems Management

• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, workflows, reporting, and efficiency.
• Assist with financial system enhancements, automation initiatives, and process optimization projects.
• Develop and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and process documentation.
• Support financial systems administration and data integrity initiatives.
• Assist with implementation and maintenance of reporting, analytics, and business intelligence tools.

Leadership & Staff Development

• Supervise, coach, and support accounting staff as assigned.
• Provide technical guidance and training to team members.
• Assist with employee development, performance management, and knowledge sharing.
• Serve as a trusted resource and backup to the Controller in designated functional areas.
• Promote accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and exceptional service across the finance team.
• Take on increasing leadership responsibilities as knowledge and experience grow.

Minimum Qualifications

We're looking for an accounting professional with a strong technical foundation who is ready to take ownership, exercise sound judgment, support organizational growth, and continue developing as a future finance leader.

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Three to seven years of progressive accounting experience.
• Experience with general ledger accounting, reconciliations, month-end close processes, and financial reporting.
• Working knowledge of GAAP, internal controls, and accounting best practices.
• Experience utilizing accounting and financial software applications.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking abilities.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to communicate effectively and build strong working relationships throughout the organization.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive financial information appropriately.

Preferred Qualifications

Not required, but we'd be especially interested in candidates with:

• CPA designation or active CPA candidate.
• Previous supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Experience within a CPA firm, professional services organization, multi-entity business, or similarly complex environment.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and internal controls.
• Experience with ERP systems, financial reporting software, and business intelligence tools.
• Experience with Power BI, Tableau, or similar reporting and analytics platforms.
• Interest in continuous professional development and long-term career growth within finance leadership.

What makes someone successful in this role?

The right person has a strong accounting foundation, asks thoughtful questions, pays close attention to detail, and wants to understand the business behind the numbers rather than simply completing tasks. They are comfortable balancing recurring responsibilities, unexpected issues, deadlines, and improvement projects without sacrificing accuracy or follow-through.

Success in this role requires a combination of technical accounting expertise, analytical thinking, business curiosity, and a collaborative mindset. As you gain experience and demonstrate readiness, you'll have opportunities to take greater ownership of financial reporting, budgeting, accounting processes, projects, and other areas of the firm's financial operations while developing into a well-rounded accounting leader.

Great Perks and Benefits

Some major perks the firm offers are long-term job stability, flexibility that supports both professional responsibility and life outside of work, and significant opportunities to grow your career within the firm. In addition:

• Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• FSA/HSA account options.
• Paid Time Off (PTO).
• 401(k) employer matching program to save for retirement.
• Tuition reimbursement, CPA assistance, and professional growth opportunities through continuing education.
• Supplemental insurance options for life, AD&D, STD, LTD, and critical illness.
• Bonuses for bringing new clients and team members to the CPA firm and our affiliated companies.
• Incredible potential for upward mobility and career growth.
• Incredible potential for upward mobility and career growth in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment.

What will my schedule and work location look like?

One of the great things about this opportunity is the flexibility of where the right person can be based.

We're open to candidates working from any MBE office location. Travel to our Baraboo, WI HQ office 5-8 times a year will be required.

Regardless of location, we're looking for someone who can build strong relationships and work effectively with team members and leaders across the firm. This is a salaried role with an expectation to work 2,350 hours per year.

More About the MBE Affiliate Group

MBE CPAs is a team of accounting professionals who use industry-based knowledge to help clients succeed in their financial journeys. Our services have expanded beyond accounting and tax to include an affiliate group that supports clients across the United States. We operate out of 19 office locations in Wisconsin, Arizona, Nebraska, and Colorado along with remote team member offices around the country.