Assistant Controller

Confidential; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential seeks a hands-on Assistant Controller to partner with the incoming Controller, oversee daily accounting, and drive process improvements. The role emphasizes fixed asset management, GAAP reporting, and scalability within a stable environment.

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years in accounting (including Assistant Controller or similar), strong Excel skills, and a track record of mentoring staff while supporting audits and external advisors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years progressive accounting experience including Assistant Controller responsibilities.
• Experience within a service-based organization.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting.
• Extensive experience managing fixed assets including capitalization, depreciation, disposals, and tracking.
• Hands-on experience with general ledger accounting, month-end close, payroll, and financial reporting.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist with monthly and year-end close, journal entries, reconciliations and financial statement prep.
• Maintain the general ledger and ensure GAAP compliance.
• Manage fixed asset accounting, including depreciation, disposals and asset tracking.
• Reconcile fixed asset subledgers to the general ledger for accurate reporting.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, cash management and financial analysis.
• Oversee payroll accounting and coordinate with outsourced payroll/HR providers.
• Prepare sales and use tax filings and assist with corporate tax compliance.
• Partner with operations to improve accounting processes and strengthen internal controls.
• Assist with annual audits and serve as liaison with external auditors and tax advisors.
• Mentor accounting staff and foster a collaborative team environment.
• Identify and implement process improvements for efficiency and scale within accounting.

Skills

Fixed assets management

GAAP knowledge

Excel skills

Month-end close

Financial reporting

Leadership potential

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

General ledger

Job description

Confidentially seeking a hands-on Assistant Controller to join its accounting team due to a retirement at the Controller level. This individual will partner closely with the incoming Controller to oversee daily accounting operations, ensure accurate financial reporting, and drive continuous process improvements. The ideal candidate is a well-rounded accounting professional with strong technical accounting skills, significant fixed asset experience, and the leadership potential to grow into the Controller role as part of a planned succession.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the month-end and year-end close process, including journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial statement preparation.
• Maintain the general ledger and ensure compliance with GAAP.
• Manage the company's fixed asset accounting, including capitalization, depreciation, disposals, asset reconciliations, and physical asset inventories.
• Reconcile fixed asset subledgers to the general ledger and ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and financial analysis.
• Oversee payroll accounting and coordinate with outsourced payroll and HR providers.
• Prepare sales and use tax filings and assist with corporate tax compliance.
• Partner with operational leaders to improve accounting processes and strengthen internal controls.
• Assist with annual audits and serve as the primary liaison with external auditors and tax advisors.
• Mentor and develop accounting staff while fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Identify and implement process improvements that increase efficiency, accuracy, and scalability within the accounting function.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or equivalent professional experience.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, including Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager, or Senior Accountant responsibilities.
• Experience within a service-based organization.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting.
• Extensive experience managing fixed assets, including capitalization, depreciation, asset additions, disposals, reconciliations, and physical asset tracking.
• Hands-on experience with general ledger accounting, month-end close, account reconciliations, payroll accounting, and financial reporting.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA preferred but not required.
• Experience supporting multi-entity accounting environments.
• Strong process improvement mindset with the ability to streamline accounting operations.
• Prior experience mentoring or developing accounting staff.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a hands-on, collaborative accounting professional who enjoys working in a stable, team-oriented environment. This individual possesses strong technical accounting expertise, exceptional fixed asset experience, and a continuous improvement mindset. The role offers a defined succession path into the Controller position for someone seeking long-term growth with a well-established organization.