Assistant Controller

RSM US LLP; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

RSM US LLP seeks an Assistant Controller to lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close under GAAP and deliver high-quality financial reporting. You will oversee a 10-person team globally, drive internal controls, and support cash management, forecasting, and policy development.

The role requires CPA, a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Accounting/Finance, 8–12+ years in accounting, and proven leadership in a large, complex organization. Workday experience and strong communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s in Accounting/Finance required.
• CPA certification required.
• 8–12+ years accounting experience.
• 4+ years in people management.

Responsibilities

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close with GAAP compliance.
• Prepare complete, accurate financial statements for internal/external stakeholders.
• Oversee internal controls, identify gaps, and implement improvements.
• Manage cash, forecasting, and daily treasury activities.
• Support external audits and policy development; supervise ~10 staff.

Skills

Technical accounting

Financial analysis

Communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Accounting/Finance

Tools

Workday

Job description

We are the leading provider of professional services to the middle market globally, our purpose is to instill confidence in a world of change, empowering our clients and people to realize their full potential. Our exceptional people are the key to our unrivaled, culture and talent experience and our ability to be compelling to our clients. You'll find an environment that inspires and empowers you to thrive both personally and professionally. There's no one like you and that's why there's nowhere like RSM.

The Assistant Controller will ensure accurate, complete, and timely financial reporting by leading an efficient and effective monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close process. The Assistant Controller will ensure that the Firm's financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP and will support technical accounting research and the development and implementation of accounting policy. The Assistant Controller will support external financial reporting, cash management and cash flow forecasting, and will drive the development and implementation of internal control policies and procedures. This role reports to the Controller and will have supervision of approximately 10 people globally.

Essential Duties

Financial Reporting

• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close process, producing complete and accurate financial statements for both internal and external stakeholders
• Review of accounting transactions, including the timely review and posting of journal entries and the timely completion and review of insightful balance sheet reconciliations
• Ensure adherence to internal controls, as well as identify gaps/weaknesses in internal control structure and develop and implement controls as needed
• Assist with the development and maintenance of financial, accounting, and internal control policies and procedures

Cash Management

• Lead day-to-day operational treasury management, including the review of cash balances, ensuring that all cash accounts are fully reconciled in a timely manner, and ensuring appropriate segregation of duties
• Participate in cashflow forecasting, including the monitoring of daily cash inflows and outflows, and staying informed of significant cashflow requirements

Technical Accounting and Audit Management

• Ability to research technical accounting guidance and implement new accounting policies. Stay informed of future changes to technical accounting guidance that could have an impact on the Firm
• Participate in, and, in some cases, lead, both internal and external audit processes, ensuring the timely filing of audited financial statements in accordance with applicable statutory and regulatory deadlines

Systems and Technology

• Provide oversight of the ERP and general ledger (Workday), including the management of users, roles and responsibilities, and maintenance
• Support system implementations and implement processes and procedures to more effectively and efficiently use technology

Team Leadership

• Provide effective leadership to employees and teams by providing timely feedback, recognition, and coaching
• Create career growth opportunities and employee development plans
• Assist in the planning of appropriate staffing levels and ensure an optimal distribution of responsibilities throughout the team

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Accounting or Finance - Required
• CPA certification - Required

TECHNICAL/SOFT SKILLS

• Strong technical accounting and financial analysis skills - Required
• Knowledge of Workday - Preferred
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite - Required
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills - Required

EXPERIENCE

• 8-12+ years of accounting experience - Required
• At least 4 years' experience of managing teams - Required
• Excellent interpersonal skills. Able to motivate, inspire and develop individuals and teams to collaborate and deliver to their highest potential - Required
• Experience as a member of the Finance/Accounting team at a large global company - Preferred
• Mix of Professional Services (i.e. Big Four) and industry experience - Preferred

LEADERSHIP SKILLS

• Demonstrated success in influencing and engaging stakeholders, building collaborative relationships while managing conflicting priorities - Required
• Strong communication skills; clearly conveys information through a variety of media (written, verbal, email, etc.) - Required
• Able to communicate effectively with people at all levels of the Firm.

At RSM, we offer a competitive benefits and compensation package for all our people. Learn more about our total rewards at https://rsmus.com/careers/working-at-rsm/benefits .

We believe flexibility and in-person connection both play an important role in how we work and grow. Most roles at RSM follow a hybrid workstyle, which means team members are aligned to an RSM office and come together in person when it best supports clients, teams, development or relationship-building. Some roles may be virtual or primarily