Assistant Controller

Northern Technologies International Corporation ("NTIC"); Circle Pines (MN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company in Circle Pines, MN seeks an Assistant Controller to support the Controller in all aspects of accounting operations and financial reporting. This role requires strong experience with SAP accounting systems, advanced Excel proficiency, and the ability to analyze financial data. The Assistant Controller will assist in ensuring compliance and improving accounting processes within a public company environment, making this an essential position for accurate financial oversight.

Qualifications

• 4–7 years of progressive accounting experience required.
• Prior experience in a public company preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in managing day-to-day accounting operations.
• Support monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
• Analyze financial data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.

Skills

SAP-based accounting systems

Advanced Excel proficiency

Strong communication skills

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field

Tools

SAP S/4 HANA

ADP

Concur Expense Reporting

Job description

Assistant Controller – Overview

The Assistant Controller supports the Controller in overseeing the organization’s accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal controls. This role plays a key part in ensuring accurate financial statements, compliance with regulatory requirements, and continuous improvement of accounting processes.

This role is intended to serve as a strong operational right hand to the Controller, providing depth, continuity, and hands‑on support in a public company environment with significant system and reporting complexity.

Role and Responsibilities

• Assist in managing the day‑to‑day accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and fixed assets.
• Support the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting in a public company reporting environment.
• Assist in preparing and reviewing financial statements and supporting schedules.
• Assist with the development, documentation, and maintenance of internal controls and accounting policies.
• Coordinate with external auditors and assist with audit preparation and responses.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax and financial reporting requirements.
• Analyze financial data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Proactively identify and implement process improvements across close, AP, AR, payroll, and reporting to improve efficiency, accuracy, and internal controls.
• Assist with annual tax filings.
• Assist with payroll processing through ADP.
• Assist with preparing monthly cash, capitalization, and balance sheet account analysis schedules.
• Assist with reviewing monthly expenses and verifying that payables comply with company policy.
• Assist with processing monthly financial statements and management reports.
• Assist with internal audits and SOX compliance activities, including documentation, testing, and remediation support.
• Assist with booking and reviewing monthly journal entries; review journal entries prepared by accounting staff.
• Assist with performing monthly analysis of delinquent and outstanding accounts receivable.
• Assist with departmental and auditor requests as directed by the Controller or CFO.

SAP / Systems Focus

• Serve as a key SAP finance user supporting day‑to‑day accounting operations, reconciliations, reporting, and close activities.
• Support ongoing optimization, enhancements, and effective use of the company’s SAP accounting environment (SAP S/4 HANA preferred).

Coverage & Continuity

• Serve as a backup to the Controller and other accounting functions to ensure continuity of accounting operations during absences, peak reporting periods, and transition planning.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 4–7 years of progressive accounting experience.
• Strong experience with SAP‑based accounting systems required; experience with SAP S/4 HANA strongly preferred.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Office tools.
• Prior experience in a public company and/or public accounting environment preferred.
• Experience with Concur Expense Reporting.
• Experience with ADP payroll processing.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly organized, detail‑oriented, and able to manage multiple deadlines in a fast‑paced reporting environment.
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of assigned areas, follow through on deliverables, and support senior accounting leadership under tight reporting deadlines.

Preferred Skills

• Analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to synthesize complex information.
• Strong judgment and decision‑making abilities.
• Effective delegation and collaboration skills.
• Commitment to quality, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
• Strong planning, organization, and time‑management skills.

ISO

Every employee is expected to support the NTIC Quality Management System (QMS) in accordance with the Quality System Manual and Quality Control Procedures. This position is responsible for setting, following, and maintaining applicable QMS and related quality control procedures.

Physical Requirements of Job

Tasks are essentially sedentary, with occasional walking, bending, light lifting, or other restricted physical activities. Some tasks may require standing, walking, or frequent light lifting (5–10 lbs); or minimal dexterity in the use of fingers, limbs, or body in the operation of shop or office equipment. Tasks may involve extended periods of time at keyboard.