Assistant Controller

Korn Ferry; Detroit (MI); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Comprehensive benefits

Generous PTO

Job summary

Korn Ferry is partnering with a public-sector client in Detroit to recruit an Assistant Controller, General Ledger. The role leads a 10+ person accounting team, directs GL operations, and drives close, controls, and process improvements in a hybrid work environment.

Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's in Accounting/Finance, 7+ years of accounting leadership, and Oracle ERP experience, with CPA/Masters preferred. This is a mission-driven role focused on strong reporting and accountability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• Seven or more years of progressive accounting experience with supervisory or management experience.
• Public-sector or non-profit experience preferred.
• Oracle or similar ERP experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of 10+ accounting professionals.
• Oversee General Ledger operations and ensure timeliness and accuracy of financial reporting.
• Manage month-end and year-end close processes, journal entries, and reconciliations.
• Support annual audit activities and ensure audit readiness.
• Establish and improve SOPs, internal controls, KPIs, and operational metrics.
• Drive process improvement initiatives and cross-department collaboration.
• Partner with departments on accounting and reporting matters.
• Manage projects, deadlines, and priorities with a culture of accountability.

Skills

General Ledger

Financial reporting

Process improvement

Team leadership

Audit readiness

Oracle ERP

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance

Master’s degree and/or CPA preferred

Tools

Oracle ERP

Job description

Korn Ferry is partnering with our client, a large and highly respected public-sector organization serving the greater Detroit community, in their search for an Assistant Controller, General Ledger.

This newly structured leadership opportunity offers an excellent blend of accounting leadership, process improvement, and team development. Reporting to senior finance leadership, the Assistant Controller will oversee the General Ledger function, lead a large team of over ten professionals, and play a key role in strengthening financial reporting, controls, operational efficiency, and organizational accountability.

WHY THIS OPPORTUNITY STANDS OUT

This is an exciting time to join our client! Following a major ORACLE ERP implementation, the finance team has shifted from implementation mode to optimization mode. Leadership is focused on refining processes, establishing best practices, improving efficiency, and building a sustainable operating environment for the future.

Our client offers meaningful work with visible impact, a collaborative culture, strong benefits, and a hybrid work environment that supports flexibility and work-life balance.

• Help shape the future state of the department and overall organization.
• Drive efficiency and accountability across the department.
• Succession planning opportunities and long-term growth within the department.
• A mission-driven environment where your work directly improves the lives of residents across the Detroit area

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of 10+ accounting professionals.
• Oversee General Ledger operations, ensuring accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial reporting.
• Manage month-end and year-end close activities, journal entries, and account reconciliations.
• Support annual audit activities and ensure ongoing audit readiness.
• Establish and improve SOPs, internal controls, KPIs, and operational metrics.
• Drive process improvement initiatives and operational efficiencies.
• Partner with departments throughout the organization on accounting and reporting matters.
• Manage projects, deadlines, and priorities while fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration.
• Support ongoing Oracle optimization and continuous improvement initiatives.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• Master's degree and/or CPA preferred but not required.
• Seven or more years of progressive accounting experience with some proven supervisory or management experience.
• Public-sector organizations or non-profit industry experience preferred.
• OR Public accounting firms serving governmental or non-profit clients
• Strong experience in General Ledger, financial reporting, reconciliations, month-end close, and process improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrated leadership and project management experience.
• Oracle or similar ERP experience preferred.

Compensation

• Salary up to $150k, plus comprehensive benefits package and generous PTO

If you are an accounting leader who enjoys developing people, improving processes, and creating structure within a complex organization, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while helping shape the future of a highly visible finance function.