Assistant Controller

Friedman Williams; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Friedman Williams is seeking an Assistant Controller in Washington DC to lead a small accounting team. You will oversee day-to-day accounting operations, financial reporting, and compliance, including month-end and year-end closes.

You will interact with tax and audit firms and partner with the Accounting & Finance management team. The role requires strong accounting knowledge, governance, and communication skills, with experience supervising staff and managing internal controls.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of accounting experience
• 2+ years of supervisory experience
• Strong analytical and numerical skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills (English)

Responsibilities

• Supervise, coach, and develop staff; ensure accountability.
• Oversee general ledger and balance sheet accuracy; approve reconciliations and entries.
• Coordinate with billing, AP, payroll to ensure data integrity.
• Manage monthly and year-end closings and financial statements.
• Oversee fixed assets, depreciation, and CIP; maintain records.
• Coordinate annual audits and tax reporting; respond to information requests.

Skills

Accounting principles

Supervisory experience

Financial analysis

Excel/Office expertise

Financial reporting

Internal controls

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

CPA preferred

Tools

Aderant

Sage

Job description

Assistant Controller Washington DC

Job ID: 21584

The Assistant Controller is part of the Accounting & Finance management team and will report directly to the Controller. This position assists with oversight of day-to-day accounting operations, financial reporting and compliance reporting, monthly and year-end closing, internal controls, fixed assets, partner accounting, audit, tax, accounts payable, and compliance processes, ad hoc reporting, special projects and other areas assigned. The Assistant Controller will manage a team of 2 or more personnel and work closely with outside tax and audit accounting firms, along with other members of the Accounting and Finance team.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise, coach, and develop staff; establish clear responsibilities, review work, support cross-training, and promote consistent performance and accountability.
• Oversee general ledger and balance sheet accounts for accuracy and visibility; review and approve reconciliations, journal entries, invoice and expense requests, and related activities, including enhanced controls within delegated authority.
• Coordinate with billing, accounts payable, cash receipting, payroll teams and others to facilitate and ensure accurate financial data and reporting.
• Oversee and manage the monthly and year-end closing; review financial statements for accuracy, completeness, and consistency; investigate and resolve discrepancies timely.
• Manage fixed asset system and accounting to include fixed asset acquisitions, depreciation and disposal records, as well as any construction-in-progress records, processes and reporting.
• Assist in partner accounting activities, including income distributions, paid-in capital accounting and reconciliations.
• Coordinate and manage the annual financial statement audit, including timeline and milestones, as well as any other compliance audits, including preparation of all schedules, information requests and auditor communications.
• Participate in the annual operating expense/capital budget and periodic forecast requests for accounts or areas of oversight.
• Assist in preparing and/or coordinating annual, quarterly and otherwise required taxes, including preparation of K-1s, composite/pass-through entity/withholding state elections & returns, tax residency certificates, personal property tax, and like activities.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, firm policies and external audit requirements and make recommendations to Controller for enhancements.
• Create, maintain and update internal documentation, process guidelines and other instructions, as needed or requested.
• Participate in the implementation of new and/or improved technologies to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the department and areas of oversight.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of accounting experience and 2 years of supervisory experience
• Must be highly skilled in handling financial and numeric data with proven analytical, mathematical, and critical thinking skills
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• Must be highly skilled in handling financial and numeric data with proven analytical, mathematical, and critical thinking skills
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, conventions, and standards
• Meticulous, organized and ability to read, analyze, and process complex financial statements and documents.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize workloads.
• Enjoys a dynamic environment and seeks to add value.
• Ability to manage and develop others.
• Must possess discretion in working with confidential data.
• Excellent digital literacy skills, technical dexterity, and advanced knowledge of MS Office Suite with specific proficiency in Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualifications

• Law firm or professional services experience
• Prior experience with Aderant or Sage systems is highly preferred

Education

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a concentration in accounting. Master’s Degree and/or CPA accreditation strongly preferred.

Tagged as: Assistant Controller