Finance & Administration

SANS Institute; Bethesda (MD); Remote; USD 170,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cybersecurity training organization in Bethesda is seeking an Assistant Controller to oversee financial operations and enhance accounting efficiency. The role involves managing accounting processes, leading ERP implementation, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. Candidates should have a Bachelor's in Accounting, CPA certification, and a decade of relevant experience. This position offers a salary range of $170,000-$180,000 and comprehensive benefits including health and wellness programs.

Benefits

Competitive salary

401(k) plan with company match

Robust health benefits

Generous paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in accounting and financial management.
• Proven experience with month-end and year-end close processes.
• International accounting experience with multiple entities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily accounting operations to ensure accurate financial statements.
• Lead process transformation initiatives and assist with ERP implementation.
• Prepare and review journal entries and adjustments for financial data.

Skills

Leadership of accounting teams

Process automation

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

CPA certification

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

About SANS

Founded in 1989, SANS Institute (SANS) began as a cooperative research and education organization. Over the next 25 years, it grew to become the most trusted and widely recognized provider of information security training and certification in the world. Today, SANS has served more than 300,000 cybersecurity professionals around the world, with more than 60,000 earning GIAC security certifications—the leading certification that provides assurance to employers that their people and prospective hires can do the job.

At the heart of SANS is a community of practitioners, from auditors and network administrators to CISOs, who share their lessons learned and collaborate on solutions to the challenges they face. These experts, working across corporations, government agencies, and universities, come together to support and strengthen the global information security community.

Why SANS?

At SANS, our culture is defined by three pillars: Mission, Brand, and People.

• Our Mission is to hire people who understand the importance fighting against cybersecurity threats.
• Our Brand reflects a commitment to delivering the highest quality training.
• Our People are grounded in a culture of fairness, honesty, customer focus, and a pragmatic approach.

What You\'ll Achieve at SANS

We are seeking an Assistant Controller to join our Finance and Administration team. This role plays a key part in leading the accounting, financial close and reporting, tax compliance, business processes, billing, and international accounting functions within our organization. This role oversees key aspects of financial management, including the month-end close process, tax filings, workflows, billing, and international reporting and compliance ensuring accuracy, compliance, and operational efficiency.

A critical focus of this position is evaluating current processes, implementing automation tools to reduce manual work, and driving improvements across the Finance and Accounting department. The Assistant Controller also plays a key role in ERP system implementation and ongoing optimization. This role ensures accuracy, compliance, and efficiency in all financial operations.

The role is designed to provide broad exposure and leadership experience that could position the successful candidate for future consideration as a successor to the Global Controller within approximately 3-5 years.

As an Assistant Controller, you will:

• Oversee and support daily accounting operations to ensure accurate and timely financial statements.
• Evaluate existing accounting processes and recommend improvements, with emphasis on automation and efficiency.
• Lead process transformation initiatives and assist with ERP system implementation.
• Maintain and update accounting policies and procedures to strengthen internal controls.
• Lead or assist in month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring deadlines are met and reports are accurate.
• Prepare and review journal entries and adjustments for financial data integrity.
• Oversee preparation and submission of all tax filings.
• Manage international accounting operations, including timely income statement and VAT filings, ensuring compliance.
• Provide accurate P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow statements for the organization and by legal entity.
• Support the Controller and CFO on strategic initiatives and special projects.
• Mentor and support Accounting and Finance team members.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What We\'re Looking For

Every SANS employee brings something unique. For this role, we\'re looking for candidates with:

• Bachelor\'s degree in Accounting.
• CPA certification.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in accounting and financial management, including leadership of accounting teams.
• Proven experience with month-end and year-end close processes.
• International accounting experience with multiple legal entities and global compliance.
• Extensive experience implementing process automation and efficiency improvements.
• Unrestricted authorization to work in the USA; visa sponsorship is not available.

Preferred qualifications include:

• A Master of Business Administration degree (MBA).
• ERP system implementation experience.
• Prior work in international companies of similar size and complexity.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective cross-functional collaboration and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently under pressure with urgency.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.

Benefits and Perks of Working at SANS

We\'re committed to fair and equitable compensation. The expected salary range for this position is $170,000-$180,000, depending on geographic location, skills, and experience. At SANS, pay equity and transparency are priorities.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports your total well-being so you can be and deliver your best. This means caring for you and your loved ones\' physical, financial, and mental health, as well as providing the flexibility you need to thrive personally and professionally:

• Financial Benefits: Competitive base salary, bonus opportunities, and a 401(k) plan with company match.
• Health & Wellness: Robust medical, dental, and vision plans; company-provided short term disability; optional long-term disability, supplemental life and AD&D insurance for employees and dependents; voluntary benefits including accident insurance and identity theft protection; fitness and wellness programs; and a company paid employee assistance program (EAP).
• Time Off & Flexibility: Generous paid time off, including volunteer time.
• Learning & Development: Access to professional development and SANS training opportunities.

Flexibility and Balance at SANS

We support our colleagues with the tools and flexibility they need to thrive, both professionally and personally. As a primarily remote work environment, we are committed to maintaining strong connections, collaboration, and a vibrant culture across virtual teams. While most roles operate remotely, some positions may require occasional in-person presence depending on role-specific or business needs.

SANS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

If, because of a medical condition or disability, you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact SANS Human Resources.

US Job Seekers: Know Your Rights poster is available.

Employment eligibility in the United States is required. SANS does not provide visa sponsorship for this position.