what is an assistant controller?

Corporate finances extend far beyond selling products and ordering supplies. Income streams can include product sales, stock investments, real estate ownership and licensing deals. Businesses take out start-up loans and incur more debt during economic downturns. Salaries, utility bills, insurance payments and legal fees cut into profits.

These million-dollar cash flows require entire financial departments to manage. As a result, businesses hire controllers to oversee accountants, generate reports, develop budgets and communicate with CEOs and shareholders. Assistant controllers partner with controllers to supplement their services. With your years of education and financial experience, businesses can maximize their gains.

Stakeholders also rely on you to protect their investment. Companies need accurate data to make economic decisions and plan for the future. Your reports, audits and forecasts promote business growth, encouraging investors to hold onto their stocks. High dividends make your employer popular on the stock market.

Assistant controllers act as fact-checkers for bookkeepers. When they prepare data, you review documents and look for discrepancies. If you find an error, you'll correct the issue before it enters an official report. You'll also discuss ways to improve the system so that accountants work as efficiently as possible.

Would working as an assistant controller suit your accounting skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in an assistant controller role.

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average assistant controller salary

Would you like to know what an assistant controller earns? Where the highest salaries are paid for an assistant controller? Then check out this assistant controller salary page and find out all about the salary of an assistant controller in the USA.

Womale at her desk, behind her computer.
Womale at her desk, behind her computer.
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types of assistant controller

Assistant controllers work in a variety of industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, government agencies and non-profit organizations. Corporate assistant controllers work for major companies and collaborate with large teams. Each industry requires a specific skill set--for example, a healthcare assistant controller might deal with insurance claims.

If you're just starting out, small businesses help you gain experience before you advance to corporations. Small business assistant controllers have more responsibilities because they work on smaller teams, but they manage fewer people. You could narrow down your services as the company grows and hires more employees.

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working as an assistant controller

Assistant controllers help businesses manage their finances. Learn about your possible schedule, responsibilities and work environment.

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assistant controller skills and education

Most companies prefer assistant controllers with a bachelor's degree in business or finance. Some might accept an associate's degree, but opportunities for people with only a high school diploma or GED are rare. Pursuing a master's degree gives you advanced knowledge and an edge over hundreds of other applicants.

Experience is just as valuable as education. If you start with similar roles, you'll have experience on your resume when you apply for assistant controller jobs. Likewise, every year that you stay in the industry makes you more appealing to employers. Consider starting with internships if you're still in college, then find full-time work after you graduate.

Certifications verify your expertise. When HR managers find certifications on your resume, they instantly understand that you're a licensed professional who passed exams and accumulated hands-on knowledge. Common assistant controller certifications include Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).

Licenses require a serious time and money commitment, so don't expect to earn multiple certifications right after you graduate. Pre-qualifications can include a few years of experience, hundreds of hours of study time, in-person classes and college degrees. You'll also pay fees that could reach $1,000 or more.

skills and competencies

Assistant controllers are accounting experts. You help companies track their revenue, expenses, cash flow, assets and liabilities so that they invest their profits, adjust to setbacks, make predictions, make reports for investors and file their taxes.

Your attention to detail prevents issues before they start. A single error could lead to misreported profits, fraud accusations or IRS audits. Since you double-check records down to the decimal, your CEO builds trust with stakeholders and complies with legal regulations. Plus, your organizational and note-taking skills make it easy to find documents.

Assistant controllers are also team players. Working alongside a controller means staying in touch, checking each other's work, preparing documents on time, sharing knowledge and quickly addressing issues. Additionally, you'll collaborate with other departments, supervisors and CEOs and explain concepts to people with different knowledge levels. Everyone knows that they can rely on your expertise.

Additionally, you're proficient in accounting software. Employers offer on-the-job training, but they prefer to see programs, such as Microsoft Excel, already listed on your resume. You quickly adjust when your company switches to a different software, enter your data neatly and accurately, and interpret other people's work.

 

two male professionals having a meeting
two male professionals having a meeting
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FAQs about working as an assistant controller

Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about assistant controllers.

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