assistant controller

What does an assistant controller do? Assistant controllers combine their accounting and business skills to oversee employees, write reports and manage their employer's finances.

Your responsibilities may include:

• preparing budgets
• auditing data
• assisting with tax returns
• studying financial trends
• writing yearly and quarterly reports
• creating policies
• making predictions

You'll stay on top of regulations so that your department operates within legal parameters. When your business files taxes at the start of the year, your work ensures accurate reporting. If they're unsure, coworkers turn to you because they know that you can explain the law in simplified terms.

Assistant controllers also interpret financial documents, such as:

• cash flow statement
• income statement
• shareholders' equity statement
• balance sheet

These documents list your employer's transactions and financial status, helping you make predictions and recommendations. With your knowledge, companies make million-dollar decisions that could boost their profits, provide a new income stream or enable them to enter a new territory.

Likewise, companies trust you to supervise financial departments and delegate tasks to accountants. You'll collaborate efficiently because you have similar skills but evaluate finances from a broader perspective. At times, you and your controller will communicate information between departments, shareholders and CEOs.

Periodically, you'll train colleagues and create new policies that keep the financial department running smoothly. You'll also adjust to software developments and assist coworkers with accounting platforms.

Typically, assistant controllers work indoors in an office environment. Employers range from small businesses to large corporations with thousands of employees. Large companies emphasize collaboration, while small companies offer more independent work. Periodically, you and your controller may travel to different offices.

Some employers offer remote work or hybrid models. If you work from home, you'll still have to adhere to their schedule and make yourself available during office hours. Your employer might ask you to visit the office for in-person meetings. Otherwise, you'll communicate through phone, email, video calls and office platforms.

You'll likely work alongside a controller who handles financial tasks, such as record-keeping, auditing, payment processing and working with vendors. Your skills provide valuable assistance and data that help them fulfill their obligations. Assistant controllers may collaborate with other department heads. Other colleagues might include bookkeepers, administrative assistants, payroll managers, human resources (HR) professionals, and supervisors. You may interact with the CEO because controllers work closely with business leaders.

Assistant controllers usually work during regular office hours with nights and weekends off. Most assistant controllers work full-time because employers require extensive experience and education. Some workers start with part-time jobs in different roles, then advance to becoming full-time assistant controllers.

You might receive overtime hours if a project experiences delays, especially during the holidays. Overtime hours can encompass nights, weekends and early mornings. This extra work boosts your paycheck: the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires businesses to pay qualifying employees 50% more for overtime.

You can expect time off for major holidays, such as Christmas and Thanksgiving. Full-time employees usually receive paid sick leave and vacation time. You may start with two weeks of paid vacation and advance to three or four after spending several years at the company.

Assistant controllers have a positive job outlook because businesses prioritize their financial departments. You help companies keep their records straight, avoid liabilities, process payments and fix errors before they become major issues. As you gain experience, employers will seek out your knowledge.

Emerging businesses produce more opportunities. Increasingly profitable companies need a financial team, which eventually includes an assistant controller. Keep an eye out for growing companies and new corporate offices in your region.

If you enjoy working as an assistant controller, consider advancing to a full controller position. This promotion involves more responsibilities, higher salaries and increased communication with business leaders. Your own assistant controller will complete tasks and prepare documents, helping you better serve your employer.

Similar jobs include accounts receivable supervisor, bookkeeper, finance manager, tax accountant and internal auditor. These positions tackle each business's finances from different angles. You could continue working for an employer or open a private firm.

Working through Randstad offers you a range of benefits:

• being paid weekly
• flexibility
• always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
• many training opportunities
• a range of jobs in your area

Want a permanent contract? But you wonder why it would be interesting for you to work with a staffing company? A temporary job as an assistant controller is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!

Most assistant controllers work full-time because the position requires extensive dedication, experience and education. During your day, you may interact with CEOs and shareholders who need your expertise to make smart financial decisions. As a result, hiring managers seek applicants who can dedicate 40 hours a week to their jobs.

Most employers ask for a bachelor's degree in business or finance. Pursuing a master's degree and certifications, such as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA), give you an edge over other applicants. Note that certifications require a time and money investment--you could spend two years or more earning a single license.

Assistant controllers work with controllers, who are their company's financial leaders. You help them review documents, write reports, develop budgets, talk to shareholders, monitor expenses and manage payrolls. If you advance to a controller position, you'll have your own assistant controller who helps you with tasks.

Assistant controllers and accountants have similar jobs, but while accountants handle daily transactions, assistant controllers oversee the financial department. Accountants can specialize in one area, such as taxes or retirement planning. Conversely, assistant controllers have broader duties and act as a liaison between employees and supervisors.

Some businesses may offer remote work or a hybrid model where you work in person for three days a week. When you're at home, meetings can take place through phone or video calls. If you work remotely, you'll still operate within regular business hours and have nights and weekends off.

Applying for an assistant controller job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our assistant controller jobs for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV. If you do not have a resume, no worries. Just check out our resume builder. This state of the art tool will help you to create your own resume. Need help with your application? Check out all our job-hunting tips!