Assistant Controller

Career Guide

An Assistant Controller helps lead an organization’s accounting operations and financial reporting. The role supports the Controller with closing the books, maintaining accurate records, improving processes, and ensuring financial statements are timely and reliable.

Browse All Roles

Key Responsibilities

Support month-end close and year-end close activities
Review journal entries and account reconciliations
Oversee general ledger accuracy and consistency
Help prepare financial statements and management reporting
Coordinate audit preparation and respond to auditor requests
Support accounting policies and internal controls
Partner with finance leaders on budgeting and forecasting inputs
Improve accounting processes and documentation
Coach and develop accounting team members
Ensure compliance with tax and regulatory filings with internal or external partners

Top Skills for Success

Financial Reporting

Month-End Close Management

Account Reconciliation

General Ledger Management

Internal Controls

Audit Management

Accounting Policy

Process Improvement

People Management

Enterprise Resource Planning Systems

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Controller

Finance Director

Head of Accounting

Transition Opportunities

Internal Audit Manager

Financial Planning and Analysis Manager

Revenue Accounting Manager

Accounting Systems Manager

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Close Process OptimizationControls TestingAccounting Memo WritingVariance AnalysisCash Flow ReportingProject ManagementStakeholder CommunicationTeam CoachingAutomation ToolsData Quality Management

Development SuggestionsStrengthen close leadership by owning a full close cycle end to end, build a repeatable reconciliation review checklist, and lead one process improvement that reduces manual work. Ask to co-lead audit planning, write at least one accounting position memo per quarter, and practice clear updates for non-finance partners.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 85,000 to 110,000

Mid LevelUSD 110,000 to 145,000

Senior LevelUSD 145,000 to 190,000

Growth Trend

Steady demand, with stronger hiring in companies focused on tighter cost control, faster close cycles, and improved financial governance.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

DeloittePwCEYKPMGAmazonWalmartUnitedHealth GroupJPMorgan ChaseBoeingTarget

Industry Sectors

TechnologyHealthcareFinancial ServicesManufacturingRetailConsumer GoodsLogisticsEnergyProfessional ServicesReal Estate

Recommended Next Steps

Take ownership of a major close area such as revenue, expenses, or fixed assets

Build and maintain a monthly close calendar with clear owners and deadlines

Create standardized reconciliation templates and review criteria

Partner with auditors early to align on timelines and required support

Lead one internal controls improvement and document the updated process

Improve reporting quality by defining key metrics and reviewing trends monthly

Strengthen leadership by setting regular one-on-ones and coaching plans

Expand systems expertise by learning your organization’s enterprise resource planning workflows

Track accomplishments with measurable outcomes such as days to close reduction or fewer audit findings