Assistant Controller
Career GuideKey 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
1
Take ownership of a major close area such as revenue, expenses, or fixed assets2
Build and maintain a monthly close calendar with clear owners and deadlines3
Create standardized reconciliation templates and review criteria4
Partner with auditors early to align on timelines and required support5
Lead one internal controls improvement and document the updated process6
Improve reporting quality by defining key metrics and reviewing trends monthly7
Strengthen leadership by setting regular one-on-ones and coaching plans8
Expand systems expertise by learning your organization’s enterprise resource planning workflows9
Track accomplishments with measurable outcomes such as days to close reduction or fewer audit findings