ASSISTANT CONTROLLER
Location: Pontiac, Michigan
Our client is seeking an experienced Assistant Controller to join its accounting leadership team. This role is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the accounting function, providing financial analysis and reporting expertise, and driving process improvements that support organizational growth and compliance.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Accounting Leadership & Operations
o Lead key accounting functions, including:
o Financial Reporting and Analysis
o Accounts Receivable
o Accounts Payable
o Fixed Assets
o Internal Audit Functions
o Sales and Use Tax Compliance
o Property Tax Compliance
o Federal, State, and Local Income Tax Support
o External Financial and Tax Audits
- Manage, mentor, and develop a team of up to 20 accounting professionals.
- Establish departmental priorities and provide technical accounting guidance.
- Ensure accurate and timely preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
- Prepare monthly income statement and balance sheet variance analyses, reconciliations, and related journal entries.
- Produce monthly, quarterly, and annual management reports.
- Support tax compliance activities, including preparation of work papers and related filings.
- Oversee high-volume accounts payable operations to ensure timely processing and strong internal controls.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors during financial and tax audits.
- Provide oversight of accounts receivable, internal audit activities, and tax compliance functions.
- Ensure adherence to accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls designed to safeguard company assets.
- Lead initiatives to update and improve accounting policies, procedures, and controls.
- Respond to executive management requests for financial information and analysis.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with operational and administrative departments.
- Participate in periodic physical inventory observations as required.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives by identifying process inefficiencies and implementing solutions.
- Develop standardized financial reporting tools, templates, and dashboards utilizing advanced Excel functionality, including VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables, and financial data queries.
- Promote best practices across the accounting organization and support multi-location operations.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Hire, train, mentor, evaluate, and develop accounting team members.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Provide coaching and performance management to support employee growth and department objectives.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance.
- 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership responsibilities.
- Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting requirements.
- Proven experience developing and maintaining accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Experience with ERP systems, financial analysis, data mining, and reporting tools.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills; experience with Microsoft Access is a plus.
- Retail, distribution, or multi-location business experience is preferred.
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Leadership & Teamwork: Ability to collaborate effectively across departments and inspire high-performing teams.
- Business Judgment: Strong decision-making skills with the ability to assess risk and evaluate complex situations.
- Quality & Accuracy: Consistently produces high-quality, detailed work products.
- Results Orientation: Demonstrates the ability to meet deadlines and manage competing priorities.
- Dependability: Proven track record of reliability, professionalism, and accountability.
- Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
- Execution Excellence: Ability to effectively implement policies, procedures, and strategic initiatives.
- Professionalism: Demonstrates integrity, sound judgment, and strong relationship-building skills with colleagues, customers, vendors, and external partners.
- Continuous Improvement: Identifies opportunities to streamline processes, reduce costs, and enhance operational effectiveness.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.
