This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for an Assistant Controller, People Leader based in the United States.
This role sits at the intersection of technical accounting excellence and people leadership within a fast-paced, high-growth advisory environment supporting venture-backed startups. The Assistant Controller will oversee a portfolio of client engagements while directly managing and developing a team of accounting professionals. The role combines hands-on operational accounting—owning month-end close, financial reporting, and technical accounting processes—with leadership responsibilities focused on coaching, performance management, and career development. You will partner closely with senior finance leaders and client stakeholders to deliver accurate, scalable financial operations for innovative companies. In parallel, you will help build strong internal teams, improve delivery processes, and drive consistency across engagements. This is a highly collaborative role requiring both strategic thinking and strong execution in dynamic, evolving environments.
This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for an Assistant Controller, People Leader based in the United States.
This role sits at the intersection of technical accounting excellence and people leadership within a fast-paced, high-growth advisory environment supporting venture-backed startups. The Assistant Controller will oversee a portfolio of client engagements while directly managing and developing a team of accounting professionals. The role combines hands-on operational accounting—owning month-end close, financial reporting, and technical accounting processes—with leadership responsibilities focused on coaching, performance management, and career development. You will partner closely with senior finance leaders and client stakeholders to deliver accurate, scalable financial operations for innovative companies. In parallel, you will help build strong internal teams, improve delivery processes, and drive consistency across engagements. This is a highly collaborative role requiring both strategic thinking and strong execution in dynamic, evolving environments.
Accountabilities:
- Oversee end-to-end operational accounting across multiple client engagements, including month-end close, journal entries, reconciliations, eliminations, consolidations, and variance analysis, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with accounting standards.
- Lead client financial reporting processes, including preparation of consolidated financial statements, budget vs. actual analysis, KPI dashboards, and cash flow insights to support data-driven decision-making.
- Manage and mentor a team of accounting professionals, providing regular coaching, structured feedback, performance reviews, and development planning to support career growth and high-quality delivery.
- Oversee staffing, utilization, and workload distribution across client engagements, ensuring efficient resource allocation and consistent service quality.
- Act as a key escalation point for client delivery issues, resolving complex accounting challenges and ensuring continuity of service across engagements.
- Partner with clients to establish accounting policies, implement technical standards such as revenue recognition (ASC 606), and support audit and compliance processes.
- Drive process improvement and automation initiatives across accounting workflows, including adoption of AI-enabled tools and modern financial systems to enhance efficiency and scalability.
- Collaborate with internal leadership and cross-functional teams to improve operational standards, training programs, and talent development frameworks.
- 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 1+ year at Assistant Controller level or equivalent leadership responsibility
- 3+ years of experience managing or leading accounting teams, including coaching, performance management, and career development
- Strong expertise in operational accounting, including month-end close, financial reporting, reconciliations, and technical accounting policies
- Experience working with venture-backed startups, high-growth companies, or professional services/consulting environments
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple client relationships and complex, concurrent accounting workflows
- Strong proficiency in accounting systems such as QuickBooks, Xero, NetSuite, and related finance tools
- Advanced Excel skills and strong analytical capabilities
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex accounting concepts for non-finance stakeholders
- Proven ability to operate independently, manage competing priorities, and maintain high standards under pressure
- Familiarity with workflow automation or AI-enabled accounting tools is highly preferred
- Competitive base salary range of $165,000–$195,000 with eligibility for a 10% annual bonus
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, with strong employer contributions
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Paid time off and flexible work arrangements, including remote-first structure
- Work-from-home stipend and professional development support
- Exposure to high-growth, venture-backed startup environments and CFO-level advisory work
- Mentorship, training, and continuous learning opportunities within a collaborative team culture
- In-person retreats, team offsites, and occasional travel for company gatherings.
Requirements
This role requires a strong blend of technical accounting expertise, client service experience, and people leadership capability. The ideal candidate is both detail-oriented and strategically minded, with a proven ability to manage teams and deliver high-quality accounting outcomes in fast-moving environments.