Description

An assistant controller is responsible for managing the finances of an organization. Usually reporting to a controller, the assistant controller is part of a supervisory team that oversees an organization's accounting and bookkeeping. Assistant controllers are needed in any large organization that has a significant budget. Jobs for assistant controllers can be found in private industry, as well as in federal, state, and city governments, in hospitals and clinics, and non-profit organizations.The central focus of an assistant controller's job is to analyze and track an organization's income and expenditures, as well as ensure compliance with regulations and tax laws. Daily duties for assistant controllers vary by industry, but commonly include financial planning, payroll management, bookkeeping, preparation of financial statements (such as balance sheets and quarterly reports), preparing and submitting tax forms, Securities & Exchange Commission reporting, inventory accounting, and closing journal entries. In smaller organizations, the assistant controller may also be asked to perform data entry.Generally a minimum of a bachelor's degree in finance or accounting is required for these positions, possibly with a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license. For certain industries, such as healthcare, employers may also ask for experience with that particular industry. Strong mathematics skills, interpersonal communication skills, and the ability to prepare detailed reports are a must. Familiarity with commonly used financial software is also required.Assistant controllers generally work during regular business hours in an office setting, although many positions require some travel.

Roles & Responsibilities

As an Assistant Controller Financial with 6-9 years of experience in Canada, your main responsibilities include:

  • Oversee financial reporting processes, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulatory requirements. Manage the preparation of financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
  • Analyze financial data to identify trends, variances, and areas for improvement. Conduct financial analysis to evaluate the company's performance, profitability, and efficiency.
  • Assist in budgeting and forecasting activities, providing insights and recommendations to optimize financial resources. Collaborate with management to develop annual budgets and forecast financial outcomes.
  • Support internal and external audits, ensuring adherence to accounting principles and resolving any audit findings.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For an Assistant Controller (Financial), the following qualifications are required:

  • Proficient knowledge of financial reporting and accounting principles to ensure accurate and timely preparation of financial statements.
  • Strong analytical skills to analyze financial data, identify trends and anomalies, and provide strategic insights to management.
  • Expertise in budgeting and forecasting to assist in the development and implementation of financial plans and strategies.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams, senior management, and external stakeholders, providing financial advice and guidance.

Essential Skills For Assistant Controller (Financial)

1

Financial Management

2

Financial Analysis

3

Microsoft Excel

Skills That Affect Assistant Controller (Financial) Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Financial Management

5%

Financial Analysis

4%

Career Prospects

The Assistant Controller Financial role is crucial for maintaining financial operations and ensuring smooth cash flow management. Professionals with 6-9 years of experience in Canada have various alternative roles to consider. Here are four options:

  • Senior Accountant: This role entails broader responsibilities such as financial reporting and regulatory compliance.
  • Treasury Manager: Focuses on managing cash and liquidity requirements, including forecasting, risk management, and investment activities.
  • Procurement Manager: Involves overseeing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and managing purchasing processes.
  • Financial Analyst: Concentrates on monitoring financial performance, developing forecasts, and providing insights for strategic decision-making.

How to Learn

According to data available, the projected growth of the Assistant Controller (Financial) role in Canada's market appears positive. Over the last 10 years, the job role has experienced consistent demand. Employment opportunities for this position are expected to increase in the future as companies continue to recognize the importance of financial management and compliance. Although exact numbers are not provided, various sources indicate a strong trend towards job growth in this field. Google's latest data points suggest that the Assistant Controller (Financial) role is likely to offer numerous employment opportunities in the coming years in the Canadian market.