Career Prospects and Common Duties of Assistant Controller Jobs

The organization, direction, control and coordination of financial and accounting activities is crucial to companies, and occupations related to these activities are a right fit for individuals who are proficient in analyzing information, and working with numbers. Generally, an assistant controller reports to the controller and his or her salary depends on a number of factors including responsibilities, geographical region and firm size. With accounting and finance professionals expected to see a 3.3 % salary hike in 2013 (2013 Salary Guide from Robert Half International, Menlo Park, California-based staffing firm), the market for controller jobs is bound to get bigger. 

Jobs for Those with the Right Skills

S/he is instrumental in planning, organizing, and controlling financial management activities of a business. By executing or coordinating general accounting and related activities, an assistant controller ensures that the monthly financial statements are released on time, establish and monitor the annual budget apart from managing cash, accounts payable and receivable accounts and bills. With the slew of regulations resulting from the Dodd-Frank Act, business auditing is set to undergo changes and an accountant’s role has been further emphasised with the revised audit standards. Since an assistant controller is involved in preparing the annual audit of the company, anyone who moves away from being a number cruncher to an analyst is sure to encounter success in the role. 

Apart from these responsibilities, s/he might also be involved in the maintenance of the business bank account and analysis of profit and purchase margins. Working closely with the controller and members of senior management, s/he also needs to ensure good accounting practices so the team can follow the rules and procedures developed by them.

Career Prospects Based on Industry

There are many types of assistant controller jobs, based on the industry and the type of management in focus. Common examples of jobs include regional, corporate, divisional positions in the fields of health, taxes, insurance and other finance domains. The knowledge and the skills required for the roles mentioned can be developed through education and experience. Job prospects and salaries will vary across the country; however earning the necessary educational requirements will help anyone looking  for career advancement.