assistant controller job description

Some of the duties and responsibilities of assistant controllers include: analysing financial records: as an assistant controller, you examine and analyse financial documents or records prepared by accountants and financial assistants. You evaluate financial reports to ensure accuracy and compliance with accounting standards and the company’s internal controls. developing and implementing accounting policies: you assist controllers in developing policies for the accounting department, helping to ensure accurate financial reporting. You also implement accounting policies set by the company and ensure it meets statutory requirements. When accounting issues arise, you find solutions that align with generally accepted compliance principles. overseeing accounting functions: as an assistant controller, you assist the controller in overseeing accounting and finance functions. You oversee billing, revenue collections, payroll, taxation and financial reporting functions. When the company introduces new procedures and policies, you assist with disseminating the information to other departments. You ensure accountants follow the best practices when preparing the company's accounts. assisting in internal and external audits: your primary role is to ensure compliance and accurate financial reporting. Hence, you assist with internal and external audits to ascertain the accuracy of financial reports. You prepare detailed reports on audit outcomes and provide recommendations to improve management practices. overseeing training and development: as an assistant controller, you organise training and professional development of finance staff and other workers in the accounting department.

Assistant controllers work indoors in an office environment. You can work in any industry, including healthcare facilities, manufacturing, mining and technology companies. Employers range from small businesses to big corporations with thousands of employees. Large companies emphasise collaboration, while small companies offer more independent work. Periodically, you and your controller may travel to different offices. Some employers offer remote work or hybrid models. If you work from home, you still adhere to the work schedule and make yourself available during office hours. Your employer might ask you to visit the office for in-person meetings. Otherwise, you'll communicate through phone, email, video calls and office platforms.

who are your colleagues?

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include controller , accountants and finance assistants . You might also be working in close proximity to operations managers and finance analysts , as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, business analysts , financial planners and finance business partners .

Assistant controllers usually work during regular office hours with nights and weekends off. Most assistant controllers work full-time because employers require extensive experience and education. Some workers start with part-time jobs in different roles, then advance to becoming full-time assistant controllers. You might receive overtime hours if a project experiences delays, especially during the holidays. Overtime hours can encompass nights, weekends and early mornings.

Assistant controllers have a positive job outlook because businesses prioritise their financial departments. You help companies keep their records straight, avoid liabilities, process payments and fix errors before they become major issues. As you gain experience, more employers will seek your expertise. Emerging businesses have more opportunities. Increasingly profitable companies need a financial team, including an assistant controller. Keep an eye out for growing companies and new corporate offices in your region. If you enjoy working as an assistant controller, consider advancing to a controller position. This position involves more responsibilities, higher salaries and increased communication with business leaders. Similar jobs include accounts receivable supervisor, bookkeeper, finance manager, tax accountant and internal auditor. These positions tackle a business's finances from different angles. You could continue working for an employer or open a private firm.

advantages of finding an assistant controller job through randstad

Finding your assistant controller job through Randstad provides important advantages such as: a wide variety of training and development opportunities an experienced contact person to provide help if needed a range of opportunities in your area get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job temporary and permanent contracts Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as an assistant controller is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract every year with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

what are the duties of an assistant controller?

As an assistant controller, you support controllers in executing their duties. You implement accounting policies and ensure compliance with financial reporting standards during the preparation of accounting records. You also assist in budgeting and forecasting.

how much does an assistant controller earn in Australia?

As an assistant controller, you earn an average salary of $89,270 per year. Your remuneration package fluctuates based on various factors. In an entry-level position, you start with a salary of $77,500 per year. With experience, your earnings increase gradually, and you can earn over $136,000 annually.

how do I become an assistant controller?

To become an assistant controller, you require qualifications in finance, accounting or economics. Build a strong background in accounting by working in entry and mid-level roles, such as accountant, financial assistant or finance manager.

is it hard to be an assistant controller?

Working as an assistant controller is an exciting role. However, you face numerous challenges arising from errors in financial statements and changes in accounting policies. If you have the necessary skills and expertise, you can navigate the challenges.

what makes a good assistant controller?

A good assistant controller has exceptional analytical skills in reviewing financial data and accounting reports. Your attentiveness to details helps you identify errors and issues in financial reports.

how do I apply for an assistant controller vacancy?

Applying for an assistant controller job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here .

Working as an assistant controller

what is an assistant controller?

Stakeholders also rely on you to protect their investments, while companies need accurate data to make economic decisions and plan for the future. Your reports, audits and forecasts promote business growth, encouraging investors to hold onto their stocks. High dividends make your employer popular on the stock market.

As an assistant controller, you act as a fact-checker for bookkeepers. When accountants prepare data, they review the documents and look for discrepancies. If you find an error, you correct the issue before it enters an official report. You also discuss ways to improve the system so that accountants can work as efficiently as possible.

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average assistant controller salary

The typical remuneration package for assistant controllers in Australia is $89,270 per year. Your salary fluctuates based on experience and the complexity of your duties. When starting your role as an assistant controller, you start with a salary of $77,500 per year. The most experienced assistant controllers take home over $136,000 per year.

what factors affect your salary as an assistant controller?

As an assistant controller, your earnings depend on experience, qualifications and competencies. When you are new in the role, you have minimal experience. As you improve your experience and qualifications, your earnings increase gradually. Having professional certifications also boosts your earnings.

The size of the company you work for influences your earnings. For instance, working in a large organisation improves your salary since you handle complex duties. Small companies have minimal duties due to fewer financial transactions.

Want to know what you will earn as an assistant controller? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.

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types of assistant controllers

Assistant controllers work in various industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, mining, government agencies and non-profit organisations. Corporate assistant controllers work for major companies and collaborate with large teams. Each industry requires a specific skill set. For example, a healthcare assistant controller might deal with insurance claims. You can also become an assistant financial controller responsible for generating accounting reports and ensuring compliance with accounting standards.

If you're just starting out, working at small businesses helps you gain experience before advancing to big corporations. Small business assistant controllers have fewer responsibilities because they work on smaller teams and manage fewer people. You could narrow down your services as the company grows and hires more employees.

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working as an assistant controller

If you are interested in becoming an assistant controller, discover the duties, responsibilities, work environments and career outlook of the role.

assistant controller job description
Some of the duties and responsibilities of assistant controllers include:
- analysing financial records: as an assistant controller, you examine and analyse financial documents or records prepared by accountants and financial assistants. You evaluate financial reports to ensure accuracy and compliance with accounting standards and the company’s internal controls.
- developing and implementing accounting policies: you assist controllers in developing policies for the accounting department, helping to ensure accurate financial reporting. You also implement accounting policies set by the company and ensure it meets statutory requirements. When accounting issues arise, you find solutions that align with generally accepted compliance principles.
- overseeing accounting functions: as an assistant controller, you assist the controller in overseeing accounting and finance functions. You oversee billing, revenue collections, payroll, taxation and financial reporting functions. When the company introduces new procedures and policies, you assist with disseminating the information to other departments. You ensure accountants follow the best practices when preparing the company's accounts.
- assisting in internal and external audits: your primary role is to ensure compliance and accurate financial reporting. Hence, you assist with internal and external audits to ascertain the accuracy of financial reports. You prepare detailed reports on audit outcomes and provide recommendations to improve management practices.
- overseeing training and development: as an assistant controller, you organise training and professional development of finance staff and other workers in the accounting department.
work environment

Assistant controllers work indoors in an office environment. You can work in any industry, including healthcare facilities, manufacturing, mining and technology companies. Employers range from small businesses to big corporations with thousands of employees. Large companies emphasise collaboration, while small companies offer more independent work. Periodically, you and your controller may travel to different offices.

Some employers offer remote work or hybrid models. If you work from home, you still adhere to the work schedule and make yourself available during office hours. Your employer might ask you to visit the office for in-person meetings. Otherwise, you'll communicate through phone, email, video calls and office platforms.
who are your colleagues?

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include controller, accountants and finance assistants. You might also be working in close proximity to operations managers and finance analysts, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, business analysts, financial planners and finance business partners.
work schedule

Assistant controllers usually work during regular office hours with nights and weekends off. Most assistant controllers work full-time because employers require extensive experience and education. Some workers start with part-time jobs in different roles, then advance to becoming full-time assistant controllers. You might receive overtime hours if a project experiences delays, especially during the holidays. Overtime hours can encompass nights, weekends and early mornings.
job outlook

Assistant controllers have a positive job outlook because businesses prioritise their financial departments. You help companies keep their records straight, avoid liabilities, process payments and fix errors before they become major issues. As you gain experience, more employers will seek your expertise.

Emerging businesses have more opportunities. Increasingly profitable companies need a financial team, including an assistant controller. Keep an eye out for growing companies and new corporate offices in your region.

If you enjoy working as an assistant controller, consider advancing to a controller position. This position involves more responsibilities, higher salaries and increased communication with business leaders.

Similar jobs include accounts receivable supervisor, bookkeeper, finance manager, tax accountant and internal auditor. These positions tackle a business's finances from different angles. You could continue working for an employer or open a private firm.
advantages of finding an assistant controller job through randstad
Finding your assistant controller job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as an assistant controller is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract every year with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

4

education and skills

To become an assistant controller in Australia, pursue a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as accounting, finance or economics. Since you work in a senior role just below the controller, consider pursuing post-graduate education to improve your career prospects. After completing your degree course, complete the necessary examinations to become a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA). Alternatively, gain a Chartered Accountant designation from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Australia and New Zealand. You should also consider a Certified Internal Auditor status.

Assistant controllers require experience in accounting or finance roles. Start your career as an accountant and improve your expertise to become an assistant controller.

assistant controller skills and competencies

Some of the qualities of an assistant controller include:

accounting knowledge: as an assistant controller, you require extensive accounting knowledge. You help companies track their revenue, expenses, cash flow, assets and liabilities so that they invest their profits, adjust to setbacks, make predictions, make reports for investors and file their taxes.
attention to detail: your attention to detail prevents issues before they start. A single error could lead to misreported profits, fraud accusations or audits. Since you double-check records down to the decimal, your chief executive officer (CEO) builds trust with stakeholders and complies with legal regulations. Your detail-oriented skills come in handy when you are reviewing financial records.
interpersonal skills: as an assistant controller, you are a team player. Working alongside a controller means staying in touch, checking each other's work, preparing documents on time, sharing knowledge and quickly addressing issues. Additionally, you collaborate with other departments, supervisors, and CEOs and must explain concepts to people with different knowledge levels. Everyone knows that they can rely on your expertise.
proficiency in accounting software: as an assistant controller, you need proficiency in accounting software. Employers offer on-the-job training but prefer to see programs like Microsoft Excel and QuickBooks already listed on your resume. You quickly adjust when your company switches to a different software, enter your data neatly and accurately, and interpret other people's work.

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FAQs about working as an assistant controller

Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of an assistant controller.

what are the duties of an assistant controller?

As an assistant controller, you support controllers in executing their duties. You implement accounting policies and ensure compliance with financial reporting standards during the preparation of accounting records. You also assist in budgeting and forecasting.
how much does an assistant controller earn in Australia?

As an assistant controller, you earn an average salary of $89,270 per year. Your remuneration package fluctuates based on various factors. In an entry-level position, you start with a salary of $77,500 per year. With experience, your earnings increase gradually, and you can earn over $136,000 annually.
how do I become an assistant controller?

To become an assistant controller, you require qualifications in finance, accounting or economics. Build a strong background in accounting by working in entry and mid-level roles, such as accountant, financial assistant or finance manager.
is it hard to be an assistant controller?

Working as an assistant controller is an exciting role. However, you face numerous challenges arising from errors in financial statements and changes in accounting policies. If you have the necessary skills and expertise, you can navigate the challenges.
what makes a good assistant controller?

A good assistant controller has exceptional analytical skills in reviewing financial data and accounting reports. Your attentiveness to details helps you identify errors and issues in financial reports.
how do I apply for an assistant controller vacancy?

Applying for an assistant controller job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.

assistant controller.