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Assistant Controller at a glance
- Main tasks
- Assist in preparing accurate monthly financial statements and reports, oversee the operations of the accounting department, including the design of an organizational structure adequate for achieving the department's goals and objectives and ensure accounting records are maintained and organized in compliance with accepted policies and procedures
- Typical entry
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
- Average pay
- $87,830 per year in the U.S.
What does an Assistant Controller do?
As an assistant controller, you manage daily accounting tasks, prepare financial reports, and ensure everything complies with regulations. You assist with budgeting, financial analysis, and help keep the company's finances in order, supporting long-term financial planning.
Assistant Controller duties and responsibilities
Typical tasks in an Assistant Controller job:
- Assist in preparing accurate monthly financial statements and reports
- Oversee the operations of the accounting department, including the design of an organizational structure adequate for achieving the department's goals and objectives
- Ensure accounting records are maintained and organized in compliance with accepted policies and procedures
- Manage budgets, forecasts, and internal financial plans and processes
- Support the Controller in ensuring that intercompany cost allocations are in line with management agreements and transfer pricing policies
- Assist with tax preparations, audits, and identifying and resolving discrepancies
- Analyze financial data, monitor and create financial models for decision support
Qualifications and skills
Education & qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
- CPA or equivalent qualification is highly desirable
- Proven experience as an assistant controller or other similar position
- Strong understanding of accounting, finance, and operational principles
- Experience with accounting software, ERP systems, and financial reporting tools
Skills & requirements
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
- Excellent management and supervisory skills
- Exceptional ability to analyze and create modeling for business operations and financials required for budgeting and forecasting
- Ability to work and communicate effectively with all levels of operations and senior management
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Assistant Controller salary 2026
The average salary for an Assistant Controller in the U.S. is about $87,830 per year. Pay depends on experience, employer, industry and region:
- Entry level0-2 years $65,873
- Mid level3-5 years $79,047
- Experienced6-10 years $87,830
- Senior11+ years $96,613
- Top earners20+ years $109,788
Based on public data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Payscale. Career-level figures are estimates derived from the national average.
Assistant Controller career path
Assistant Controllers have several pathways for advancement, typically moving up to become Financial Controllers, Chief Financial Officers, or finance directors within larger organizations. This progression can involve gaining experience across different businesses or industries, further professional certification, and the development of a strong track record in financial management and strategic planning.
Work environment
Assistant Controllers work primarily in office settings, typically within corporate or departmental headquarters. The role can be demanding, especially during financial closing periods, budget reviews, and audits, often requiring extended hours. The work involves significant use of computer systems for financial modeling, data analysis, and report generation.
Frequently asked questions
What does an Assistant Controller do?
As an assistant controller, you manage daily accounting tasks, prepare financial reports, and ensure everything complies with regulations. You assist with budgeting, financial analysis, and help keep the company's finances in order, supporting long-term financial planning.
How much does an Assistant Controller earn?
The average salary for an Assistant Controller in the U.S. is about $87,830 per year. Entry-level pay starts around $65,873, experienced professionals can reach $109,788 or more, depending on employer, region and experience.
What qualifications do you need to become an Assistant Controller?
Typical requirements are: bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field, CPA or equivalent qualification is highly desirable, proven experience as an assistant controller or other similar position and strong understanding of accounting, finance, and operational principles.
What is the career path for an Assistant Controller?
Assistant Controllers have several pathways for advancement, typically moving up to become Financial Controllers, Chief Financial Officers, or finance directors within larger organizations. This progression can involve gaining experience across different businesses or industries, further professional certification, and the development of a strong track record in financial management and strategic planning.
Where do Assistant Controllers work?
Assistant Controllers work primarily in office settings, typically within corporate or departmental headquarters. The role can be demanding, especially during financial closing periods, budget reviews, and audits, often requiring extended hours.
About this profile: This Assistant Controller job description is based on public sources such as the BLS and Payscale and was structured with the help of AI. It is a general orientation; duties, requirements and pay differ by employer, country and experience.
