Assistant Controller

Description

Position Summary

The Assistant Controller plays a critical leadership role in supporting the financial integrity and operational effectiveness of the organization. This position is responsible for overseeing day-to-day accounting operations, managing the monthly and annual close processes, owning the year-end financial audit, and leading sales and use tax compliance activities. The Assistant Controller partners closely with the Corporate Controller, Business Unit leaders, and cross-functional teams to ensure accurate financial reporting, strong internal controls, regulatory compliance, and continuous process improvement.

This role combines technical accounting expertise, leadership, and strategic thinking to help drive financial excellence across the organization.

Primary Responsibilities

Lead and Develop the Accounting Team

• Supervise, mentor, and develop accounting staff, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Support work allocation, training, coaching, and performance evaluations.
• Provide technical guidance on accounting policies, procedures, and best practices.

Drive Financial Reporting and Close Processes

• Oversee the monthly financial close process, ensuring all journal entries, reconciliations, and financial reports are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Collaborate with the Corporate Controller to establish and maintain monthly closing timelines and reporting requirements.
• Ensure timely and accurate reconciliation of balance sheet accounts, including cash, accruals, prepaid expenses, fixed assets, and intercompany transactions.
• Prepare and assist with the distribution of monthly financial statements, KPIs, and management reporting packages.
• Analyze financial results and investigate variances to support informed business decisions.

Own the Annual Financial Audit

• Lead and coordinate the year-end financial audit process, serving as the primary accounting contact for external auditors.
• Prepare and review audit schedules, supporting documentation, and financial statement disclosures.
• Coordinate information requests across departments and ensure timely completion of all audit deliverables.
• Partner with auditors and management to resolve audit issues and implement recommendations.
• Support the preparation of annual financial statements in accordance with applicable accounting standards.
• Assist with the implementation and monitoring of audit-related process improvements and internal control enhancements.

Lead Sales and Use Tax Compliance

• Oversee the preparation, review, and filing of multi-state sales and use tax returns, ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations.
• Monitor changes in state and local tax laws and assess the impact on company operations.
• Coordinate sales and use tax audits and respond to inquiries from taxing authorities.
• Maintain tax exemption certificates and support tax compliance documentation requirements.
• Work with business units and operational teams to ensure proper tax treatment of transactions.
• Support property tax reporting and filings as required.

Collaborate and Support Business Operations

• Partner with Business Unit Presidents and operational leaders to help them understand financial performance and key business drivers.
• Respond to inquiries from departments including Operations, Human Resources, Information Technology, Marketing, and Supply Chain.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to support business initiatives and strategic decision-making.
• Assist in developing annual budgets and forecasts.

Strengthen Systems, Controls, and Processes

• Collaborate with the Corporate Controller and VP of IT to maintain and optimize accounting systems and financial reporting tools.
• Ensure robust internal controls are maintained to safeguard company assets and support regulatory compliance.
• Evaluate and improve accounting processes to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
• Identify opportunities for automation and technology integration within accounting operations.
• Develop and document accounting policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Train accounting personnel on new systems, processes, and compliance requirements.

Support Treasury and Other Financial Functions

• Assist with cash management activities, including cash forecasting.
• Support accounts payable and other accounting functions as needed.
• Participate in special projects, system implementations, and process improvement initiatives.
• Serve as a key backup to the Corporate Controller and provide leadership support across the accounting function.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required; Master's degree a plus.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation required.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership responsibilities.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting, internal controls, and accounting best practices.
• Experience leading annual external audits and managing auditor relationships.
• Experience with multi-state sales and use tax compliance and reporting.
• Advanced proficiency in accounting systems, ERP platforms (Vista and IFS a plus), and Microsoft Excel (Spreadsheet Server a plus).
• Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated leadership and team development capabilities.

What We Offer

Professional Growth

Opportunities for continuous learning, leadership development, and career advancement.

Collaborative Culture

A team-oriented environment where innovation, accountability, and teamwork are valued.

Work-Life Balance

Hybrid work schedule with four days in the office and flexible work hours.

Competitive Compensation

Market-competitive salary and performance-based incentives.

Comprehensive Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Life and disability insurance

Community Engagement

Opportunities to participate in company-sponsored volunteer programs and community initiatives.

By joining our team, you'll play a key role in maintaining financial integrity, strengthening compliance, leading critical audit and tax functions, and driving continuous improvement throughout the accounting organization.

RK Industries, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law