Assistant Controller Role Summary
Reporting to the Head of Finance, the Assistant Controller will oversee daily accounting operations and play a pivotal role in driving financial integrity, operational excellence, and profitability across the agency. This individual will partner closely with accounting, FP&A, and department leaders to ensure accurate reporting, timely close cycles, and compliance with all financial policies.
Key Responsibilities
Accounting Operations & Month-End Close
- Lead and supervise the Accounts Payable team, ensuring accurate coding (GL, Class, Department, and Period) and timely vendor payments.
- Oversee month-end close, ensuring proper cutoffs, reconciliations, and accuracy of all balance sheet accounts.
- Review payroll processing runs prior to finalization to ensure accuracy
- Maintain and reconcile sub-ledgers for media and production inventory, including accruals and deferrals.
- Prepare and review monthly journal entries, account reconciliations, and variance analyses.
- Continuously improve the monthly close process to shorten timelines and enhance accuracy.
Team Leadership & Development
- Supervise and mentor accounting staff, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and collaboration.
- Provide training on accounting systems, agency-specific processes, and best practices to reduce recurring errors.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to improve financial understanding across departments.
Financial Planning & Analysis Support
- Support FP&A with timely and accurate data for cashflow forecasting, client profitability, and budget-to-actual reporting.
- Participate in weekly cashflow meetings and provide insights on payment trends, collections timing, and variance drivers.
- Support development of dashboards and KPIs to monitor financial health and client performance.
Audit, Compliance, and Controls
- Manage preparation and review of annual audit schedules and supporting documentation.
- Maintain strong internal controls, policy documentation, and accounting procedures consistent with GAAP.
- Coordinate timely completion of tax filings and statutory reporting with external advisors.
Commissions & Compensation
- Oversee quarterly commission calculations and ensure compliance with internal policies.
- Maintain accurate commission eligibility data and present schedules for approval and payment.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA is a plus.
- 3–5 years of progressive accounting experience, ideally within advertising, marketing, media, or a PE-backed environment.
- Strong understanding of GAAP, revenue recognition (ASC 606), and accrual-based accounting.
- Experience with QuickBooks or project based agency ERP system strongly preferred.
- Proven track record in improving close processes and implementing controls
- Strong Excel skills
- Excellent communication, analytical, and leadership skills.