Assistant Controller – Accounting Operations
The Assistant Controller – Accounting Operations will be a hands-on and proactive leader with a strong focus on accuracy, operational efficiency, collaboration, and continuous improvement. This position will oversee and develop a team while building effective partnerships with departments and stakeholders across the organization.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage global accounts payable operations, including invoice processing, approvals, vendor payments, employee expense reimbursements, credit memos, and vendor account reconciliations, ensuring activities are completed accurately and on time.
- Drive global standardization and automation efforts to improve workflows, minimize manual processes, strengthen internal controls, and enhance vendor and service performance.
- Oversee the operating expense accrual process, monitor expense trends, investigate unusual activity or variances, and recommend appropriate corrective measures.
- Review monthly operating expense activity to ensure accuracy and proper general ledger coding while collaborating with internal stakeholders.
- Handle urgent and high-priority ad hoc requests, including business inquiries, audit requests, and one-time payments, with a high level of accuracy and responsiveness.
- Supervise, coach, and develop regional accounts payable teams while effectively allocating resources and establishing clear performance expectations.
- Partner with Procurement, Tax, and other cross-functional teams to resolve issues and identify opportunities to improve end-to-end accounts payable processes.
- Lead improvements, implementations, rollouts, and upgrades related to ERP and accounts payable systems in collaboration with IT teams and external vendors.
- Maintain strong vendor relationships, address escalated disputes and discrepancies promptly and professionally, and ensure a high level of vendor service.
- Develop and maintain policies and procedures covering accounts payable and operating expenses while ensuring adherence to corporate policies, applicable regulations, and audit requirements.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline; CPA or equivalent certification is preferred.
- At least 10 years of progressive accounting experience, including 4–5 years of focused experience in accounts payable or procure-to-pay within a global, multi-entity environment.
- Previous supervisory or team leadership experience; background as an AP Manager, Senior Accountant, Assistant Controller, or similar role is preferred.
- Strong understanding of accounting principles, month-end close procedures, and internal control practices.
- Practical experience working with ERP platforms such as SAP, Oracle, or NetSuite, as well as accounts payable automation solutions; demonstrated success implementing process improvements.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and prioritization abilities, with the capacity to manage multiple demands and respond effectively to high-pressure, time-sensitive situations.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management capabilities, including the ability to influence and implement change across different regions and business functions.
- Highly detail-oriented and process-focused, with a demonstrated commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement.
- Ability to work effectively across multiple time zones; occasional travel may be required.