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 OperationsMonth-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 LeadershipDevelopment
• 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 PlanningAnalysis 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.
CommissionsCompensation
• 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.