Assistant Contoller - Auto POST NUMBER: 103361

Our client is a rapidly expanding, investor-backed organization operating within a niche consumer sector. As the company continues to grow through strategic initiatives, acquisitions, and expansion into new markets, they are seeking an experienced accounting leader to help strengthen and scale the finance function. This role offers significant visibility across the organization and the opportunity to partner with executive leadership while overseeing accounting operations across multiple business entities. Position Overview The Assistant Controller will be responsible for managing core accounting activities, ensuring accurate financial reporting, maintaining a strong control environment, and leading close processes across a multi-entity business structure. The position will also play a key role in process improvement initiatives, system enhancements, audit support, and team development. The ideal candidate is a hands-on accounting professional who enjoys balancing day-to-day operational responsibilities with strategic projects and leadership initiatives. Responsibilities Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close cycles to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting. Oversee general ledger accounting activities and ensure the integrity of financial records. Manage accounting teams responsible for receivables, payables, revenue recognition, inventory accounting, payroll support, and related functions. Review account reconciliations, journal entries, and supporting schedules. Prepare management reporting packages and assist with financial statement preparation. Analyze business results and investigate significant variances and trends. Support annual budgeting and periodic forecasting efforts alongside finance leadership. Maintain and improve internal control processes, risk management initiatives, and compliance activities. Coordinate audit requests and serve as a primary contact for external auditors and advisors. Assist with ERP optimization efforts, accounting process redesign, and finance transformation projects. Support the accounting implications of new business initiatives, acquisitions, and organizational changes. Collaborate with Human Resources regarding payroll administration, commissions, benefits accounting, and employee-related transactions. Mentor and develop accounting staff while promoting a culture focused on accountability, efficiency, and continuous improvement. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline. CPA designation required. MBA or advanced degree preferred. Minimum 10 years of progressive accounting experience. Prior experience in an Accounting Manager, Assistant Controller, Controller, or similar leadership role. Strong technical accounting foundation and knowledge of U.S. GAAP. Experience managing financial reporting, audits, internal controls, and month-end close processes. Exposure to ERP systems and participation in system implementations or enhancements. Proven leadership experience managing and developing accounting professionals. Excellent analytical, communication, and organizational skills. Preferred Background Public accounting experience combined with corporate accounting leadership. Experience supporting companies with multiple business units or legal entities. Background in organizations with significant operational complexity, inventory, transaction volume, or rapid growth. Familiarity with SOX, process improvement initiatives, and finance transformation projects. Exposure to acquisition activity, integrations, or other corporate growth initiatives is highly desirable. Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company’s 401(k) retirement plan. Additional disclaimer: Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products.