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.