Assistant Controller

Partner Engineering and Science • Torrance, CA

8d

About The Position

The Assistant Controller is a senior, hands-on accounting leader responsible for the execution, quality, and continuous improvement of financial reporting and accounting operations across a complex, multi-entity and multinational organization. This role requires deep technical expertise, strong people leadership, and the confidence to make and support judgment-driven decisions in a fast-paced environment. This position partners closely with the Controller, takes day-to-day ownership of core accounting functions, and plays a critical role in strengthening processes, developing talent, and preparing the organization for continued growth.

Requirements

• Active CPA license (required)
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field (Master’s preferred)
• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience
• Experience in public accounting and/or complex industry environments
• Proven experience managing and developing teams of 5 or more accounting professionals
• Strong command of U.S. GAAP, consolidations, and technical accounting
• Ability to operate comfortably in both detailed execution and higher-level review and decision-making

Nice To Haves

• Experience with international subsidiaries and foreign currency accounting
• Exposure to pass-through entities, shareholder reporting, and multi-state tax environments
• Background in high-transaction-volume or contract-driven businesses
• Strong process mindset with the ability to improve systems without over-engineering
• Executive-caliber communication skills and comfort partnering with senior leadership

Responsibilities

• Take primary ownership of the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes
• Review and approve journal entries, reconciliations, consolidation entries, and supporting schedules
• Prepare and review consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP
• Lead variance analyses and partner with FP&A and Operations to explain results
• Identify recurring close issues and drive durable solutions that improve accuracy and speed
• Own accounting oversight for foreign subsidiaries with differing functional currencies
• Review FX remeasurement, translation, and consolidation adjustments
• Manage intercompany accounting, eliminations, and settlement processes across legal entities
• Ensure consistent accounting application across domestic and international entities
• Lead and develop an accounting organization of at least five professionals across multiple levels
• Set clear expectations for quality, deadlines, and ownership, particularly during close
• Review staff and manager work product; provide coaching on both technical matters and professional judgment
• Act as a trusted escalation point for complex accounting issues and decisions
• Build depth and succession within the accounting team
• Oversee accounting in a high-volume, low-dollar contract environment
• Ensure revenue and expense recognition reflect contractual terms and economic substance
• Partner cross-functionally with Legal, Operations, FP&A, and IT to resolve accounting implications of business activity
• Identify where processes need structure versus flexibility and implement pragmatic improvements
• Oversee accounting considerations related to a complex S-corporation structure with 80+ shareholders
• Support accounting impacts of multi-state tax nexus across approximately 40 states
• Partner with external tax advisors to ensure accounting, compliance, and reporting are aligned
• Review accounting positions that require coordination between tax and financial reporting
• Lead accounting preparation for external audits, including review of audit schedules and PBC materials
• Serve as a key point of contact for auditors on accounting matters
• Ensure internal controls are operating effectively and evolve with business complexity
• Proactively identify risk areas and implement controls that balance rigor and efficiency

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package including health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, vacation and sick time, and a 401(k) plan with a company match.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior