Assistant Controller

Partner Engineering & Science, Inc.•Torrance, CA

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