DIR FIN - ASST CONTROLLER

Covenant Health•Knoxville, TN

About The Position

The Assistant Controller is a senior accounting leader responsible for day-to-day accounting operations and supporting financial reporting. The role provides leadership for general accounting, financial close processes, financial reporting, fixed assets, accounts payable accounting, payroll accounting support, internal controls, audit coordination, and assigned financial system activities. The Assistant Controller promotes accurate and timely financial reporting, compliance with GAAP and organizational policies, effective internal controls, consistent accounting practices, and continuous process improvement. The position directs accounting activities across assigned functional areas, leads and develops accounting managers and staff, monitors departmental priorities and performance, and resolves complex operational and accounting issues. Working with accounting and finance leadership, the Assistant Controller supports audits, regulatory compliance, financial system initiatives, and organizational projects. The role exercises delegated authority within established policies and procedures, provides technical accounting guidance and operational problem-solving, and communicates significant accounting, compliance, control, staffing, and financial reporting matters to leadership.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least five years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership or supervisory responsibilities.
Experience with financial statement preparation, audits, month-end close processes, and internal controls.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license required.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Provides leadership and oversight of general accounting to ensure accurate recording, classification, and reporting of financial transactions.
Manages monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes, including close calendars, assignments, journal entries, reconciliations, analyses, issue resolution, and escalation of significant matters.
Reviews complex accounting transactions, estimates, accruals, and balance sheet reconciliations for accuracy and GAAP compliance.
Assists in preparing and reviewing consolidated financial statements and supporting schedules for executive leadership, board reporting, lenders, and external stakeholders.
Monitors accounting operations and identifies opportunities to improve efficiency, standardization, and financial controls.
Supports technical accounting research and implementation of new accounting standards and reporting requirements.
Leads audit preparation and serves as a primary liaison for external auditors during annual financial statement audits; updates leadership on audit progress and issues.
Coordinates audit documentation requests, testing, supporting schedules, interviews, process walkthroughs, and control testing.
Directly supervises assigned accounting managers and staff; supports performance expectations, priority monitoring, talent development, and staffing or performance matters.
Tracks departmental priorities, deadlines, staffing constraints, unresolved issues, and cross-functional dependencies; coordinates follow-up and provides status updates to leadership.
Promotes accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and customer service.
Participates in recruiting, onboarding, coaching, performance management, and professional development; assists with succession planning and leadership development.
Mentors and supports accounting personnel and cross-functional business partners.
Provides oversight and support for accounting activities related to accounts payable, payroll, and cash management operations.
Ensures accurate accounting treatment of payroll transactions, accrued liabilities, vendor payments, and related reconciliations.
Partners with operational leaders to resolve accounting issues, improve processes, and enhance financial reporting capabilities.
Supports governance, integrity, and effective use of the organization’s ERP and related financial systems, including configuration decisions, access and control considerations, testing, issue resolution, documentation, and approved enhancements.
Supports strategic financial initiatives, department priorities, and special projects; prepares analyses and recommendations for executive decision-making and may lead complex cross-departmental financial projects.
Participates in enterprise-wide initiatives affecting accounting, financial reporting, controls, and operational performance.
Coordinates accounting information, reconciliations, schedules, documentation, and cross-functional activities needed for tax compliance and reporting, treasury functions, and payroll processing.
Implements accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls in assigned areas; monitors adherence, coordinates corrective actions, and reports significant exceptions or control concerns.
Leads resolution of routine and moderately complex accounting and operational matters, engaging other departments and escalating matters involving material financial impact, policy exceptions, significant judgment, regulatory exposure, or executive decisions.
Acts as a finance representative on committees, task forces, and multidisciplinary projects as assigned.
Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards; completes required annual education assignments; works toward goals and objectives; and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
Performs other duties as assigned.