Dir Fin - Asst Controller

Covenant Health•Knoxville, TN

About The Position

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

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.

Responsibilities

Lead and oversee general accounting to ensure accurate recording, classification, and reporting of financial transactions.
Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes, including calendars, assignments, journal entries, reconciliations, analyses, issue resolution, and escalation of significant matters.
Review complex accounting transactions, estimates, accruals, and balance sheet reconciliations for accuracy and GAAP compliance.
Assist with preparing and reviewing consolidated financial statements and supporting schedules for executive leadership, board reporting, lenders, and external stakeholders.
Monitor accounting operations and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, standardization, and financial controls.
Support technical accounting research and implementation of new accounting standards and reporting requirements.
Lead audit preparation and serve as a primary liaison for external auditors during annual financial statement audits.
Coordinate audit documentation, testing, supporting schedules, interviews, walkthroughs, and control testing; provide leadership with routine updates on audit progress and issues.
Supervise assigned accounting managers and staff; support performance expectations, priority monitoring, talent development, and staffing or performance matters.
Monitor departmental deadlines, staffing constraints, unresolved issues, and cross-functional dependencies, coordinating follow-up and providing status updates to leadership.
Promote accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and customer service.
Participate in recruiting, onboarding, coaching, performance management, professional development, succession planning, and leadership development.
Mentor and support accounting personnel and cross-functional business partners.
Oversee and support accounting activities related to accounts payable, payroll, and cash management, including accurate treatment of payroll transactions, accrued liabilities, vendor payments, and reconciliations.
Partner with operational leaders to resolve accounting issues, improve processes, and strengthen financial reporting capabilities.
Support governance, integrity, and effective use of the ERP and related financial systems, including configuration decisions, access and control considerations, testing, issue resolution, documentation, and approved enhancements.
Assist leadership with strategic financial initiatives, department priorities, special projects, executive decision-making analyses, and complex multi-department financial projects.
Participate in enterprise-wide initiatives affecting accounting, financial reporting, controls, and operational performance.
Coordinate accounting information, reconciliations, schedules, documentation, and cross-functional activities needed for tax compliance and reporting, treasury functions, and payroll processing.
Implement accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls in assigned areas; monitor adherence, coordinate corrective actions, and report significant exceptions or control concerns to leadership.
Lead 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 decision-making.
Represent finance on committees, task forces, and multidisciplinary projects as assigned.
Follow policies, procedures, and safety standards; complete annual required education; work toward goals and objectives; participate in quality improvement initiatives; and perform other assigned duties.