Assistant Controller

Sunstar•Schaumburg, IL

9h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Assistant Controller is a hands-on accounting leader who supports the Corporate Controller and Accounting organization. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, overseeing general ledger activities, driving the month-end close process, and supporting treasury and cash management functions. The Assistant Controller is also responsible for staff development, supporting external audits, and working across departments to improve the monthly close process. In addition, the Assistant Controller works with regional entities in Canada and LATAM to facilitate consolidation processes and deliverables for both month-end and year-end reporting periods. Success as an Assistant Controller necessitates strong technical skills, such as proficiency in financial reporting, analysis, as well as expertise in accounting software and systems, including ERP. Equally important are soft skills like strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities, as the position regularly involves working with cross-functional teams, analyzing complex financial information, and making strategic recommendations. By leveraging both technical and interpersonal strengths, the Assistant Controller effectively supports the Corporate Controller and contributes to the organization’s financial success, while also preparing for advancement into senior accounting leadership roles. This position requires a deep understanding of all facets of accounting and financial reporting, alongside maintaining a customer service-oriented approach toward both internal and external business partners.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field required
7-10 years of progressive accounting experience; 2+ years in a corporate accounting or assistant controller capacity strongly preferred.
4+ years managing or supervising accounting staff required
Excellent communication both written and oral, and cross-functional collaboration skills; ability to present and explain financial information to non-finance stakeholders.
Ability to manage priorities, meet deadlines and work under pressure
Comfortable working in a high-growth, dynamic environment and driving process improvement
Excel — Advanced (pivot tables, complex formulas, reconciliations).
Proficient in engaging a team through communication, processes, personal impact and be a positive influence with a can-do approach
Demonstrates sound judgment and independent decision-making abilities.
Highly detail-oriented with a strong work ethic and commitment to accuracy.
Proven managerial experience within an accounting function, with effective team leadership skills.
Hands-on and organized, with strong problem-solving capabilities, analytical and critical thinking.
Committed to maintaining high standards of quality and performance.
Self-motivated, adaptable, and capable of managing multiple priorities effectively.
Willingness to contribute to special financial projects and initiatives as assigned by senior leadership.
Receptive to management guidance and constructive feedback, with a collaborative approach.
Confident in working closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams.

Nice To Haves

CPA or CPA candidate strongly preferred.
Public accounting experience with Big-4 or top-tier firm strongly desired
Familiarity with IFRS guidance preferred
Experience in D365 very strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Oversee day-to-day GL operations and ensure the integrity of accounting records.
Prepare, review and post recurring and non-recurring journal entries, including inter-company transactions, accounts payable, accounts receivable and credit card processing.
Own month-end and quarter-end close processes and activities, lead schedules, reconciliations, and variance analyses.
Drive continuous improvements in efficiency and accuracy.
Maintain and strengthen internal controls and accounting policies; drive SOX-ready documentation where applicable.
Establish and maintain robust internal controls
Prepare consolidated trial balances across five entities for use in the preparation of audited financial statements.
Oversee fixed asset management, collaborate with Production and Costing team on capital expenditure tracking, ensure fixed asset implementation in D365 and reconciliation of asset records.
Collaborate with the FP&A team to support forecasting processes.
Provide strategic support and assistance to Finance leadership as needed.
Support and be the SME on accounting processes for ERP implementation
Support preparation of management reporting and ad-hoc financial analyses for leadership and perform other adhoc tasks and projects as assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned by Corporate Controller and leadership.
Adept at identifying and driving corrective actions and process improvements.
Monitor daily cash balances and support short-term liquidity planning.
Prepare cash flow forecasts and assess weekly, monthly and quarterly cash requirements
Execute and reconcile bank activity, including intercompany and wire tracking.
Support banking relationships, signatory maintenance, and treasury documentation.
Act as Liaison between accounting functions, D365 ERP implementation partner, and Project Management team in reviewing and modifying existing processes to adopt in D365.
Align and maintain GL configuration, support module integrity, and assist with managing accounting workflows.
Drive system improvements and automation initiatives as applicable to increase efficiency and scalability.
Own integrations and data integrity between payroll/equity/ERP systems and the GL.
Champion continuous improvement initiatives across the accounting and finance departments through system optimization and process refinement.
Act as the point of contact with external auditors and tax provision processes; provide schedules, explanations and reconciliations as requested.
Oversee and manage the external audit process, ensuring timely and accurate completion of audits across entities.
Manage compliance with property, sales, and use tax obligations across various jurisdictions.
Work closely with external tax service providers on compliance, tax provisions, and filings.
Ensure compliance with IFRS and company accounting policies.
Partner with HR on payroll on recording routine payroll entries, prepare BS reconciliations of payroll related balances including but not limited to vacation and holiday benefits accruals.
Lead and participate in ad-hoc projects and business process implementations as assigned.
Ensure confidentiality of internal and external data.

Benefits

Excellent, comprehensive insurance coverage that includes Medical, Vision, and Dental benefits.
Opportunities for career growth and advancement
Employee discount on Sunstar products
401K retirement plan with employer match (Pretax and Roth options)
401K profit sharing contribution based on company performance.
Paid holidays and generous paid time off.
Pet, Legal and Identity Theft Insurance Plans
Competitive bonus
On-site café
On Site Fitness Center
Corporate Perks Discount Program (Auto, Retail, Electronics, Entertainment, Computers, Personal Vacations, Cell Phones, Movie Tickets, Eating Out and Much More)
Holiday Lunches
Beautifully maintained walking trails
Hybrid Schedule (certain departments)
Numerous employee appreciation events throughout the year.
Recognition and Rewards Programs
Anniversary, Birthday and New Hire Announcements