Assistant Controller

Job Summary

The Assistant Controller supports the Controller in managing the company’s accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, and overall financial processes. This role oversees day-to-day accounting activities, assists with month-end and year-end close, financial statement preparation, reconciliations, budgeting, forecasting, audits, and compliance requirements. The Assistant Controller provides leadership and guidance to accounting staff, ensures accurate and timely financial reporting, and helps maintain consistent accounting practices and internal controls. This position works closely with finance, operations, and company leadership to provide financial analysis, support business decisions, and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, standardize processes, and strengthen the company’s financial operations.

Key Interactions

Company employees, executive leadership, senior client leadership, mariners, industry associations, and 3^rd party vendors

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications

• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally in all business interactions
• Ability to understand relevant business issues and the organization's operating procedures, and connect these to finance work priorities
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment 
• Adhere to all company policies and applicable regulations
• Advanced MS Excel skills, including Vlookups and pivot tables
• Analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve issues, escalating when appropriate 
• Demonstrate professionalism, sound judgment, and customer service in all interactions 
• Five (5) years or more of experience managing others
• Interpret and follow complex written and verbal instructions 
• Learn and apply company policies, procedures, and the Towing Safety Management System (T.S.M.S.) 
• Leadership and team management experience
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive business and personnel information 
• Manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and service standards 
• Provide leadership and coaching to the team and ensure they have the tools and resources to consistently perform at a high level and help meet department objectives
• Requires proficiency in standard business hardware and software, including Microsoft Office and web-based systems 
• Strong attention to detail, analytical ability, and problem-solving skills
• Strong ethical conduct, professionalism, and strong interpersonal skills
• Strong technical accounting skills
• Support departmental and organizational goals and objectives 
• Ten (10) years or more of experience in an accounting role
• Verifiable experience with accounting ERP implementation and ERP software packages; preferred experience with Epicor

Essential Functions:

• Ability to comply with company safety procedures, PPE requirements, and applicable regulatory standards while performing assigned duties
• Ability to familiarize with company documents, including policies and procedures, and the company Towing Management Systems (T.S.M.S)
• Ability to lead financial projects effectively, identifying all moving parts, no matter how minute, and synthesizing all information into a workable, productive plan to accomplish tasks
• Ability to multitask, meet tight deadlines, and perform meticulous self-review of work product for quality in a dynamic environment
• Apply in-depth GAAP knowledge and support the development, implementation, and maintenance of accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure accurate and compliant financial reporting
• Assist with cash flow forecasting, banking relationships, and treasury activities to support operational and strategic financial decisions
• Coordinate and support internal and external audits by preparing documentation, reviewing processes, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards
• Establish, modify, document, and coordinate the implementation of accounting and accounting control procedures necessary to ensure the timely and accurate completion of accounting and reporting processes and procedures
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with all Accounts Payable customers, both internal and external
• Evaluate and strengthen financial controls to identify risks, improve accuracy, and ensure compliance with company policies, accounting standards, and regulatory requirements
• Identify opportunities to improve, standardize, and automate accounting processes while developing procedures and resolving operational issues
• Lead and support accounting staff, oversee daily department operations, coordinate workflow, and collaborate with HR on employee-related matters
• Perform the month-end and year-end financial period close process, including preparation of journal entries to ensure reliability and accuracy
• Prepare, review, and analyze financial statements, reporting packages, account summaries, and management reports to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting
• Proficient in accounting software and systems to streamline the accounting process and increase productivity
• Provide financial insight and recommendations to leadership by analyzing trends, operational performance, and financial results
• Provide financial support and analysis to leadership and collaborate with departments to resolve issues and support business objectives
• Regular interaction with outside entities, i.e., vendors, insurance companies, and banks, to obtain information needed to accurately record and report the respective entity’s financial position
• Responsible for coordinating and assisting with the month-end close each month and year-end close processes, including journal entries, reconciliations, and financial reporting
• Review accounting transactions for accuracy and compliance 
• Review revenue recognition processes, customer agreements, and operational billing activities to ensure accurate recording of revenue in accordance with accounting standards and company policies
• Strong ethical standards and professionalism, understanding the implications of their work in terms of legal and ethical standards
• Support accounting activities across multiple business entities, including intercompany transactions, reconciliations, and consolidated reporting
• Support budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and variance reporting processes, including preparation of budget documentation and management reporting

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered. 
• An equivalent combination of educationrequired and relevant experience may be considered

Required Licensure & Certifications 

• Valid driver's license required if operating a company vehicle or traveling between company locations is an essential function of the position
• An active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license is required 

Working Conditions 

• Work hours will be assigned based on business needs; however, work hours will typically be Monday-Friday from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. Work hours may include evenings, weekends, holidays, or after-hours assignments as required by business needs and approved by management
• Occasional travel may be required to attend training, seminars, work-related events, or operational needs 
• Work will be performed in the office and in the field environments

Special Projects 

• Assist the management and or executive team when requested to complete special projects and complete all assignments within a negotiated time frame established by the department manager
• Completion of other duties as assigned by the Controller or CFO as it relates to the program and position 

Behavioral Competencies 

Advise / Delegate

• Ability to clearly and comfortably delegate important tasks and decisions
• Ability to discuss department concerns with the Controller and CFO.
• Broadly shares both responsibility and accountability
• Keeps the Controller and CFO informed on the status of all projects, including during month-end and year-end closes

Time Management 

• Ability to prioritize work, manage competing demands, and meet established deadlines
• Ability to effectively organize work and maintain productivity in a fast-paced environment

Teamwork

• Demonstrates reliability, accountability, and professionalism
• Collaborates effectively with others to achieve departmental and organizational goals
• Contributes to business continuity by communicating effectively and managing stakeholder expectations

Communication & Listening

• Ability to actively listen, understand information, and respond appropriately to verbal and written communications
• Ability to receive, consider, and appropriately respond to constructive feedback and coaching
• Ability to communicate professionally and respectfully with employees, customers, vendors, and leadership
• Ability to understand the urgency of ensuring business continuity and will set and manage reasonable expectations for stakeholders regarding the resolution of issues
• Ability to manage a team of accounting personnel with professionalism and positivity 

Resourcefulness

• Ability to be proactive, working cross-functionally as needed to provide answers and solutions
• Ability to seek guidance and support from other employees to complete their job duties safely and effectively
• Demonstrates initiative in identifying opportunities for improvement and operational efficiencies.
• Seeks guidance and support when necessary to ensure the successful completion of assigned responsibilities

Essential Job-Related Physical & Mental Requirements (With or Without Reasonable Accommodation)

Physical:

• Ability to access company facilities, operational areas, or other work locations as needed to perform essential job duties, with or without reasonable accommodation
• Ability to ascend and descend stairs 
• Ability to bend, twist, kneel, stoop, and or reach for items
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through written communications
• Ability to handle, move, and manipulate office materials and equipment as necessary to perform assigned duties
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle when driving is an essential function of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation
• Ability to perceive audible safety signals, alarms, communications, and instructions, with or without reasonable accommodation
• Ability to move around within an office setting and or other locations as needed
• Ability to move throughout the office and operational locations as necessary to perform assigned duties
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including computers, telephones, printers, and related equipment
• Ability to operate standard office equipment and, when required by assigned duties, company vehicles or other equipment in accordance with applicable policies and training requirements
• Ability to push, pull, and or squat
• Ability to read, prepare, and review written documents and electronic communications
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods while working at a computer workstation
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, pull, or move office materials, records, or equipment necessary to perform essential job functions

Mental:

• Ability to analyze information, solve problems, and make sound business decisions
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing to perform essential job functions, including communicating safety information, operational requirements, and business-related documentation
• Ability to complete required training and maintain applicable certifications
• Ability to contribute to a professional, respectful, and collaborative work environment
• Ability to deal professionally, ethically, and effectively with customers, co-workers, vendors, and the public, including providing professional courtesy, tact, decision-making skills, prompt responsiveness, efficiency, and courteous customer service and assistance to all
• Ability to express oneself clearly and effectively, orally and in writing, and use ethical and professional judgment
• Ability to maintain professionalism and effective working relationships
• Ability to maintain reliable attendance and punctuality consistent with scheduled work requirements and essential job functions
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines
• Ability to multitask and plan time efficiently 
• Ability to perform job description and duties with minor supervision 
• Ability to solve practical problems as they relate to the position
• Ability to understand and apply job-related policies, procedures, and instructions
• Requires the ability to treat everyone professionally with courtesy, decency, and respect
• Requires the ability to work collaboratively in a team setting 

Worksite Environmental Conditions

• Ability to perform assigned duties independently and collaborate with others as required
• Ability to work closely with others
• Ability to work scheduled and occasional extended hours, weekends, holidays, or emergency assignments as required by business need
• May be exposed to excessive noises
• May be subjected to both inside and outside environmental conditions, which include variations in temperature, dampness, humidity, heat, and cold
• May be subjected to exposure to fumes, dust, gases, and or chemicals
• May be subjected to water and or liquids
• Potential exposure to tobacco products
• Regular use of computers, telephones, printers, and other office equipment
• Travel by motor vehicle, van, bus, or plane

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Management reserves the right to modify, assign, or remove duties as business needs dictate.

The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications. All qualified applicants and employees will receive consideration without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation. The Company provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs and practices, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship. Individuals needing an accommodation during the application process or employment should contact Human Resources.