Assistant Controller (Remote)

The Assistant Controller at Rula is tasked with overseeing accounting operations and ensuring accurate financial reporting. This includes managing a team, implementing automation, and enhancing systems, while also collaborating with various departments to streamline processes and achieve a faster month-end close. You'll play a crucial role in supporting initiatives like a new chart of accounts and procurement systems.

To qualify for the Assistant Controller position at Rula, candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance and have a CPA. Additionally, a minimum of 12 years of accounting experience, including Big 4 public accounting and corporate experience in high-growth environments, is required, along with at least 4 years of leadership experience in managing teams.

Rula is committed to supporting the work-life balance of the Assistant Controller by offering a fully remote work environment. We understand the importance of personal commitments and provide flexible working hours alongside comprehensive health benefits and generous time-off policies, including ‘self-care’ shutdown weeks.

The Assistant Controller at Rula is instrumental in spearheading systems and process improvements, utilizing ERP and automation tools to streamline operations. This role also focuses on reducing the month-end close time, driving efficiency, and ensuring that financial operations run smoothly, leading to improved financial reporting.

Rula provides numerous perks for the Assistant Controller role, including a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package that covers medical, dental, and vision, a 401(k) plan, generous time-off policies including parental leave, and wellness events. Furthermore, team-building stipends and support for mental health through an Employee Assistance Program are also offered.

When answering this question, emphasize your specific experiences with efficiently closing month-end processes and any improvements you've implemented in previous roles. Discuss the tools you used, the challenges you faced, and how you overcome them to streamline the process, ultimately showing your capability to meet Rula's five-day month-end close target.

In your response, outline your mentorship approach by sharing examples of how you've previously guided your team toward achieving their professional goals. Highlight techniques such as regular feedback sessions, professional development opportunities, and collaborative projects that foster learning and team cohesion, which would resonate with Rula's emphasis on team performance and support.

Here, recount a specific project where you identified and implemented a process improvement. Focus on the initial problem, the steps you took for improvement, the outcome, and how it benefited financial operations. Relate it back to Rula's goals for process efficiency and rapid month-end closes to illustrate a direct connection.

Show your understanding of GAAP by discussing your approach to compliance. Share strategies like regular internal audits, staying updated with regulatory changes, and using checklists to verify adherence to standards. This will demonstrate your diligence and alignment with Rula's need for accuracy and compliance in financial reporting.

Mention specific accounting software and ERP systems you've worked with, emphasizing how these tools have helped you achieve operational efficiency. Relate your experience with automation tools, especially those that could aid in reducing month-end close times, thereby aligning your skills with the responsibilities expected at Rula.

Discuss a specific challenging financial situation, detailing the problem, the analysis you conducted, and the solution implemented. Make sure to highlight your analytical skills and problem-solving capabilities, showcasing how these could be advantageous within Rula's dynamic environment.

When addressing potential challenges, consider the fast-paced growth and the complexities that may arise with it. Discuss how you plan to navigate these challenges by leveraging your experience and skills in managing change while maintaining financial accuracy and team collaboration in line with Rula's goals.

Illustrate your collaborative experience by citing instances where you successfully worked with cross-functional teams. Highlight how your collaborative approach has led to better financial outcomes and operational efficiencies, emphasizing the importance of communication and teamwork in achieving Rula's objectives.

This question allows you to connect with Rula's mission. Share your personal motivations or experiences that underline the significance of mental healthcare, and express how becoming an Assistant Controller can contribute to positively impacting individuals' lives through financial stewardship.

Demonstrate your commitment to professional development by mentioning resources you utilize to stay informed, such as accounting workshops, webinars, or relevant publications. Discuss how staying updated aligns with Rula's commitment to compliance and making informed financial decisions.