Assistant Controller

The Assistant Controller at Sunwater Capital is tasked with overseeing accounting operations, including budgeting, payroll management, reporting, and financial control. This role also includes managing the general ledger, performing audits, and reviewing financial statements while assisting in special projects such as acquisition integration and process improvements.

Candidates applying for the Assistant Controller role at Sunwater Capital should have a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, coupled with 5 to 7 years of experience in accounting, ideally with experience in a supervisory position. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is preferred, along with knowledge in SaaS accounting and familiarity with software like Sage Intacct.

The role of Assistant Controller at Sunwater Capital demands strong analytical and critical thinking skills. Additionally, proficiency in Excel and technology is essential, as well as effective communication abilities. A high level of organization is needed to manage finances across different entities and an energy and curiosity to learn new processes will be key in this dynamic environment.

At Sunwater Capital, the Assistant Controller is positioned as a stepping stone to the Controller role. As you excel in managing financial operations and lead various projects, you may transition into greater responsibilities that involve more strategic oversight, cultivating leadership skills and professional growth within the company.

Sunwater Capital fosters a collaborative and collegial work environment, encouraging innovation and efficiency in financial processes. The culture values high energy, integrity, and proactivity, creating a supportive atmosphere where growth and development are not just encouraged but celebrated.

When discussing the budgeting process, emphasize your methodical approach, detailing how you review each team's budget and prepare budget versus actual reports. Highlight your experience in cash flow forecasting and discuss any tools or software you have utilized to enhance budgeting accuracy.

In your response, detail your involvement in the audit process, including how you prepare financial statements for audits and manage the interactions with auditors. Be sure to mention your focus on maintaining financial controls and ensuring compliance with standards.

Discuss your analytical mindset; explain how you systematically review financial statements to identify discrepancies or trends. Mention any metrics you track regularly and how that has helped improve financial reporting accuracy in your previous roles.

Explain your knowledge of critical SaaS metrics like Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR) and Customer Churn Rate. Offer examples of how you've calculated these metrics in the past and used them to guide business decisions.

Share a specific project where you identified an inefficiency in financial processes, detailing the steps you took to implement changes and improve accuracy or efficiency. Highlight the results and any positive feedback received from stakeholders.

Talk about your familiarity with accounting software like Sage Intacct or similar platforms, emphasizing any advanced functionalities you used, such as report designing or dashboard creation. Discuss how these tools supported your accounting tasks effectively.

Explain your organizational strategies, whether through the use of software tools, spreadsheets, or other methods that allow you to track progress and ensure that all financial responsibilities across multiple entities are managed effectively and timely.

Discuss your thorough understanding of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and how you stay up-to-date with changes in accounting regulations. Provide an example of how you've applied these principles in past roles to resolve compliance issues.

Describe your leadership style, emphasizing collaboration and communication. Provide insights into how you mentor and develop team members, encouraging professional growth while also achieving team goals.

Share your strategies to effectively manage month-end close, such as prioritization, delegation, and advanced planning. Talk about how you ensure accuracy under pressure while maintaining team morale.