Assistant Controller

Job Description


Assistant Controller | Tampa, FL | $115,000 to $130,000 base + 10% bonus + full benefits


A well-established manufacturer in Tampa is hiring an Assistant Controller to take on a broad accounting leadership role with real day-to-day influence over how the finance function runs. You'll manage two direct reports, work closely with the Corporate Controller and CFO, and serve as the team's go-to person for the trickier technical accounting issues that come up in a multi-location operation, things like sale-leasebacks and debt modifications, where you need to research the right GAAP treatment and defend it to external auditors.


This is a hybrid role: on-site daily for the first 30 days, then three days a week in the company's downtown Tampa office afterward.


What you'll own

• Manage two direct reports, an AR Specialist and a Credit and Collections Specialist, overseeing receivables, credit decisions, and collections.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for complex, non-recurring technical accounting matters, including sale-leasebacks and debt modifications, and communicate GAAP positions confidently to external auditors.
• Coordinate with outside tax accountants on provision, compliance, and related deliverables. A tax background isn't required, but you'll need to learn and manage the provision process.
• Own the internal control environment for financial reporting, including design, effectiveness, and ongoing compliance with company policy and audit standards.
• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual close, including analysis of results and maintenance of the general ledger and supporting schedules.
• Coach and develop accounting staff, balancing performance management with longer-term professional growth.
• Prepare quarterly and annual GAAP financial statements (income statement, balance sheet, stockholders' equity, cash flows) along with materials for the Audit Committee.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement across corporate and plant finance and lead those initiatives from planning through execution.
• Review and approve account reconciliations, making sure they're both timely and substantively reviewed, not just completed.
• Bring forward your own ideas and recommendations to the Controller, CFO, and senior leadership, rather than waiting to be asked.
• Track and close out audit findings within your areas of responsibility on a timely basis.

What they need from you

• Active CPA license. Candidates who've passed three sections and are committed to sitting for the fourth will be considered.
• Bachelor's degree in accounting.
• Minimum six years of accounting or finance experience, either public accounting alone or a mix of public and industry.
• A genuine track record of driving process improvements, not just identifying where things could be better.
• Comfortable managing a team that includes both newer hires and long-tenured employees, with a mix of empathy and accountability.
• Strong technical accounting skills, with the ability to research and clearly explain GAAP positions on complex transactions.
• Experience strengthening internal controls in a lean, multi-entity environment.
• Advanced Excel, PowerPoint, and Word skills.
• Strong communication skills, including experience presenting to senior leadership.
• Able to commit to five days on-site for the first 30 days, then three days a week afterward.
• Manufacturing or multi-location experience is a plus, particularly familiarity with plant finance or logistics.
• MBA or MAcc is a plus.
• Experience with a large-scale ERP system.
• A blend of public accounting and industry experience is preferred.
• Has led a cross-functional project end to end, including the change management component.
• Low-ego, adaptable, and comfortable in a small, focused team environment.

Why this one's worth a look

• Broad scope across general accounting, reporting, AR, AP, payroll, tax coordination, and controls, with direct exposure to the CFO and senior leadership team.
• Meaningful technical work, including sale-leasebacks, debt modifications, and other complex transactions that will sharpen your skill set.
• A hybrid schedule of three days in office after the initial 30-day period, based out of a well-located Tampa facility.
• Competitive base of $115,000 to $130,000 plus a 10% bonus tied to company performance.
• Room to make a visible impact in a role with real scope and access to leadership.

At Taylor White, we specialize in Accounting & Finance roles in Tampa Bay. Our industry knowledge, combined with our extensive recruiting experience, means we not only know what you're looking for - we know how to find it. For more information, please visit us at

Additional Information


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