Associate Business Unit Controller

Position Overview: 

The Associate Business Unit Controller supports the accounting, financial reporting, and financial stewardship of one or more assigned business units while developing the technical accounting, financial analysis, and business partnership skills necessary to assume full ownership of a business unit. 

Reporting to the Assistant Controller, this role is responsible for preparing journal entries, reconciling balance sheet accounts, supporting month-end close, analyzing financial activity, and ensuring the accuracy and integrity of assigned financial information. Working within Empower's shared services accounting model, the Associate Business Unit Controller partners closely with centralized Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Payroll, and Finance teams to support timely and accurate financial reporting. 

This position serves as a developmental accounting role, providing progressive exposure to business unit accounting, financial reporting, internal controls, and operational partnership while preparing the individual for advancement into a Business Unit Controller position. 

Core Responsibilities: 

Financial Accounting & Month-End Close 

• Prepare routine and recurring journal entries, including accruals, prepaids, allocations, and reclassifications.  

• Complete assigned month-end close activities in accordance with established close calendars.  

• Prepare and reconcile balance sheet accounts, researching and resolving reconciling items.  

• Maintain accurate general ledger activity and supporting documentation.  

• Assist with preparation of monthly financial statements for assigned business units.  

Financial Stewardship & Business Unit Support 

• Support the Assistant Controller in maintaining the financial integrity of assigned business units.  

• Monitor assigned balance sheet and income statement accounts and research unusual activity.  

• Partner with centralized Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Payroll, and Shared Services teams to ensure financial accuracy.  

• Assist in identifying financial risks, discrepancies, and operational issues impacting business performance.  

 Business Partnership 

• Build collaborative relationships with operational leaders and Shared Services partners.  

• Respond to routine accounting questions from assigned business units.  

• Participate in business meetings and operational reviews as assigned.  

• Develop the ability to translate financial information into meaningful business insights. 

Financial Analysis 

• Prepare monthly financial statements, supporting schedules, and variance analyses for assigned business units.  

• Analyze financial results by comparing actual performance to budget, forecast, and prior periods, identifying significant variances for review.  

• Research account activity and investigate unusual transactions, trends, or fluctuations to support accurate financial reporting.  

• Prepare financial reports and ad hoc analyses that support business unit leadership and Finance.  

• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities by gathering and validating financial data. 

Internal Controls & Compliance 

• Ensure compliance with company accounting policies and internal controls.  

• Maintain complete, accurate, and audit-ready financial documentation.  

• Identify unusual transactions or potential control concerns and communicate them to leadership.  

Process Improvement 

• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, efficiency, and accuracy.  

• Assist with implementation of accounting system enhancements and automation initiatives.  
• Support documentation of accounting procedures and workflow improvements.  
• Support special projects and organizational initiatives as assigned. 

Critical Skills & Attributes: 

• Ability to learn quickly and develop increasing ownership of financial responsibilities.  

• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development. 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.  

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.  

• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.  

• Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial reporting.  

• Working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).  

• Strong organizational and time management skills.  

• Ability to prioritize multiple deadlines during month-end close.  

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems.  

Required Experience & Qualifications:  

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required.  

• 2–4 years of progressive accounting experience.  

• Experience supporting month-end close and financial reporting.  

• Working knowledge of GAAP.  

• Experience with ERP systems (Netsuite preferred) and Microsoft Excel.  

• Strong analytical and organizational skills.  

Preferred Qualifications 

• CPA candidate or active pursuit of CPA designation.  

• Experience in multi-entity, franchise, shared services, or service-based organizations.  

• Experience supporting audits.  

• Experience with budgeting or financial analysis.  

• Familiarity with Power BI or other financial reporting tools.