Assistant Controller

Come work for a vibrant, growing organization where you will play a key role in maintaining the accuracy, integrity and timeliness of financial reporting for a multi-branch operating division of a publicly traded company.  Reporting to the Corporate Controller, the Assistant Controller plays a critical role in overseeing accounting processes, driving process improvements, strengthening internal controls, and providing financial leadership across multiple branch locations while supporting the company's overall financial reporting

objectives. This position will also act as a bridge between day-to-day accounting operations and high-level financial strategy.  This is a Controller/Director responsibility overseeing the Accounts Payable function and coordinating cross-departmental accounting processes. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys digging into details, improving processes, and collaborating across departments to provide meaningful, timely data.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day accounting operations for a multi-branch division, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial information.
• Manage month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close activities across multiple branch locations. Ensure adherence to close schedules and reporting deadlines.
• Oversee and preparation of certain general ledger accounting, account reconciliations, journal entries, accruals, and period-end adjustments.
• Prepare and/or review balance sheet reconciliations and implement corrective actions where necessary.
• Drive improvements to accounting processes, reporting accuracy, and close-cycle efficiency.
• Monitor account activity and ensure the completeness and accuracy of financial records.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP, company accounting policies, and public company reporting requirements.
• Maintain strong internal controls over financial reporting in compliance with SOX requirements.
• Ensure compliance with corporate accounting policies and regulatory standards.
• Coordinate internal and external audit activities and respond to audit requests.
• Analyze branch and divisional financial results, identifying and explaining key variances, trends, and risks.
• Partner with operational and finance leaders to ensure consistent accounting practices across branch locations.
• Respond to ad hoc information requests from Corporate Accounting, branch managers, regional managers, and other business leaders, providing timely, accurate, and actionable financial information and analysis to support decision-making.
• Serve as a key accounting resource for branch and regional leadership, addressing accounting-related inquiries and explaining financial results, trends, and transactions.
• Partner with divisional, regional, and branch leadership to provide financial insight and support strategic decision-making.
• Coordinate with Corporate Accounting to provide supporting documentation, analyses, and explanations related to accounting activities, account balances, and business events.
• Collaborate with finance and operational teams to identify opportunities for process improvement and operational efficiencies.
• Support annual budgeting and quarterly review processes, particularly expense analyses.
• Responsible for the direction and administration of Controller accounting functions.
• Communicate effectively with both verbal and written communications skills, including the ability to present financial information to leadership and non-financial stakeholders.
• Hire, train and develop associates following company standards and policies. Conduct associate performance reviews regularly, establish individual goals and ensure completion of relevant training.
• Education
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required, CPA strongly preferred.
• 7-10 years of progressive accounting and financial reporting experience with strong knowledge of GAAP and accounting principles
• Experience within a multi-location, decentralized, or branch-based business environment.
• Experience working in a publicly traded company or an environment subject to SOX compliance.
• Previous supervisory or accounting leadership experience preferred.
• Experience supporting operational business units within a larger corporate structure preferred.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Excel, advanced proficiency preferred
• Experience with ERP systems and financial reporting tools, Epicore Prophet P21 and Blackline preferred
• Preferred minimum of 5 years of people leadership experience, including coaching, performance management and team development.
• Founded in 1923, Applied Industrial Technologies (NYSE: AIT) is a leading value-added distributor and technical solutions provider of industrial motion, fluid power, flow control, automation technologies, and related maintenance supplies. Our leading brands, specialized services, and comprehensive knowledge serve MRO and OEM end users in virtually all industrial markets through our multi-channel capabilities that provide choice, convenience, and expertise.
• Applied Industrial Technologies is built on a philosophy that puts people first.  We are an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to a workforce in which we enforce fair treatment and provide growth opportunities for everyone.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of age, race, color, national origin, genetics, religion, gender, marital status, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.