Director of Finance Assistant Controller

Overview

Director of Finance Assistant Controller

Full Time, 80 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift

Covenant Health Overview:

Covenant Health is the region’s top-performing healthcare network with 10 hospitals, outpatient and specialty services, and Covenant Medical Group, our area’s fastest-growing physician practice division. Headquartered in Knoxville, Covenant Health is a community-owned integrated healthcare delivery system and the area’s largest employer. Our more than 11,000 employees, volunteers, and 1,500 affiliated physicians are dedicated to improving the quality of life for the more than two million patients and families we serve every year. Covenant Health is the only healthcare system in East Tennessee to be named a Forbes “Best Employer” seven times.

Position Summary:

The Assistant Controller serves as a senior accounting leader responsible for overseeing the organization's day-to-day accounting operations and supporting the effective management of financial reporting activities. The position provides leadership for general accounting, financial close processes, financial reporting, fixed assets, accounts payable accounting, payroll accounting support, internal controls, audit coordination, and assigned financial system activities.

The Assistant Controller promotes accurate and timely financial reporting, compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and organizational policies, effective internal controls, consistent application of accounting practices, and continuous process improvement. The position directs and coordinates accounting activities across assigned functional areas, provides leadership and development to accounting managers and staff, monitors departmental priorities and performance, and resolves complex operational and accounting issues.

Working in collaboration with accounting and finance leadership, the Assistant Controller supports audit activities, regulatory compliance, financial system initiatives, and organizational projects. The position exercises delegated authority within established policies and procedures, serves as a resource for technical accounting guidance and operational problem-solving, and communicates significant accounting, compliance, control, staffing, and financial reporting matters to leadership.

Responsibilities

• Provides leadership and oversight of the general accounting function to ensure accurate recording, classification, and reporting of financial transactions.
• Manages and coordinates the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes, including close calendars, assignments, journal entries, account reconciliations, financial analyses, issue resolution, and timely escalation of significant matters to leadership.
• Reviews complex accounting transactions, estimates, accruals, and balance sheet reconciliations to ensure accuracy and compliance with GAAP.
• Assists in the preparation and review of consolidated financial statements and supporting schedules for executive leadership, board reporting, lenders, and external stakeholders.
• Monitors accounting operations and identifies opportunities to improve efficiency, standardization, and financial controls.
• Supports technical accounting research and implementation of new accounting standards and reporting requirements.
• Leads audit preparation activities and serves as a primary liaison for external auditors during annual financial statement audits. Provides prompt and routine feedback to leadership on audit progress and issues.
• Coordinates requests for documentation, testing, and supporting schedules to ensure timely audit completion.
• Coordinates management participation in audit interviews, process walkthroughs, control testing, and other audit activities.
• Provides direct supervision to assigned accounting managers and staff and supports the department leadership in establishing performance expectations, monitoring departmental priorities, developing finance talent, and addressing staffing or performance matters.
• Maintains visibility into departmental priorities, deadlines, staffing constraints, unresolved issues, and cross-functional dependencies; coordinates appropriate follow-up and provides regular status updates to leadership.
• Promotes a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and customer service.
• Participates in recruiting, onboarding, coaching, performance management, and professional development activities.
• Assists in succession planning and leadership development initiatives to ensure a strong finance talent pipeline.
• Serves as a mentor and resource to accounting personnel and cross-functional business partners.
• Provides oversight and support for accounting activities related to accounts payable, payroll, and cash management operations.
• Ensures accurate accounting treatment of payroll transactions, accrued liabilities, vendor payments, and related reconciliations.
• Partners with operational leaders to resolve accounting issues, improve processes, and enhance financial reporting capabilities.
• Supports the governance, integrity, and effective use of the organization’s ERP and related financial systems, including configuration decisions, access and control considerations, testing, issue resolution, process documentation, and implementation of approved enhancements.
• Assists leadership with strategic financial initiatives, department priorities, and special projects. Prepares analyses and recommendations to support executive decision-making. May lead complex financial projects involving multiple departments and stakeholders.
• Participates in enterprise-wide initiatives that impact accounting, financial reporting, controls, and operational performance.
• Supports leadership by coordinating accounting information, reconciliations, schedules, documentation, and cross-functional activities needed for tax compliance and reporting, treasury functions, and payroll processing to support organizational goals.
• Implements accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls within assigned areas; monitors adherence; coordinates corrective actions; and reports significant exceptions or control concerns to leadership.
• Leads resolution of routine and moderately complex accounting and operational matters across assigned functions, engaging other departments as appropriate and escalating issues that involve material financial impact, policy exceptions, significant judgment, regulatory exposure, or executive decision-making.
• Acts as a finance representative on committees, task forces, and multidisciplinary projects as assigned.
• Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards. Completes required education assignments annually. Works toward achieving goals and objectives, and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Education:                       

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience. Master’s preferred.

Minimum Experience:                     

Five (5) years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership or supervisory responsibilities. Experience with financial statement preparation, audits, month-end close processes, and internal controls.

Licensure Requirement                   

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) required.