Assistant Controller
Also known as: Junior Controller
Supports the controller in preparing reports and analyses, gathers and checks source data and prepares parts of the month end close.
The assistant controller works towards the controlling profession by preparing reports and flagging variances under supervision, without carrying final responsibility themselves. Unlike the bookkeeper, the focus is on analysing and explaining figures rather than recording them. Selection often looks at education level, while continuing to critically question a figure a senior colleague takes for granted best shows the candidate's learning ability in practice.
Competencies to measure
These are the behavioural and ability constructs in this profile. Each one shows which hrmforce questionnaire measures it.
| Competencies to measure | Target level | hrmforce instrument | Assessment method | Behavioural anchor at target level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accuracy and attention to detail Competency (50-framework): Accuracy | N3 | Big Fifty, 360 Feedback | Personality questionnaire | Builds check moments into the own process, keeps track of errors and prevents repetition by adjusting the method. |
| Numerical reasoning | N3 | Ability Scan | Cognitive ability test | Combines two data sources, calculates the development over time and explains which calculation step leads to which result. |
| integrity and dependability Competency (50-framework): Integrity | N3 | Big Fifty (Integrity Scale), 360 Feedback, Structured interview | Personality questionnaire | Reports a possible conflict of interest on own initiative and asks for review before a decision is taken. |
| Discipline and keeping commitments Competency (50-framework): Discipline | N2 | Big Fifty, 15PF, 360 Feedback | Personality questionnaire | Arrives at the agreed time with the agreed work and reports any delay to the supervisor. |
| Managing workload pressure Competency (50-framework): Stress resilience | N2 | Big Fifty, Competency Check, Pulse Survey | Structured interview | Tells the supervisor that the work does not fit the available time and follows the choice that is made. |
Short profile
The ten heaviest skills in this profile. The full profile with every skill, behavioural anchor and assessment method is in the download.
| T | Skill | Target level | Weight | Knockout | Assessment method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| V | Quantitative interpretation | N3 | 5 | yes | Work sample test |
| G | Accuracy and attention to detail | N3 | 5 | no | Personality questionnaire |
| V | Budgeting and cost control | N3 | 5 | yes | Work sample test |
| V | Financial administration | N3 | 5 | yes | Work sample test |
| V | Controlling and management information | N3 | 5 | yes | Work sample test |
| A | Numerical reasoning | N3 | 4 | no | Cognitive ability test |
| G | integrity and dependability | N3 | 4 | no | Personality questionnaire |
| T | Spreadsheets and worksheets | N3 | 4 | yes | Work sample test |
| K | Reading and interpreting financial reports | N3 | 4 | no | Knowledge test |
| V | Business reporting | N2 | 4 | no | Work sample test |
See all 25 skills in the full profile
Assessment instruments for this job
Work sample test
Representative work sample under standardized conditions
Knowledge test (client-specific)
Professional knowledge test, customized for each client
Competency Check
Behavioral-Level Competency Assessment
360 Feedback
Multiple assessments based on behavioral anchors
Ability Scan
Aptitude Test: Verbal, Numerical, and Abstract Reasoning Skills
Big Fifty
Personality questionnaire, 150 items, 25 factors
Portfolio
Evaluation of prior work against fixed criteria
Structured interview
Behavioral interview with a fixed structure
Big Fifty (Integrity Scale)
15PF
Personality Profile, a shorter alternative to the Big Fifty
Development Review
Structured development interview
Pulse Survey
Periodic measurement at the team and organizational levels
Comparable jobs
24 skills in the profile · junior
Bookkeeper25 skills in the profile · medior
Assistant Accountant25 skills in the profile · medior
Chartered Accountant26 skills in the profile · senior
Controller27 skills in the profile · medior
Business Controller26 skills in the profile · senior
Financial Controller26 skills in the profile · senior
Finance Manager27 skills in the profile · senior