Controller
Controller Job Description
Controllers and assistant controllers prepare financial statements and reports that summarize and forecast a business’s activity and financial position. They may also develop internal policies and procedures for an organization’s budget administration, cash and credit management, and accounting functions.
A controller needs to possess the same skills a good accountant has: strong numerical proficiency, organization, good problem-solving skills and excellent use of logic. Furthermore, since a large part of the job is delegating tasks to subordinates and then aggregating their work to make final decisions, a controller must have excellent leadership skills and a big-picture method to approaching tasks.The role usually requires at least seven years of relevant experience and a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance. Many organizations prefer candidates who have a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) or professional accreditation such as certified public accountant (CPA), certified management accountant (CMA) or chartered global management accountant (CGMA). Previous experience in public accounting is highly valued.
Some essential skills: Solid communication, technology, analytical and management skills.
Typical duties of a Controller
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Planning, directing, and coordinating all accounting operational functions
• Managing the accumulation and consolidation of all financial data necessary for an accurate accounting of consolidated business results
• Coordinating and preparing internal and external financial statements
• Coordinating activities of external auditors
• Providing management with information vital to the decision-making process
• Managing the budget process
• Assessing current accounting operations, offering recommendations for improvement and implementing new processes
• Evaluating accounting and internal control systems
• Evaluating the effectiveness of accounting software and supporting database, as needed
• Developing and monitoring business performance metrics
• Overseeing regulatory reporting, frequently including tax planning and compliance
• Hiring, training, and retaining skilled accounting staff