Controller Job Description
The job of a Controller involves handling the accounting operations of a company, including coordination, planning and reporting of financial activities. He/she is responsible for setting financial policies, bookkeeping, accounting, setting up controls to avoid risk, explain financial policies to employees, handling investments and assets of the company, sending out financial reports, such as tax returns and planning company budgets.
Education/Experience Requirements for the job of a Controller: A successful candidate must possess a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, management or a similar field. Important courses include budget accounting, statistics, business computer programs and business practices. Controllers who have a master’s degree in business administration or CPA (Certified Public Accountant) and CMA (Certified Management Accountant) designations would receive better opportunities.
Skills of a Controller include but are not limited to: Strong leadership, organizational and interpersonal skills, effective written and verbal communication skills, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, advanced knowledge in accounting systems (both manual and computerized), well-developed management and financial analysis skills, and ability to work well individually and as part of a team.
Specific work elements of the job as a Controller include but are not limited to: Directing company financial planning functions; recommending benchmarks used in measuring a company’s financial performance; monitoring monthly budget and operating results; overseeing activities of finance department, handling payments for debt; preparing annual revenue and expense reports; ensuring compliance with laws; as well as establishing financial goals, policies, objectives and procedures, among others.
