Controller Job Description: Everything You Need to Know in 2022

If you are a finance enthusiast, a controller may be just the job for you!

Controllers are primarily responsible for managing the financial health of the company. They analyze the financial accounts, payroll, budgeting, and tax compliance difficulties. Controllers can serve both large and small businesses in a variety of sectors.

The controller job has become immensely popular due to high demand and good salaries. The vacancy for controllers has increased by 32.37% in the US, and 152,930 new jobs are expected to be filled by 2029.

Evaluating budgets, maintaining financial KPIs, and documenting account procedures are common job responsibilities in a controller job description. As a result, controllers play a crucial role in an organization's workforce.

In this comprehensive guide, you will learn everything you need to know about the duties, qualifications, and skills that the controller job description includes. Here are a few FAQs related to the controller job:

• Who is a controller?
• How much do controllers make?
• How to write a controller job description
• Controller job description sample

Who Is a Controller?

A controller is a person responsible for managing the finances of the company. They manage professionals in various posts such as accountants, payroll managers, tax managers, and financial managers.

Controllers directly report to the chief financial officer and are charge of keeping reports, managing investment operations, and creating long-term financial strategies and objectives for the company.

They offer suggestions that help the business thrive financially. A controller essentially oversees the firm's financial health by creating financial goals for the company.

Also Read: How to make an impressive controller resume in 2022?

How Much Does a Controller Make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a controller makes an annual income of $129,890. However, 50% of the US professionals who work as controllers make more than the mentioned average.

Due to the nature of the job, it is not a surprise that the controllers easily make six figures at Fortune 500 companies. Based on their skill and experience, some controllers earn up to $250,000 annually.

How to Write a Controller Job Description?

What should be in a controller job description?

If you plan to build a career as a controller, you will come across a controller job description with five critical sections. These include the job title, summary, responsibility, qualifications, and skills.

Given below is a detailed explanation for each of the sections in the controller job description:

Job Title for Controller Job Description

The control job title would consist of the job designation for which the hiring is going. The job title will mention senior before the designation if the company is seeking experienced candidates for the controller role.

A well-optimized controller job title will help the recruiters find the right candidate for them. If they are looking for candidates for a specialized position like an accountant or financial controller, the job title must convey it overtly.

Given below are some of the popular controller job titles that you will notice in the job description of controllers:

• Controller
• Accountant Controller
• Senior Controller
• Senior Controller
• Corporate Controller
• Assistant Controller
• Revenue Controller
• Financial Controller

Job Summary for Controller Job Description

The summary section of the controller job description highlights the employee's duties within the organization. The first thing a job seeker notices is an appealing summary of the advertised job. It gives you an idea of what will be the overall experience of working in an organization.

The controller job description summary is drafted in a clear and concise manner. It covers the organization's overview and the criteria recruiters use to evaluate candidates.

Also Read: How to match the resume summary section to a job description ?

Job Responsibilities of Controller Job Description

The controller duties occupy most of the space in the job description for a controller. It follows the summary section and focuses on the everyday job role of the controller.

If you want to build your career as a controller, you should have an answer to the question of: what are the controller's responsibilities?.

The controller duties include creating regular financial reports, maintaining the accounting record-keeping system, and making budgets to maintain the positive financial health of the company.

Given below are some major controller responsibilities that you can find in a controller job description:

• Implementing policies and procedures
• Making budgets
• Handling and processing payrolls
• Preparing financial statements
• Developing strategic financial plans
• Overseeing accounting operations
• Keeping track of debt levels
• Handling financial compliances
• Providing financial metrics to upper management

Qualification for Controller Job Description

Even though controllers can easily make handsome earnings in six figures, the educational qualification for a controller is just a bachelor’s degree. If you have a graduate degree in business, accounting, finance, or related fields, you can apply to the controller job description without hesitation.

Most controllers have a bachelor’s degree, but you can enhance your chances of shortlisting and salary by further pursuing a master’s degree. Approximately 75% of controllers hold a bachelor's degree, while 14% hold a master's degree in financial fields.

Also Read: How to write the education section on a resume in 2022?

Skills for Controller Job Description

Every profession requires a specific skill set that qualifies you for the position. For the controller job description, the skills and qualification sections are clubbed together in the job requirements section.

The skills should include both personality traits and job-related specialized skills. A controller must have strong interpersonal skills and communication skills.

A controller should also have good business strategy skills such as cost analysis, resource allocation, financial planning, and liaising with external partners.

Given below are some skills that are extremely important for a controller job description:

Also Read: What are the top skills that must be put on a resume?

Controller Job Description Sample

Here is a basic controller job description sample that you might come across if you are looking for a controller job:

Controller Job Description

We are searching for an experienced controller who will be in charge of creating accounting policies and managing all of our company's financial operations. You will be responsible for the organization's timely and accurate financial administration. As a strong communicator and skilled financial analyst, you will carry out accounting activities, handle payrolls, produce recurring financial reports, and keep accounting records.

Controller Job Responsibilities

• Maintain, track, and update accounting procedures.
• Create and promote the company’s strategic plans.
• Ensure that accounting and tax laws are followed to satisfy state and federal regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate and lead financial planning and investment operations while making monthly and yearly budgets in conjunction with CFO.
• Make financial reports and risk assessments using cost and profit analysis.
• Assist management with business and financial issues.
• Lead and assist the accounts team in fostering a culture of trust and productivity.
• Organize the payroll process for the personnel for timely payments.
• Keep internal control measures in place to monitor the receipt of money, bill payment, and actual spending.
• Play a vital role in employee recruitment, hiring, training, and retention in the accounting department.

Controller Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in business management, accounting, or financial management.
• 5+ years of working experience in the financial industry.
• Certification in accounting, such as the CMA, CGA, or CA.
• Practical knowledge of the accounts payable and accounts receivable processes in the general ledger.
• Strong organizational and prioritization abilities and the capacity to deliver high-quality work on time.
• Advanced level knowledge of Microsoft Excel.
• Outstanding skills in managing financial projects.
• Proficient in balance sheets, month-end closing procedures, and budget preparation.

Key Takeaways

A controller oversees the business' finances and makes recommendations to ensure its financial success. You can carefully go through the controller job description if you want to become a controller.

• The job title, summary, duties, and qualifications are the essential sections in the controller job description.*.
• The controller job title can suggest if the position is for a higher level or an entry-level.
• The summary of the controller job description emphasizes the organization's overview and the recruiters' expectations of the potential hire.
• The controller duties form a significant part of the controller job description that conveys the role you will be performing every day.
• The minimum qualification for a controller is a bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, finance, or a related field.
• You must hone both soft skills and hard skills to excel in a controller position.

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