Like other accounting professionals, controllers need a strong grasp of industry-standard accounting software and spreadsheets. As managers, they should also understand enterprise resource planning systems—software systems that help companies integrate and manage essential business functions across an entire organization. BLS data projects the number of financial manager https://www.kelleysbookkeeping.com/the-proper-timing-of-workers-compensation/ jobs will grow 15% between 2019 and 2029. While the data does not break out the number of those positions that will be for the controller role, this is much faster than the 4% projected growth rate for all occupations during this period. The most common are business controllers and corporate controllers, who handle entire accounting systems for their employers.
- Many become Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and are held to a strict code of professional ethics, not unlike those in the medical industry.
- The controller must stay apprised of all the local, state and federal tax laws and business regulations that affect their company, and they must ensure that the company operates within the proper parameters.
- Financial controllers working in this sector need industry-specific forecasting and analytics skills.
- They oversee the work of accountants and other finance employees, and they commonly operate under the direction of the company’s chief financial officer.
What is a junior financial controller?
For smaller companies, this means setting up the accounting infrastructure and performing the bookkeeping, whereas larger companies use controllers in an overseer role. Other controllers work for the government and are akin to chief financial officers (CFOs) for their respective agencies. Regarding education, becoming a financial controller almost always requires at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a similar field.
Controller vs. Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
The master’s degree is more than an educational credential; it also fulfills the educational requirement to sit for the CPA exam, something an aspiring controller should have on their resume. Controllers can also benefit from earning a Certified Management Accountant (CMA)® or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)® title. To qualify for the CMA, applicants need either a bachelor’s degree or one of several finance certifications, plus at least two years’ experience in the field.
What is a Product Manager and How to Become One
Generally speaking, in smaller companies, the controller must take on more duties. In a small business, it is common for the controller to have the final say on every financial decision, such as budgeting, reporting, investing and risk management. In larger companies, the duties of the controller are often more specialized, with certain financial decisions shifted to other executives, such as the chief financial officer (CFO). A financial controller is a higher-level finance position that takes the responsibility over the financial reporting process. Not quite an executive-level position at most companies, a controller oversees many of the processes that come together to deliver financial statements. A controller also works with the external audit team, assists internal managers will budget preparation, and identifies areas of opportunity to mitigate risk and employ cost savings.
Controllers usually work in the private sector, while comptrollers typically work for government agencies and nonprofit organizations. After the financial crisis of 2008, a host of new regulations dictated how businesses must handle their finances and report their financial positions to the public. Publicly traded companies must subject their financial statements to yearly third-party audits, and they must release the results of the audits to the public. It is the controller’s job to coordinate this process and ensure that the auditors have all the information they need to render an accurate judgment of the company’s financial statements. The controller must stay apprised of all the local, state and federal tax laws and business regulations that affect their company, and they must ensure that the company operates within the proper parameters.
In financial management, controlling is the act of ensuring data is recorded accurately and on time. This is a broader function of accounting, as the controlling function may go behind recording transactions. Do you thrive in environments where strategic decision-making is paramount? Furthermore, consider the long-term implications of pursuing a career as a controller.
According to data from Zippia, the projected controller job growth rate is 17% from 2018 to 2028. This growth rate is notably higher than the average for all occupations, indicating a strong demand for professionals in this field. Working for startups vs established corporations can impact a controller’s new rules for restrictive endorsements job duties. Joining a startup may require finance team members to wear different professional hats. Some working knowledge of database management and SQL querying can be an asset. Specialized MBAs in technology management can help seasoned finance professionals land high-ranking positions.
It’s better to look at experienced accountants (even managers or other senior-level positions) when making comparisons to controllers. Entry-level accountancy jobs may be perfectly fine, but the vast majority of controllers have years of experience and several professional certifications. Almost all controllers start out as public accountants or work in corporate settings before moving up. In general, CFOs often take a greater presence in external-facing tasks including mergers, acquisitions, or involvement with investors. Meanwhile, financial controllers own more of the internal reporting process including implementing internal controls, managing the month-end close schedule, and ensuring financial accuracy. Again, a controller at a smaller company may have much smaller requirements than a large public corporation that will seek 20+ years of experience in a related, relevant industry.
Controllers usually come into the role with at least 10 years of progressive accounting experience, including some time in supervisory positions. Financial managers earn a median annual salary of $139,790, according to the BLS. The agency also projects a 16% growth in employment for these professionals from 2022 to 2032.
The work-life balance of a controller can significantly vary depending on several factors, such as the size of the company, the industry, and the specific time of the financial cycle. Typically, controllers face periods of high demand during financial closings, budget preparations, and audit periods, where longer hours are common. Additionally, obtaining certifications like CPA, often required for controller positions, can also be pursued alongside or after online degrees, further enhancing qualifications for the role. These online programs provide the necessary accounting principles, financial reporting, and management knowledge. These figures highlight the financial considerations students must keep in mind when pursuing accounting degrees, impacting their budgeting and financial planning for higher education.
Beyond the technical aspects, controllers must possess strong leadership and communication skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and drive financial strategy within the organization. The controller job description highlights the multifaceted nature of the role, combining technical https://www.kelleysbookkeeping.com/ expertise with the strategic vision to uphold financial integrity and support organizational goals. Many controllers gain these skills by working in the accounting department of an industrial or manufacturing company. Professionals can also pursue jobs at accounting firms that serve these industries.
The controller of an organization may partake in the recruiting, selection and training of staff as the controller often has a variety of finance or accounting managers reporting directly to them. The position requires appraising job results, leading employees and performing disciplinary actions as necessary. Deciding to become a controller is not merely about understanding the role’s technical aspects but also requires a holistic consideration of your interests, skills, and long-term goals.
These functions include keeping internal financial records, generating reports, issuing and collecting payments, processing payroll and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Much of an accountant’s job description focuses on tracking current and past financial data. As the top accountants at their firms, these responsibilities are also part of a controller’s job. However, a controller takes an active role in forecasting and strategizing for their company’s future. Controllers must understand their employers’ financial goals and offer data-informed recommendations on how to meet them.