Controller Job Description Sample & Template

Controller discussing financial performance of company.

Controllers are essential to managing your business’ financial risk.

Table of contents

  1. Future Job Prospects for Controllers
  2. Controller Salary and Benefits
  3. Education and Training Requirements
  4. Controller Job Description Sample – Free Download

1. Future Job Prospects for Controllers

  • The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) suggests these financial management roles will increase seven percent (7%) by 2024, a rate that is typical for most other jobs.

2. Controller Salary and Benefits

  • The salaries typically run to six figures. The BLS suggests a median pay scale of $121,750 annually or $58.48 per hour.
  • These roles can be full or part-time.

3. Education and Training Requirements

  • BA in Accounting or Finance.
  • MBA or other advanced graduate or law degree.
  • CPA designation.
Tip
Controllers can often function as the top financial officer in your company.Strong candidates will possess extensive experience in managing large your industry with proven success in operations.

4. Controller Job Description Sample

Download This Job Description Template

We are seeking a Controller to audit and conduct the daily financial and accounting tasks within our organization. You will develop and implement internal fiscal policies under the direction of the CFO. In this role, you will oversee payroll, accounting, finance, accounts receivable, risk management, bill payment, reporting, and more. You will also oversee strategic and fiscal processes including enterprise risk management, budgeting, audits, and due diligence.

This role has oversight over the department of finance, including data analysts, accounting, and tax. You will be ultimately responsible for the accurate reporting of profit and loss information that will inform the CFO on a variety of business decisions that affect the company. You will work closely with an external CPA on tax returns and audits.

You will oversee the daily task workflows of the various financial departments including accounts payable/receivable, collections, and credit management. You will request and audit financial reporting in all of these categories. You are a strong money manager, diligent and methodical in your approach to finance. You have an eye for errors in data and can change business processes to ensure consistent accuracy in reporting.

You will monitor and audit all financial functions for accuracy and ensure compliance with all internal and external financial and administrative policies and procedures. You will have strong knowledge of G.A.A.P. accounting principles, strong knowledge of internal accounting controls, and demonstrated leadership skills.

Responsibilities

  • Controls access to corporate funds.
  • Manages bookkeeping.
  • Oversees payroll.
  • Signs and distributes checks.
  • Audits bill paying, credit card statements, P&L or any other function related to money in/money out.
  • Responsible for quarterly tax filing.
  • Prepares financial statements.
  • Coordinates internal and external audit activity.
  • Oversees risk management insurance.
  • Creates budgets and reporting.
  • Coordinates asset inventories.

Required Skills

Educational

  • MBA or other advanced graduate or law degree.
  • CPA designation.

Technical

  • Expert in budget forecasting software, spreadsheets, or other accounting programs such as QuickBooks.
  • Preparation and analysis of financial statements, forecasts, cost analysis, P&L, and SEC reporting.
  • Skilled at enterprise resource planning (ERP) software such as Microsoft Dynamics.
  • Demonstrated track record of effective enterprise risk management (ERM).
  • Ensures all financials are prepared accurately.
  • Ensures compliance with all applicable regional, state and federal laws.
  • Provide high-level decision support for CFO.
  • Able to provide sound financial advice based on actionable analytics, business intelligence, or other data.
  • Public speaking, phone, and computer skills are required.

Communication/Organizational

  • Excellent communicator able to understand and share financial performance information with a variety of stakeholders within or without an organization.
  • A team player, with strong management skills.
  • Able to spot accounting errors, and fiscal trends and create actionable plans to divert losses or sustain growth.
  • Strategic planner and thought leader.
  • Ability to pinpoint internal workflow changes to streamline an organization.
  • Able to suggest a course of action to respond to market trends based on actionable data.
  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to handle the stress of market downturns, a changing regulatory climate, or other challenges to the organization’s financial health.

Benefits

  • Full-time with benefits.

How to Apply

  • Apply by forwarding your resume along with a cover letter.