Summary: Creating a job description (JD) for a Controller role doesn’t have to be complicated. This article provides sample job descriptions and a step-by-step guide for creating your own Controller job description.
Looking for a Controller? Contact us at hire@thetalentcompany.net or call us at 1800-539-8931 to learn more about our services.
Table of Contents
Sample Controller Job Descriptions
Sample Controller Job Description 1: Small Manufacturing Firm
Company Overview:
Smith Manufacturing is a family-owned U.S. company producing high-quality kitchen appliances for over 50 years. Our focus is on innovation and reliability, making everyday cooking easier for families nationwide.
Role Overview:
The Controller will lead the company’s financial strategy, ensuring accurate reporting, compliance, and operational efficiency while supporting long-term growth.
Responsibilities:
- Implement cost-saving measures, reducing operational expenses by 15%.
- Oversee month-end and year-end financial closings to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
- Develop financial reports to provide actionable insights for leadership.
- Manage cash flow to ensure healthy working capital and liquidity.
- Ensure compliance with financial regulations and successfully lead audit processes.
Skills & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA preferred.
- 5+ years in a financial leadership role, preferably in manufacturing.
- Strong understanding of cost accounting and inventory management.
- Proven ability to improve financial processes and lead system implementations.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills.
Sample Controller Job Description 2: Mid-Sized Tech Company
Company Overview:
InnovateTech is a fast-growing software company transforming the way businesses handle data. Since our start in 2012, we’ve been on a mission to simplify workflows for companies worldwide.
Role Overview:
The Controller will drive financial excellence, ensuring our operations remain efficient and our rapid growth is well-supported.
Responsibilities:
- Streamline financial reporting processes to improve speed and accuracy.
- Lead budgeting and forecasting to align with company growth targets.
- Monitor cash flow, optimizing for business expansion needs.
- Oversee financial compliance and mitigate risks to safeguard assets.
- Collaborate with department heads to align financial goals with business strategies.
Skills & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting; CPA or MBA preferred.
- 7+ years in finance, with experience in high-growth environments.
- Expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and advanced financial modeling.
- Proficiency with ERP systems and financial software.
- Strong leadership skills with a focus on collaboration and innovation.
Sample Controller Job Description 3: Nonprofit Organization
Company Overview:
Helping Hands is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving access to education for underprivileged communities. Since 1990, we’ve impacted millions of lives through our programs.
Role Overview:
The Controller will oversee financial operations to ensure funding is effectively managed, enabling us to expand our mission and outreach.
Responsibilities:
- Ensure grant funds are allocated correctly and used efficiently.
- Develop financial reports for stakeholders, ensuring transparency.
- Lead the preparation of annual budgets and forecasts.
- Maintain compliance with nonprofit financial regulations.
- Identify opportunities to optimize funding and improve operational efficiency.
Skills & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
- 5+ years of experience in financial management, ideally in nonprofits.
- Knowledge of fund accounting and grant compliance.
- Exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Strong communication skills to collaborate with leadership and external stakeholders.
Responsibilities of a Controller
A controller is an important part of a company’s financial team. They make sure that all financial records are accurate and that the company follows rules and regulations. While their duties can vary depending on the company, here are the main responsibilities:
- Financial Reporting and Oversight
- Managing the General Ledger: The controller keeps track of all the financial transactions, making sure everything is recorded and checked.
- Preparing Financial Statements: They are responsible for creating financial statements, following accounting standards and company rules.
- Analyzing Differences: Controllers compare actual financial performance to what was planned, explaining any differences to the management.
- Internal Controls and Compliance
- Setting Up Internal Controls: Controllers create systems to reduce risks and make sure the company follows financial rules.
- Working with Auditors: They are the main contact for external auditors and make sure audits run smoothly, addressing any issues that come up.
- Team Management and Development
- Managing the Team: Controllers lead the accounting team, giving training and feedback to make sure everyone is doing their job well.
- Assigning Tasks: They organize the team’s workload, especially during busy times like the month-end close.
- Strategic Financial Planning
- Budgeting: Controllers help create the company’s budget, making sure it aligns with the company’s goals.
- Financial Projections: They prepare forecasts to help the company plan for the future, such as how much cash the company will need.
- Cross-Departmental Collaboration
- Communicating with Other Departments: Controllers work with other departments to give them financial advice that can help with decisions like cost-saving or evaluating projects.
- Reporting to Management: They provide senior management with regular reports on the company’s financial performance, making sure the information is easy to understand.
- Operational Efficiency
- Improving Processes: Controllers look for ways to make financial processes faster and more accurate.
- Managing Special Projects: They may also oversee special projects, like new accounting systems or big changes in financial processes.
How to Write a Controller Job Description Step by Step
1. Start With an Overview of the Company: What Makes Your Company Unique?
- What are your most known for?
- Example:
- "[Company X] is U.S.'s leading paint manufacturer. Since 1943, our mission has been to make homes beautiful and provide families with the aesthetic appeal and comfort they deserve."
In the job description, this will become the Company Overview.
2. Find out the Mission: Why Does the Role Exist?
- What is the main goal of the Controller in your company?
- Example:
- "The Controller will oversee the company’s financial operations, ensuring accurate reporting, managing financial risks, and supporting strategic growth."
In the job description, this will become the Role Overview.
3. Identify Key Outcomes: What Will the Controller Achieve?
- List 4-6 outcomes that define success for the role.
- Focus on significant, future-oriented goals, not routine tasks.
- Examples outcomes:
- "Implement a new financial reporting system by 2026 to improve data accuracy and reporting speed."
- "Streamline the month-end closing process, reducing the time required by 25%."
- "Develop and lead the adoption of long-range financial planning processes by 2025."
- "Ensure full audit compliance and manage the external audit process with zero discrepancies."
- "Oversee the company’s cash flow management, improving working capital by 20%."
- "Enhance budgeting and forecasting processes, making them more accurate and aligned with the company’s strategic goals."
In the job description, these become the Responsibilities.
4. List Required Competencies: What Skills & Experience Are Needed?
- What expertise does the Controller need to succeed?
- Include 5-7 competencies, focusing on what will make them effective in achieving the outcomes.
- Example competencies:
- "Proven experience with financial system implementations (e.g., ERP, FP&A systems)."
- "Expertise in financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting for high-growth companies."
- "Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage a finance team effectively."
- "In-depth knowledge of accounting principles, financial regulations, and audit processes."
- "Exceptional analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data and provide actionable insights."
- "Experience in cash flow management, optimizing working capital, and improving liquidity."
- "A track record of successfully improving financial processes and driving operational efficiencies."
In the job description, these become the Skills & Experience.
5. Focus on Legacy-Defining Tasks: What Will Make the Controller Stand Out?
- Avoid listing simple, everyday responsibilities (like "close the books").
- Focus on how this role will shape the company's future success.
In the job description, this will become your call to apply.
6. Add Any Necessary Qualifications
- Include required education, certifications, or industry-specific knowledge, if applicable.
- Example: "Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required. CPA preferred."
7. Keep it Simple & Specific
Use short sentences and bullet points to make the job description easy to read. Avoid jargon and unnecessary details. Keep it concise and to the point.
- Tip: Write in clear, direct language. This will make it easier for potential candidates to understand exactly what is expected of them.
Put It All Together: Crafting Your Controller Job Description
Job Title: Controller
Company Overview:
[Company X] is U.S.'s leading paint manufacturer. Since 1943, our mission has been to make homes beautiful and provide families with the aesthetic appeal and comfort they deserve.
Role Overview:
The Controller will oversee the company’s financial operations, ensuring accurate reporting, managing financial risks, and supporting strategic growth.
Responsibilities:
- Implement a new financial reporting system by 2026 to improve data accuracy and reporting speed.
- Streamline the month-end closing process, reducing the time required by 25%.
- Develop and lead the adoption of long-range financial planning processes by 2025.
- Ensure full audit compliance and manage the external audit process with zero discrepancies.
- Oversee the company’s cash flow management, improving working capital by 20%.
- Enhance budgeting and forecasting processes, making them more accurate and aligned with the company’s strategic goals.
Skills & Experience:
- Proven experience with financial system implementations (e.g., ERP, FP&A systems).
- Expertise in financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting for high-growth companies.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage a finance team effectively.
- In-depth knowledge of accounting principles, financial regulations, and audit processes.
- Exceptional analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data and provide actionable insights.
- Experience in cash flow management, optimizing working capital, and improving liquidity.
- A track record of successfully improving financial processes and driving operational efficiencies.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required.
- CPA or equivalent certification preferred.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in a Controller or similar senior finance role.
If you’re ready to make a big impact and drive change, apply today!
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Looking for a controller?
Contact us at hire@thetalentcompany.net or call us at 1800-539-8931 to learn more about our services.