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Controller Career Guide

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Overview

If crunching numbers is a fun activity for you, then becoming a financial controller could be a good career path. Financial controllers usually supervise a team of accountants and are responsible for running an organization?s finances. As a senior-level executive, controllers work with both the finance department and senior management to make sure the business runs smoothly.

Depending on the size of the company, financial controllers can have an assistant or a team of accountants that handle the administrative duties. On any given day, controllers could be analyzing financial reports, monitoring the accounting department?s performance, auditing the books, meeting with senior management, and contributing to the organization?s financial decisions.

Since the financial controller is a senior-level role, holding a bachelor?s degree in business, economics, or accounting is usually required. Certain companies may require a master?s degree. In addition, controllers need to receive an accountancy certification from recognized institutions, such as the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) or the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). Most of all, businesses are looking for individuals who are highly motivated, excellent communicators, and have a working knowledge of financial issues.

To find out more information about starting your career as a controller, take a closer look at our real-world career profiles. We have interviewed professional controllers to get an insider?s viewpoint on the training required and the skills necessary to succeed.


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