Job Overview
Alternate Titles: Treasurer, Business Manager, Finance Director, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), School Treasurer, Comptroller, Finance Vice President, Business Administrator, Chief Fiscal Officer (CFO)
Controllers are financial managers and leaders with sound judgment and critical thinking abilities. They bring the ability to identify complex problems and review related information in order to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. Controllers direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization. Strong business experience and exposure is generally required as well as solid written and verbal communications and people skills as they work closely with their staff or directly with the organizations’ executive management team. The position title and responsibilities will very depend upon the size of the organization, industry and whether the company hiring is a publicly traded or private held organization.
Education, Experience, & Certifications
Controllers are strong financial managers and leaders, and generally bring the following requirements to the position:
- Bachelor Degree in Accounting or Business Administration is required
- MBA or CPA certification may be required
- “Big 4” experience a plus and may be required in some organizations
- 7-10+ years progressive corporate accounting experience
- Several years of accounting management experience
- Highly proficient in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and financial analysis software
- Proficient in MS Word, MS Office, MS Outlook
- Database software knowledge may also be required
- Specific industry experience may be preferred
Typical Duties May Include:
- Prepare and file annual tax returns or prepare financial information so that outside accountants can complete tax returns.
- Prepare or direct preparation of financial statements, business activity reports, financial position forecasts, annual budgets, or reports required by regulatory agencies.
- Supervise employees performing financial reporting, accounting, billing, collections, payroll, and budgeting duties.
- Delegate authority for the receipt, disbursement, banking, protection, and custody of funds, securities, and financial instruments.
- Maintain current knowledge of organizational policies and procedures, federal and state policies and directives, and current accounting standards.
- Conduct or coordinate audits of company accounts and financial transactions to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements and statutes.
- Receive, record, and authorize requests for disbursements in accordance with company policies and procedures.
- Monitor financial activities and details such as reserve levels to ensure that all legal and regulatory requirements are met.
- Monitor and evaluate the performance of accounting and other financial staff, recommending and implementing personnel actions, such as promotions and dismissals.
- Develop and maintain relationships with banking, insurance, and non-organizational accounting personnel to facilitate financial activities.
