financial controller

Some of the common tasks of a finance controller include:

• managing audits: as a finance controller, you finalize internal audits in a company. You oversee the roles of internal audit teams and review their findings to check for potential errors or fraud. When the audit reports are complete, you present them to senior management.
• controlling financial accounts: as a finance controller, you manage the preparation of financial accounts, from monthly to quarterly and annual accounts. You also oversee accounts receivable and payable. Sometimes, the role involves monitoring cash flows to ensure the company meets its short-term obligations and optimizes investments.
• accounting oversight: as a finance controller, you ensure the accounting distributions are accurate and all monies are accounted for properly. You oversee the disbursement of cash and manage payroll activities and bank settlements. You also supervise the accounting team to maintain accurate checks and balances.
• financial planning and reporting: you are in charge of banking and finance functions, including studying and reviewing financial contracts and negotiating credit agreements. You ensure the executive has accurate financial planning data, as well as assist various departments in creating budgets, helping them prepare projected cash flow reports to support the finance allocation.
• financial analysis: apart from financial reporting, you conduct financial analysis on various plans and advise management. For instance, if a company wants to invest in a particular investment, you assess the risk using statistical data. You also find efficient ways of executing a business plan to improve financial management.
• ensuring compliance: as a finance controller, you make sure the company complies with local laws and regulations. You ensure the company remits all the necessary taxes and adheres to statutory requirements and relevant industry regulations to avoid penalties or fines.

As a finance controller, your work environment depends on the industry you work in and your employer. For instance, if you work for a financial service company, you are likely to work in insurance or banking, and your role involves working indoors in an office environment. You will likely have your own office, but you spend most of the day attending meetings to catch up with accounting teams in various departments. While you don't meet directly with customers, the role requires professional attire at all times. Depending on the employer, you could also work from home or remotely and conduct meetings virtually.

Depending on the company you work for, you are likely to interact with accountants, finance managers and finance assistants. Aside from working with the finance team, you also collaborate with operational managers, business analysts and data analysts.

Finance controllers work regular business hours, typically from 9 am to 5 pm during the working week. That means you work 40 hours per week, although you work occasional evenings to meet deadlines and complete tasks during busy tax periods. While most employers provide full-time opportunities, you can find part-time roles and opportunities to work remotely. Unless attending conferences and meetings, the role involves minimal travelling. If you work for a multinational with multiple branches, you may travel overseas to review their financial performance or manage internal audits.

Being a finance controller is a rewarding career. However, you cannot start as a financial controller straight out of college. Most finance controllers start as accountants before becoming auditors and eventually taking on a senior accounting job. You can become a finance controller after gaining extensive experience in accounting and finance, especially in senior managerial positions. If you have a background in accounting and finance, it opens doors to other senior finance roles. For instance, you can become a finance manager or the chief financial officer (CFO) of a company.

Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.

• Always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
• Many training opportunities
• A range of jobs in your area

A financial controller is the leader of the accounting team, responsible for overseeing the company’s financial health. As a financial controller, you typically maintain and manage financial statements. You are also in charge of payroll, tax compliance issues and budgets.

As a financial controller, your duties include financial planning and analysis through budget preparation and forecasting. You keep track of the cash flow in the business, as well as prepare the financial reports for the management and board of directors. As a financial controller, you analyze the best investment opportunities and forecast their returns to help the management team make the best investment decisions.

As a financial controller, you earn an average salary of $115,000 per year. When starting in the role, your salary is $85,000 annually. With experience and additional qualifications, you earn over $194,435 per year. Aside from experience and qualifications, you can boost your salary by working for large companies or in big cities.

Yes. As a financial controller, you oversee the accounting operations of a company. Your duties involve managing staff and evaluating the company investments. Since your responsibilities go beyond that of an accountant, you have a senior role in the company.

While it is not mandatory to have a CPA designation to work as a financial controller, some companies expect you to have the qualification. Besides, having a CPA improves your expertise in managing company accounts.

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