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Controller Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

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A Controller, also called a Financial Controller or Comptroller, usually serves as the senior leader for the accounting operations of an organization.

Common duties in a Controller job description include directing the activities of Accounting Managers and department operations, developing and implementing internal controls and monitoring the production of financial reports used for compliance, forecasting and cash flow.

Controller duties and responsibilities

The overall focus of a Controller’s job duties is to ensure accounting departments perform their functions efficiently and the organization has reliable financial reports. Controller job responsibilities can include:

  • Supervising the production and accuracy of financial documents, such as balance sheets and income statements

  • Monitoring actual spending vs. budgetary allotments

  • Reporting positive and negative variances to key executives

  • Overseeing the preparation of federal, state and local tax returns and remaining informed about tax laws

  • Serving as the direct supervisor for the managers of the general ledger, accounts receivable and accounts payable

  • Ensuring full compliance with federal and state reporting requirements, such as Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing regulations for publicly traded companies

  • Devising and implementing internal controls to reduce the risk of errors, omissions and fraud

  • Managing organizational debt and participating in loan renegotiations

  • Staying up to date on the financial markets and industry trends that impact a company’s finances

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Controller Job Description Examples

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What does a Controller do?

Controllers serve as senior Supervisors for the departments that prepare tax returns and financial statements, process accounting transactions, conduct audits and perform other key accounting functions.

They ensure the accuracy of reports used to make key financial decisions and comply with regulations. They also typically establish procedures and controls that lower the likelihood of errors.

Controllers may reduce the risk of losses due to noncompliance, fraud and budget mismanagement and support the productivity and efficiency in accounting departments.

Controller skills and qualifications

Some of the key qualifications you may list in your Controller job description include:

  • In-depth knowledge of accounting principles and standards, corporate taxation, internal controls and cash management

  • Arithmetic and analytical skills to compile and interpret financial data

  • Communication skills to discuss complex accounting concepts with Financial Managers and key executives

  • Attentiveness to detail to spot inaccuracies and errors in reports

  • Ability to use Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), accounting, financial analysis, financial forecasting, payroll, tax compliance, business intelligence and other software programs

  • Project management skills to ensure the timely completion of financial reports

  • Leadership skills to delegate tasks and motivate employees

  • Familiarity with tax and general and industry-specific financial laws and regulations

Controller experience requirements

Some companies may require Financial Controllers to have experience working in accounting or a closely related position, such as Financial Analyst or Loan Officer. Because the position involves leadership, previous management experience may be desirable.

When determining how much experience to list as a requirement in your Controller job description, consider your company’s size and the makeup of your accounting department. A new hire leading a large, experienced team may need more experience to fulfill their Controller job responsibilities successfully. Applicable skills may also be favorable over experience if you prefer skills-first hiring.

Controller education and training requirements

Controllers typically need a bachelor’s degree in economics, business administration, accounting or finance. Some Controllers may have a master’s degree in a related field, which may help them further develop analytical skills.

Employers may also want to specify that voluntary certification is a mandatory or preferred qualification in their Controller job description. Relevant certifications include Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) from the Corporate Finance Institute (CFI), Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) from the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) and Certified Management Accountant (CMA) from the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA).

Controller salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Controller is $114,689 per year. Salaries vary based on location, education, experience, certification status and skills.

Controller salary expectations

2025-10-0144000.00119814.27232000.00YEARLY
  • Common salary: 119814.27 YEARLY
  • Typical salaries range from 44000.00 - 232000.00 YEARLY
  • Find more information on Indeed Salaries

*Indeed data – 2025-10-01

Job description samples for similar positions

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Controller job description FAQs

What’s the difference between a Controller and a Financial Manager?

Financial Manager is the general term for positions, such as a Controller, that oversee key financial functions within organizations. Other types of Financial Managers include Risk Managers, Cash Managers, Insurance Managers and Treasurers.

What qualities make for a good Controller?

A good Controller typically has an ethical mindset that motivates them to analyze financial documents and highlight instances of fraud. They usually enjoy working with numbers and interpreting complex financial information. An interest in finance and lifelong learning may also be beneficial, as Controllers need to remain up-to-date on economic conditions.

What do Controllers do compared to CFOs?

CFOs act as strategists, examining the company’s finances on the macro level and serving as key advisors to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Board of Directors on matters related to finance. Controllers focus on a company’s day-to-day accounting operations, supervising the departments responsible for producing reports and processing transactions.

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