What does a Corporate Controller do?

The Corporate Controller is in charge of the company’s accounting tasks, ensuring that everything is done properly. They’re responsible for ensuring all accounting tasks follow financial regulations and reporting requirements to keep the company in compliance. Corporate controllers work with financial documentation, tax preparation, internal audits, budgets and financial plans. Risk management is also a major part of the Corporate Controller’s duties, and they also have a hand in forming internal financial policies, procedures and controls. The work completed in this role helps the executives make sound financial decisions for the company. They can help save the company money by decreasing costs, managing debt effectively and identifying and correcting inefficiencies. Corporate Controllers also ensure the company has efficient and effective accounting systems.

Corporate Controller skills and qualifications

To be successful, a Corporate Controller should have certain skills and qualifications to perform the job duties. Some of those include:

• Competence with financial software and technology

• Understanding of financial and accounting standards and regulations

• Organizational and time management skills

• Leadership skills and the ability to work well as part of a team

• Written and verbal communication skills

• Problem-solving and decision-making skills

• Ability to prioritize duties

• Ability to stay calm under pressure and juggle multiple duties

Corporate Controller experience requirements

A Corporate Controller typically needs around 5 years or more of experience in accounting or finance. It’s often preferred or required for a candidate to have managerial experience in an accounting role before becoming a Corporate Controller. A common path for Corporate Controller careers starts with entry-level Accountant positions and moves through the ranks with increasing responsibilities. Leadership experience is helpful for a Corporate Controller role. Some companies also prefer candidates who have experience in the same industry, as financial concerns and issues can vary based on the field.

Corporate Controller education and training requirements

While there aren’t any strict education or licensing requirements for a Corporate Controller, it’s common for this position to require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or a related field. Companies often require or prefer a master’s degree in a relevant field. It’s also common for companies to give preference to candidates who are Certified Public Accountants (CPAs).

Corporate Controller salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Corporate Controller is $122,776 per year. The specific salary a Corporate Controller earns depends on their experience and training as well as the job location and the company that’s hiring.

Job description samples for similar positions

If this Corporate Controller job description doesn’t quite meet your needs, consider these alternative job descriptions for similar roles:

• Comptroller

• Assistant Controller

• Accounting Manager

• Finance Manager

Corporate Controller job description FAQs

Do Corporate Controllers have different responsibilities in different industries?

Corporate Controllers have similar duties regardless of the industry. However, the accounting concerns, financial objectives and other elements of the job can vary by industry. The size of the company can also impact the scope of the position and how the accounting department operates.

What is the difference between a Corporate Controller and a Director of Finance?

The Corporate Controller typically focuses more on leading the accounting department and handling financial reports and documents. The Director of Finance handles the overall finances and often uses the reports the Corporate Controller oversees to make financial decisions for the company. The Director also facilitates financial negotiations and builds relationships with external financial partners.

What qualities make a good Corporate Controller?

Good Corporate Controllers have high ethical standards and understand the importance of financial confidentiality. They need to not only be good with numbers but also look to the future to make positive changes for the organization. Effective Corporate Controllers can handle the pressure of managing crucial financial aspects of the company and know how to lead a team.

What makes a good Corporate Controller job description?

A good Corporate Controller job description explains the scope of the position, including details about the company, how many employees are in the accounting department and what responsibilities the chosen candidate will have. It’s concise yet informative, with perks, benefits and details about the job and community that make it unique.