skip to Main Content

Controller Job Description

Our Controller job description includes the Controller responsibilities, duties, skills, education, qualifications, and experience.

Controller Example


Our Job Advertising Packages

Choose the best package, edit the advert and post your job!

 StarterPremiumCorporateNationalBrandedResourcer
Reed
Indeed Sponsored
Monster
Google Jobs
Glassdoor
LinkedIn Jobs
Totaljobs
Jobsite
Guardian Jobs
CV-Library
Industry boards
CV Targeting*
many more
£99£199£329£349£399£599
Job Advert Package + Flat Fee Recruitment Services
CV Filtering
Video Interviewing
Interview Scheduling
£799£799£929£949£999£1199

If you need an example job description for a Controller download the one below, alternatively we have many other Professional Services job description samples and a job description library with over 3000 job descriptions templates that you can download for free.

What does a Controller do?

A controller manages the accounting department at a company or organisation. Depending on company size, they may supervise accountants, credit managers, payroll managers, tax managers, and other positions. This position is sometimes taken by a chief financial officer.

Controller Role

We are recruiting for an experienced Controller who will be responsible for the accurate and timely financial management of the organisation. The successful applicant will be responsible for accounting operations, production of periodic financial reports and maintenance of accounting records.

Controller Duties

  • Proven work experience in accounting or a related field.
  • Understanding of applicable laws and regulations.
  • Understanding of economic principles, financial markets, and banking.
  • Understanding of financial data analysis and reporting.
  • Knowledge of payroll, accounts payable, and accounts receivable functions.
  • Ability to deliver quality work on tight deadlines, with strong organisation and priority setting skills.
  • Proven experience in financial project management.
  • Advanced computer skills, specifically in Excel.
  • Must be able to communicate financial information into sound business language so people of all levels can understand.
  • Knowledge of federal regulation on taxes and reporting.
  • Deep understanding of finance.
  • Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, finance or related field.

Controller Requirements

  • Coordinating and directing budgeting, procurement, investment activities and financial planning.
  • Developing internal control guidelines, policies and procedures for budget accounting, cash and credit management, administration, and other activities.
  • Ensuring compliance with state and federal regulatory requirements and professional standards.
  • Establishing and maintaining financial controls with the accounting department.
  • Creating budgets and forecasts.
  • Preparing and presenting financial reports and risk analysis.
  • Guiding financial decisions by establishing, monitoring, and enforcing policies and procedures.
  • Providing support to management, particularly in commercial and financial matters.
  • Create reports that help senior leadership understand company financials.
  • Being responsible for the company general ledger.
  • Proven work experience in accounting or a related field.
  • Understanding of applicable laws and regulations.
  • Understanding of economic principles, financial markets, and banking.
  • Understanding of financial data analysis and reporting.
  • Knowledge of payroll, accounts payable, and accounts receivable functions.
  • Ability to deliver quality work on tight deadlines, with strong organisation and priority setting skills.
  • Proven experience in financial project management.
  • Advanced computer skills, specifically in Excel.
  • Must be able to communicate financial information into sound business language so people of all levels can understand.
  • Knowledge of federal regulation on taxes and reporting.
  • Deep understanding of finance.
  • Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, finance or related field.

How to write a Controller Job Advert

Use our job advert template to write a job advert for posting on job sites and job boards. Our job advertising templates are carefully created to help you reach your audience and beat the competition to the best talent.

A job description informs the reader about a job, whereas a job advert’s main objective is to sell the job opportunity to attract as many suitable applicants possible. A job advert maybe the first touch-point a candidate has with your company so it is important to create a great impression.

Job Advertisements should enticing, so considering using short, exciting language which get the reader’s attention.

How to write a Controller Job Description

To write a job description, we recommend starting with a job description template from our job description library, which contains examples for 800+ positions and professions. Our job description examples include a job summary with duties and responsibilities and skills and requirements, which can be personalised for your job vacancy.

Job Description Advice - Guidance on How to Personalise a Controller Job Specification

The hiring process and recruiting new employees to fill your key roles requires a degree of personalisation if you are to attract the best employees in a competitive employment market. The right person for a crucial role or more senior roles will likely have other employers targeting them. As your job description will be the first point of contact, you need to nail your pitch and provide the best possible service.

Job Description Tips - Help on formatting a Controller Job Specification

When creating your bespoke description and advert, you should cover and promote these points:

Job title: This should accurately reflect the role and include keywords that top talent might be using to search for jobs.

Job duties: The day to day duties, such as administrative tasks, which vary depending on the company and inform the candidate if they can complete the role.

Technical skills: These are the hard skills required through training, such as proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Soft skills: These include the interpersonal skills and general abilities the right candidates will possess. For example, the competency to prioritise multiple tasks, handle customer queries and customer complaints, work alone, or build a good relationship with coworkers.

The company's culture: Highlighting your company culture and values ensures employees thrive and find outstanding job satisfaction. Candidates that are not the right fit won’t waste their time completing the application process, meaning you can focus on qualified individuals and hire in a more timely manner.

Career progression: Including the career path will entice candidates looking for career growth. 

Training and development programs: Smaller companies may need employees with previous experience or provide educational assistance over internal training offered by larger organisations with more significant resources. 

Employee benefits: Compensation and benefits often fail to appear in job ads and while you may want to hold your cards close to your chest, failing to include them is a mistake. Consider answering common questions, such as working hours and paid leave. Researching the average salary for the role in these early stages will ensure you don’t waste your interviewer’s and the candidate’s time.

Skill gaps: Your company may need to bring in new skills beyond those required to complete the key role and duties. Thinking on an organisational level can be beneficial when contemplating skills diversity.

Legal requirements: Ensure your job advert and description does not ask for inappropriate or discriminatory personal details, such as age, marital status, or religion.

How to Hire a Controller

Once you have selected your Job Description download it or convert it to a Job Advert. From here you can post/advertise your job across our network of job boards. If you wish to use the job description for a CV Template click through for advice and Convert to a CV

Back To Top