Description

Financial controllers handle all tasks related to the budgeting and accounting aspects of a company or organisation. They implement and ensure compliance with internal financial and accounting procedures, and prepare documentation for external audits. They collect information related to financial statements such as assets, liabilities, equity, and cash flow in order to assess the company’s financial position to prepare annual budgets and forecasts.

Financial controllers typically do the following tasks:

Other titles

The following job titles also refer to financial controller:

corporate controller
financial control officer
financial investigator
accounting controller
accountant
finance officer
finance manager
accounting supervisor
finance controller
financial accountant
financial investigation clerk
financial control manager
financial administrator

Working conditions

Financial controllers typically work in office settings, often as part of the senior management team. The role requires attention to detail, analytical skills, and the ability to work under pressure to meet reporting and regulatory deadlines. Financial controllers collaborate with various departments and external stakeholders to ensure accurate financial reporting and decision-making.

Minimum qualifications

Financial controllers usually hold a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field. Many financial controllers also possess advanced degrees, such as a master’s in business administration (MBA) or a certified public accountant (CPA) designation. Relevant work experience in accounting, finance, and management is essential, with a track record of progressively responsible roles. Strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills are crucial for success in this role.

ISCO skill level

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

Financial controller is a Skill level 4 occupation.

Financial controller career path

Similar occupations

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to financial controller.

cost analyst
accounting manager
budget analyst
accounting analyst
accountant

Essential knowledge and skills

Essential knowledge

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of financial controller.

Essential skills and competences

These skills are necessary for the role of financial controller.

Optional knowledge and skills

Optional knowledge

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of financial controller. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Optional skills and competences

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of financial controller. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

ISCO group and title

2411 – Accountants


References
  1. Financial controller – ESCO
  2. Financial Controller Job Description – Betterteam
  3. Financial Controller Job Description – Workable
  4. Featured image: Photo by Scott Graham on Unsplash
Last updated on August 28, 2023