Corporate Controller Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s fast-paced business environment, the role of the corporate controller has never been more critical.

As businesses evolve and expand, the demand for proficient individuals who can manage, regulate, and oversee a company’s financial operations continues to escalate.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a corporate controller?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager formulating the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply curious about the complexities of corporate financial control,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable corporate controller job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Corporate Controller Duties and Responsibilities

Corporate Controllers are primarily responsible for overseeing all financial activities within a corporation.

They manage accounting and budgeting efforts, direct financial strategy, planning, and forecasts, supervise investment and cash management activities.

Their duties and responsibilities often include:

• Overseeing the operations of the accounting department, including the design of an organizational structure adequate for achieving the department’s goals and objectives
• Developing and implementing financial strategies for the corporation
• Directing and coordinating company financial planning and budget management functions
• Monitoring and analyzing monthly operating results against budget
• Coordinating financial audits and provide recommendations for procedural improvements
• Directing the preparation of all financial reports, including income statements, balance sheets, reports to shareholders, tax returns, and reports for government regulatory agencies
• Ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal budgetary reporting requirements
• Establishing and implementing short- and long-range departmental goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures

 

Corporate Controller Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Corporate Controller to join our finance department.

In this role, you will be responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating all of our company’s accounting operational functions.

The Corporate Controller’s responsibilities include managing the accuracy and productivity of day-to-day activities of accounts payable, cash disbursements, invoicing/billing, customer credits and collections, payroll, perpetual inventory integrity, fixed asset records, general & entity accounting, cost accounting, and ensuring that reported results comply with generally accepted accounting principles.

Our ideal candidate has a solid understanding of accounting, financial reporting, and budgeting.

Strong leadership skills and business acumen are essential for this role.

 

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all general ledger activity
• Ensure accurate and timely monthly, quarterly and year-end closes
• Ensure compliance with state and federal reporting requirements
• Develop, improve, and issue timely monthly financial records for Executive Director, Board of Directors, and, where necessary, external parties such as banks
• Ensure the accurate and timely processing of positive pay transactions
• Engage in ongoing cost reduction analyses in all areas of the company
• Develop, maintain and analyze budgets, preparing periodic reports that compare budgeted costs to actual costs
• Support and assist internal department reporting requirements such as audit schedules, tax schedules, and others

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Corporate Controller or similar role
• Excellent knowledge of accounting regulations and practices
• In-depth experience in risk analysis, budgeting, and forecasting
• Proficient in MS Office (especially Excel) and finance software
• An analytical mind with strategic abilities
• Strong leadership and organizational skills
• Excellent communication and people skills
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) certification preferred
• BSc/BA in Accounting, Finance or relevant field; MSc/MBA is a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Corporate Controller
• Work Environment: Office setting with the potential for remote work. Occasional travel may be required for team meetings or client consultations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
• Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $100,000 minimum to $200,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Corporate Controller Do?

A Corporate Controller is a key executive within a company who is responsible for all aspects of financial management including accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, and risk management.

They oversee the work of the accounting department and financial staff, ensuring all financial transactions, policies, and procedures meet corporate objectives and regulatory body requirements.

A significant part of their role is to supervise the preparation of periodic financial reports, such as balance sheets, income statements, and budgets.

They analyze these reports to understand the financial performance of the business and suggest ways to improve efficiency and profitability.

Corporate Controllers play a vital role in the strategic planning of an organization.

They work with other executives to develop financial plans that align with the company’s growth objectives.

They also play a crucial role in risk management by establishing and monitoring internal controls.

These controls are designed to protect the company’s assets and ensure accuracy in financial reporting.

Furthermore, they ensure the company’s financial systems are robust, compliant, and support current activities and future growth.

They are also involved in tax planning and compliance, ensuring the company meets its tax obligations.

 

Corporate Controller Qualifications and Skills

A successful Corporate Controller should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Strong understanding of financial and accounting principles to oversee and manage the company’s financial operations
• Problem-solving skills to identify and rectify financial discrepancies and irregularities
• Excellent data analysis skills to interpret complex financial information and present it in a clear, concise manner
• Ability to create and implement financial policies and procedures to ensure operational efficiency and compliance with relevant laws and regulations
• Strong leadership skills to manage and guide the financial team towards achieving financial goals
• Excellent communication skills to liaise with different departments, report financial status to stakeholders, and inform team members of their financial responsibilities
• Proficiency in financial software and technologies to manage, analyze, and report financial data
• Attention to detail to ensure the accuracy of financial data and compliance with regulations
• Strategic planning and risk management skills to devise financial strategies and mitigate financial risks

 

Corporate Controller Experience Requirements

For the role of Corporate Controller, candidates are typically required to possess a minimum of 5 to 7 years of experience in the field of finance or accounting.

This experience is usually gained through roles such as Financial Analyst, Accountant, or Senior Accountant, where they gain solid foundational skills in financial reporting, budgeting, and financial analysis.

Often, companies prefer Corporate Controller candidates who have at least 3 years of experience in a management role.

This demonstrates their ability to lead a team, manage multiple tasks, and make strategic decisions.

Furthermore, experience with specific financial software, like QuickBooks or SAP, may also be a prerequisite for this position.

In addition, those aspiring to be Corporate Controllers may also need to have prior experience in the same or related industry.

For instance, a candidate applying for a Corporate Controller role in a manufacturing company might be preferred if they have prior experience in manufacturing finance.

Candidates with more than 10 years of experience, especially those with a background in public accounting or those who have served as a Chief Financial Officer, are often highly sought after for the role of Corporate Controller.

These professionals possess a deep understanding of complex financial operations and strategic planning, which are essential for the role.

It is also important to note that many companies require their Corporate Controllers to be Certified Public Accountants (CPA), which also demands a certain level of experience and education in the field.

 

Corporate Controller Education and Training Requirements

A Corporate Controller typically has a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field.

They are required to understand financial concepts and regulations, as well as have the ability to analyze financial data.

To become a Corporate Controller, most individuals must have several years of experience in finance or accounting, often as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Many employers prefer Corporate Controllers to have a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) or accounting.

Some positions may require the Corporate Controller to have a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) certification or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certification.

To excel in this role, a Corporate Controller should also have knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), tax laws, budgeting, and financial analysis tools.

Continuous professional development and staying updated with changes in financial regulations and laws is also crucial for a Corporate Controller.

 

Corporate Controller Salary Expectations

A Corporate Controller makes an average of $122,711 (USD) per year.

The salary can significantly vary depending on years of experience, qualifications, the size of the company and the geographical location.

 

Corporate Controller Job Description FAQs

What skills does a corporate controller need?

Corporate controllers need to have excellent analytical skills to review financial data and make decisions based on the numbers.

They should also possess strong communication skills to convey financial information to management effectively.

They must have sound knowledge of accounting principles and laws, and the ability to utilize financial software programs.

Attention to detail, integrity, and leadership skills are also essential for this role.

 

Do corporate controllers need a degree?

Yes, a corporate controller typically needs a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.

However, many companies prefer candidates with a master’s degree.

Additionally, most companies require corporate controllers to have professional certifications such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), or Certified Financial Manager (CFM).

 

What should you look for in a corporate controller resume?

A corporate controller’s resume should reflect strong experience in accounting or finance, preferably in leadership roles.

It should highlight their knowledge of accounting principles, budgeting, financial analysis, and regulatory compliance.

Look for evidence of their ability to develop and implement financial policies and procedures.

Certifications such as CPA or CMA, as well as a strong educational background, are also crucial.

 

What qualities make a good corporate controller?

A good corporate controller is detail-oriented and analytical, with the ability to interpret complex financial data accurately.

They should have strong leadership skills to manage their team and foster a collaborative work environment.

They must have high ethical standards and integrity due to the sensitive nature of financial information they handle.

Additionally, they should be strategic thinkers, able to anticipate financial issues and provide effective solutions.

 

Is it difficult to hire corporate controllers?

Hiring a corporate controller can be challenging due to the high level of expertise and experience required for the role.

It’s a critical position that requires a thorough hiring process to ensure the candidate has the necessary skills, knowledge, and ethical standards.

Offering competitive compensation and demonstrating opportunities for professional growth can help attract top talent.

 

Conclusion

And so, we’ve unraveled the threads of what it truly means to be a corporate controller.

Surprised?

It’s not merely about financial control.

It’s about steering the corporate ship, one financial decision at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive corporate controller job description template and real-world instances, you’re ready to take the helm.

But why drop anchor there?

Navigate further with our job description generator. It’s your compass to precision-crafted job listings or tailoring your resume to a T.

Always bear in mind:

Every financial decision shapes the corporate landscape.

Let’s chart that course. Together.

Reasons to Become a Corporate Controller (Navigate Fiscal Frontiers)

How to Become a Corporate Controller (Complete Guide)

Disadvantages of Being a Corporate Controller (The Compliance Conundrum)

A Tranquil Trajectory: Careers That Offer a Peaceful Journey

Market Buzz: The Top Trending Jobs Making a Splash

Mind-Blowing Stress: A Day in the Life of High-Pressure Jobs!

Beyond Robots’ Capabilities: Professions That Rely on the Human Spirit