Job descriptions are an essential communication device that enables you to translate clearly the performance expectations of a new team member and identify the key functions of the job. A well-written position description will help you locate the right people and facilitate a seamless recruiting process. When it is time to write the job description, think about what is really needed and wanted. To ensure that you don’t waste time sifting through stacks of unqualified resumes, describe the duties, tasks, and obligations accurately and succinctly, such as those included in the Controller job description sample.
Controller Job Description Sample
Below we have included a sample Controller job description to help you write a great job description to attract the top talent.
Controller Job Summary
You will be responsible for the financial operations of the business. This covers the maintenance of a sufficient system of accounting records and generation of periodic financial reports. You will also be responsible for a complete set of budgets and controls intended to enhance the precision of reported financial outcomes, mitigate risks, and ensure that reported results comply with international financial reporting standards and regularly accepted accounting principles. You will engage in all aspects of financial administration, such as budget and forecasts preparation, corporate accounting, development of internal control policies and procedures, and regulatory and financial reporting.
Controller Job Responsibilities and Duties:
- Assure timely and accurate recording of all transactions
- Manage the accuracy and productivity of day-to-day financial activities
- Develop, improve, and issue monthly financial records for top management
- Ensure that financial plans align with organizational goals
- Provide financial analysis tools to evaluate company ventures or special projects
- Manage commercial banking relationships to facilitate an appropriate credit resource under highly competitive terms
- Active participation in influencing business growth, direction, product development, strategic planning, financial forecasting, and acquisition integration as a member of the senior management team
- Work closely with superiors to develop an economic evaluation of various fringe benefit programs for staff and program components
- Interface with banks and lessors, outside audit firms, liability and casualty insurance agents, collection agencies, and credit card companies
- Provide a leadership and visionary implementation role on behalf of Human Resources and Finance to all staff and departments
- Supervise overall operations including safety, security, computer services and building maintenance
- Other duties as necessary
Controller Qualifications and Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, business administration, accounting, or related field
- Master’s degree is preferred
- 10+ years of progressively responsible experience and training
- Ability to interpret and analyze business periodicals, technical procedures and professional journals
- CPA license is preferred
- Effective presentation skills on complex topics to top management
- Ability to respond effectively to complaints and sensitive inquiries
Company Profile
Since 2010, Legna Corporation has been a thriving tech company focused on redefining digital archiving and business intelligence. Recognized as one of today’s fastest growing companies in the U.S., we deliver innovative cloud-based solutions to help organizations manage and enforce flexible and secure records retention and compliance strategies for electronic communications, including social media and enterprise social networks.
Controller Job Responsibilities
The most detailed and arguably most important section of your controller job description is the job responsibilities section. Writing a strong job description requires that you communicate job duties clearly and accurately so jobseekers can easily understand the types of work expected of them and can get an accurate idea of the job’s day-to-day tasks.
To keep jobseekers focused, start each duty with an action verb that allows them to envision themselves in the position of an employee at your company, and organize your list of responsibilities with bullet points to make it easy to read and digest quickly. Don’t feel you need to detail every single function an employee will have to perform. Leave out common tasks like replying to email in favor of listing 6-8 of the most essential controller job responsibilities.
The following are some common responsibilities to consider including in your controller job description:
- Compile and analyze financial information for quarterly reports
- Oversee tax filings to ensure compliance with local, state and federal government requirements
- Analyze financial statements and compile reports to assist management in making financial decisions
- Collaborate with management to create goals and objectives for the accounting department
- Ensure the company accurately follows accounts payable and accounts receivable procedures
- Develop and implement internal control processes for accounting systems
Controller Job Specifications
The job qualifications and skills section of your job description is typically much more concise than the job responsibilities section, simply consisting of a brief list of requirements, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t important. Since controller positions require specific education and experience in the field, the job qualifications section is a particularly vital part of your controller job description. This section informs jobseekers of the minimum qualifications you expect prospective applicants to meet. By clearly stating the minimum education, experience and skills needed for the job, you can eliminate underqualified candidates and narrow the field of applicants to those you know can handle the job.
It’s smart to discuss these minimum qualifications with your hiring manager before writing your controller job description to ensure you’re on the same page about which qualifications an applicant needs and which are simply preferable. Separate your minimum requirements from your preferred qualifications so jobseekers can quickly determine if they’re eligible to apply.
Here are some potential controller job specifications for use in your job description:
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business or related discipline
- Minimum five years of experience in a senior accounting or financial management role
- Current CPA license
- Detail-oriented, with strong organizational and analytical skills
- Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in QuickBooks and Microsoft Office Suite programs