Controller Career

Controllers are responsible for directing and organizing a company’s accounting functions, often overseeing multiple departments such as budgeting, accounting, and auditing.  They work closely with each department in order to establish and maintain correct practices and procedures.  One of their main responsibilities is directing and/or preparing reports that review or predict a company’s finances.  This information is used not only for internal administration, but also for outside officials.  Controllers often need help in managing these areas, so they may choose to enlist the aide of a Controller Assistant., who basically shares the same duties and reports directly to the controller. 

Controllers work directly with the administration and each department of a company.  They must have excellent communication and analytical skills to properly interpret and deliver data.  While controllers normally work out of comfortable offices and do a great deal of their work using computers, work weeks are generally long.  It is not uncommon for these professionals to work 50-60 hours per week.  Meetings and conferences are common, and much time may be spent commuting.        

Most employers prefer professionals that have obtained a Master’s degree and CPA certification, but currently a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a related field is generally sufficient.  CPA certification entails the completion of a four part, two day course, in which approximately one quarter of students are able to pass the entire exam on their first try.  Controller Assistants carry out the same duties, and therefore must have sufficient education.  Assistants are required to posses a Bachelor’s degree, but CPA certification is not necessary.  For some employers, prior experience is more valuable than extensive education, and for many experts, continuing education is needed to keep up with changes in State and Federal regulations, global trade, or advancement in hardware and software.  Controllers are expected to be knowledgeable of all departments they oversee, and posses the ability to solve problems as they occur. 

As with many management positions, competition for these careers is expected to be high.  Controller careers are projecting average growth, although economic declines and company cut backs have eliminated a number of these positions.  Computer skills have become necessary; therefore, candidates with this knowledge will have higher success.  Likewise, professionals with extensive formal knowledge and experience will have the most employment opportunities.  For more information on a career as a Controller, please visit the following sites:

• International Federation of Accountants
• MIT Controller's Office
• Kulzick Associates
• Oklahoma University
• University of Georgia

For a list of available Controller positions as well as a database of Controller professionals, please visit iHireAccounting.