What Does a Controller Do?
A controller is responsible for overseeing the financial reporting, accounting operations, and regulatory compliance of an organization. This leadership role ensures that all financial statements are accurate, timely, and aligned with both internal policies and external standards. Controllers play a key part in supporting executive decision-making through accurate financial data, forecasting, and operational insights.
In addition to managing the accounting team, the controller develops and enforces internal controls, ensures tax and audit readiness, and leads the monthly and year-end close process. In companies without a CFO, the controller often serves as the highest-ranking finance leader.
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Controller Core Responsibilities
- Lead all accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general ledger
- Oversee month-end and year-end close, financial statement preparation, and reporting
- Manage internal controls, audit preparation, and compliance with GAAP and other financial regulations
- Coordinate with external auditors, tax advisors, and legal counsel as needed
- Analyze financial data to support budgeting, forecasting, and executive reporting
- Implement and maintain accounting policies and procedures
- Oversee ERP or accounting system operations and upgrades
- Manage, mentor, and develop accounting staff
- Review reconciliations, journal entries, and key financial schedules
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Deep knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, and internal controls
- Proficiency with accounting software and ERP platforms (e.g., NetSuite, QuickBooks, SAP)
- Experience with budgeting, variance analysis, and audit preparation
- Strong Excel and financial modeling skills
Soft skills
- Analytical thinking and problem solving
- Strong leadership and team development
- Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration
- Deadline-driven with attention to accuracy and detail
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field
- Master’s degree in accounting or MBA is a plus
Certifications
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) required
- CMA (Certified Management Accountant) or CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 7–10 years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership roles
- Experience in public accounting or audit
- Background in multi-entity or multi-location accounting environments
- Familiarity with ASC 606, SOX compliance, or IFRS (depending on company type)
National Average Salary
Controller salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Controller is:
$122,650
Sample Job Description Templates for Controllers
Assistant Controller
Position Overview
The assistant controller supports the controller in managing the organization’s accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal controls. This role helps oversee daily accounting functions, ensures compliance with GAAP, and plays a key role in the monthly close and audit preparation process.
Responsibilities
- Support the month-end and year-end close processes
- Prepare financial statements, reconciliations, and journal entries
- Review accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll transactions
- Assist with internal and external audit preparation
- Maintain accounting policies and procedures
- Ensure compliance with GAAP and internal controls
- Provide financial reports and variance analysis to management
- Supervise and train junior accounting staff
Requirements
Hard skills
- Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting
- Proficiency with accounting software and ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite, QuickBooks)
- Solid Excel skills including pivot tables and VLOOKUPs
- Experience with reconciliations, accruals, and close processes
Soft skills
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Team collaboration and supervisory skills
- Analytical thinking and problem solving
- Strong communication and deadline management
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance
Certifications
- CPA preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 3–5 years of accounting experience
- Background in public accounting or audit is a plus
Corporate Controller
Position Overview
The corporate controller leads the organization’s overall accounting operations, ensuring accurate financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and effective internal controls. This executive role manages the accounting team and acts as a strategic partner to finance and executive leadership.
Responsibilities
- Oversee financial reporting, general ledger, and internal controls across the organization
- Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes
- Ensure compliance with GAAP, tax laws, and regulatory requirements
- Lead the accounting team, including AP, AR, and payroll functions
- Prepare and review consolidated financial statements and management reports
- Coordinate external audits and liaise with tax advisors
- Implement accounting policies and process improvements
- Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis efforts
Requirements
Hard skills
- Extensive GAAP knowledge and financial statement preparation
- Proficiency in ERP systems and financial reporting software
- Strong understanding of tax, compliance, and audit procedures
- Ability to manage multi-entity consolidations
Soft skills
- Strategic leadership and team development
- High-level analytical and communication skills
- Organizational planning and process ownership
- Business acumen and financial insight
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance
- Master’s degree or MBA preferred
Certifications
- CPA required
Preferred Qualifications
- 8–10 years of accounting experience with leadership responsibility
- Experience in a multi-location or international corporate environment
Divisional Controller
Position Overview
The divisional controller oversees the financial operations of a specific division or business unit. This role ensures accurate accounting, budget adherence, and performance tracking aligned with corporate financial goals.
Responsibilities
- Manage all accounting and financial reporting for assigned division
- Analyze financial performance and provide strategic insight to division leadership
- Prepare budgets, forecasts, and monthly variance reports
- Enforce financial controls and ensure audit readiness
- Collaborate with corporate finance on reporting and consolidation
- Supervise divisional accounting staff
- Monitor cost structures, margins, and operational KPIs
Requirements
Hard skills
- Financial reporting, budgeting, and cost analysis expertise
- Proficiency with ERP systems and divisional financial planning
- Solid understanding of internal controls and compliance standards
Soft skills
- Business partnership and cross-functional collaboration
- Leadership within a decentralized structure
- Strong analytical and presentation skills
- Decision-making under pressure
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance
Certifications
- CPA strongly preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 5–8 years of experience in divisional, plant, or segment-level accounting
- Industry-specific experience based on business unit focus (e.g., manufacturing, construction)
Interim Controller
Position Overview
The interim controller provides temporary leadership of financial operations during transitions, such as a controller vacancy, acquisition, audit period, or system implementation. This role ensures continuity in financial reporting, controls, and compliance.
Responsibilities
- Manage accounting operations and oversee month-end close
- Prepare financial statements and support executive reporting
- Review internal controls and ensure regulatory compliance
- Oversee audits, tax filings, and reporting requirements
- Evaluate existing processes and recommend improvements
- Lead and stabilize finance team during transition periods
- Communicate regularly with executives on financial health
Requirements
Hard skills
- Deep understanding of GAAP, compliance, and audit standards
- Proficiency in ERP systems and rapid system onboarding
- Experience with organizational transitions or turnarounds
Soft skills
- Flexibility and adaptability in fluid environments
- Fast decision-making and prioritization
- Executive communication and stakeholder alignment
- Leadership and problem-solving under pressure
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance
Certifications
- CPA required
Preferred Qualifications
- 10+ years in senior accounting roles, including prior interim assignments
- Background in turnaround, PE-backed, or M&A-intensive environments
Remote/Hybrid Controller
Position Overview
The remote/hybrid controller oversees financial operations from a distributed or hybrid work environment, leading virtual accounting teams and ensuring accurate, compliant financial reporting. This role requires strong digital collaboration and secure system access.
Responsibilities
- Lead accounting operations including close, reconciliations, and reporting
- Manage remote accounting staff and delegate tasks across time zones
- Review financials and ensure GAAP compliance and accuracy
- Oversee cloud-based ERP and accounting platforms
- Conduct virtual audits and coordinate with external partners
- Maintain internal controls and process documentation remotely
- Support cross-functional financial analysis and budgeting
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in cloud-based ERP/accounting tools (e.g., NetSuite, QuickBooks Online)
- Familiarity with remote audit procedures and financial reporting standards
- Experience leading distributed accounting teams
Soft skills
- Excellent asynchronous communication and documentation
- Self-direction and time management in remote settings
- Leadership across virtual platforms
- Attention to detail and process consistency
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance
Certifications
- CPA required
Preferred Qualifications
- 7–10 years of experience including virtual or hybrid financial leadership
- Background managing finance operations in fully remote organizations