What is the role of a financial controller?

An organisation’s financial controller is the executive responsible for overseeing all of the accounting functions of the firm, ensuring they are completed accurately and on time.

From compiling essential financial reports to conducting audits, a financial controller’s job plays a pivotal role in the overarching success of an organisation.

Careerists with an eye for the future should be keenly aware that the demand for financial controllers is high and set to grow. 

Join us as we…

• outline the main tasks that fall within a financial controller’s job description, 
• the usual job requirements, 
• and point you in the direction of resources to find top-tier financial controller jobs.

Financial controller job description

Key responsibilities of a financial controller

Depending on the size of the organisation, a financial controller’s job may cover different tasks and areas of responsibility. 

For example, in smaller firms, a financial controller may act as both controller and CFO, whereby they perform high-level duties beyond the scope of a typical financial controller’s job description. These duties may include budgeting, risk evaluation, and management of cash flow.

But whether a corporate giant or an SME, the main tasks undertaken in financial controller jobs can broadly be split into the five following categories:

1. Financial reporting

A financial controller’s job centres around formal financial procedures, such as compiling financial reports. It is their duty to lead the preparation of precise financial statements and reports based on the firm’s data collection.

2. Budget management

Whether this is end-of-month round-ups or budgeting rounds at the end of summer, a financial controller’s job also extends to the creation and overseeing of budgets to ensure the firm’s financial efficiency.

3. Compliance and auditing

Ensuring compliance with financial regulations and managing internal audits is an integral part of a financial controller’s job description. Conducting regular audits and compiling reports ensures the firm’s operations comply with industry regulations.

4. Risk management

While sometimes the job of a firm’s CFO, it often falls within a financial controller’s job description to conduct risk evaluations and management of risk profiles. This includes both identifying and mitigating financial risks within the organisation.

5. Team leadership

A large part of a financial controller’s job involves managing the accounting or finance team, and ensuring departmental goals are achieved. This function has a supervisory nature and involves delegating, offering leadership, and mentoring—always with an eye for the overall efficiency and accuracy of the operation.

Financial controller job requirements and qualifications

As this is an executive-level role, financial controller job requirements typically call for extensive experience, expertise, and educational accolades.

Financial controller jobs will most likely require:

• In-depth knowledge of accounting and financial management
• Strong analytical capacities
• Problem-solving skills and a solution-based mindset
• Leadership abilities that lend themselves to effective team management
• Familiarity with financial regulations and compliance standards

From a qualification perspective, a financial controller will usually hold both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a similar discipline.

From there, endorsement as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is required. This means that you to have studied at an accredited educational institution and completed a minimum of 150 hours of college coursework. Upon completion, hopeful CPAs will need to pass the CPA exam to earn their final certification.

Discover rewarding financial controller jobs

Financial controller jobs play an integral role in driving overall organisational success. 

Now that you have a more complete understanding of a financial controller job description and requirements, why not take the next step and explore open financial jobs at Marks Sattin.

As a leading specialist recruitment firm, we are dedicated to matching top-tier financial talent with employers who excel in their field. Discover financial controller opportunities with us today and let us help set you on course to take the next step in your financial controller career.