Controller Job Description Template - 2025 Guide

A Controller serves as the senior financial leader responsible for overseeing all accounting operations, financial reporting, and compliance activities within an organization. This role combines technical accounting expertise with strategic financial leadership to ensure accurate financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and sound financial controls that support business growth and decision-making.

Why This Role Matters

Controllers are the backbone of financial integrity within organizations, ensuring that financial information is accurate, timely, and compliant with all regulatory requirements. They bridge the gap between day-to-day accounting operations and strategic financial planning, providing the data foundation that drives critical business decisions. In today's complex regulatory environment, Controllers play an increasingly vital role in risk management, ensuring that organizations maintain the financial controls necessary to operate effectively while meeting all compliance obligations.

The Controller position has evolved from traditional bookkeeping oversight to become a strategic partnership role that influences organizational direction through financial insights, process optimization, and risk management. This role is essential for companies seeking to scale operations, improve financial efficiency, and maintain stakeholder confidence through transparent and accurate financial reporting.

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About the Role

As Controller, you will serve as the organization's chief accounting officer, responsible for the integrity of all financial reporting and accounting operations. You will lead a team of accounting professionals while ensuring that all financial processes meet the highest standards of accuracy and compliance. This role requires both hands-on technical expertise and leadership skills to manage complex accounting operations while supporting strategic business initiatives.

You will work closely with the CFO and executive team to provide financial insights that drive business strategy, while also managing day-to-day accounting operations including month-end close, financial statement preparation, and regulatory reporting. The position demands strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to translate complex financial information into actionable business insights.

Your leadership will be crucial in developing and mentoring finance team members, implementing process improvements, and ensuring that financial controls support the organization's growth objectives while maintaining compliance with all applicable regulations and standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Reporting Leadership: Oversee preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP and regulatory requirements
• Accounting Operations Management: Direct all aspects of general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll accounting functions
• Month-End Close Process: Lead and continuously improve month-end close procedures to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting
• Internal Controls Implementation: Develop, implement, and maintain robust internal control systems to ensure SOX compliance and financial accuracy
• Budget and Forecast Support: Collaborate with department heads to develop annual budgets and provide variance analysis and forecasting support
• Audit Coordination: Manage relationships with external auditors and coordinate all audit activities, including preparation of supporting documentation
• Team Leadership and Development: Recruit, train, and manage accounting staff while fostering professional development and maintaining high performance standards
• Systems and Process Optimization: Identify opportunities to streamline accounting processes and implement technology solutions to improve efficiency
• Tax Compliance Oversight: Ensure accurate and timely completion of all tax filings and coordinate with tax advisors as needed
• Cash Flow Management: Monitor cash flow forecasting and work with treasury function to optimize working capital management

Requirements

Must-Have Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA certification required
• Experience: 7-10 years of progressive accounting experience with at least 3 years in a supervisory role
• Technical Expertise: Advanced knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting standards, and accounting principles
• Software Proficiency: Expert-level skills in ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) and advanced Excel capabilities
• Regulatory Knowledge: Strong understanding of SOX compliance requirements and internal control frameworks
• Leadership Experience: Proven track record of managing and developing accounting teams
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to present to senior management

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• Advanced Education: MBA or Master's in Accounting/Finance
• Industry Experience: Experience in relevant industry or sector
• Systems Implementation: Experience with ERP implementations or major system upgrades
• Public Company Experience: Background with SEC reporting and public company accounting requirements
• Project Management: PMP certification or demonstrated project management experience

What We Offer

Compensation Package

• Base Salary: $120,000 - $180,000 annually (varies by location and experience)
• Performance Bonus: 15-25% annual bonus based on individual and company performance
• Equity Participation: Stock options or equity grants tied to company performance

Benefits and Perks

• Health Coverage: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance with employer contribution
• Retirement Planning: 401(k) with company matching up to 6% of salary
• Professional Development: Annual education allowance for CPA maintenance and professional growth
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid work options with core collaboration days
• Paid Time Off: 4-5 weeks PTO plus company holidays and sick leave

Growth Opportunities

• Career Advancement: Clear path to CFO or VP Finance roles
• Leadership Development: Access to management training and executive coaching programs
• Cross-functional Exposure: Opportunities to work on strategic initiatives and business development projects

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Context Variations

Corporate Environment

In large corporate settings, Controllers typically manage larger teams and more complex reporting requirements including multiple entities, international operations, and extensive regulatory compliance. The role involves greater specialization with dedicated teams for different accounting functions and more sophisticated internal control requirements.

Startup Environment

At startups and growth companies, Controllers often wear multiple hats, handling traditional controller duties alongside CFO-level strategic planning and investor relations support. The role requires greater flexibility and hands-on involvement in day-to-day operations while building scalable financial processes and controls.

Remote/Hybrid Environment

Remote Controllers must excel at managing distributed teams and implementing digital-first financial processes. Strong technology skills and virtual leadership capabilities are essential, along with the ability to maintain internal controls and audit trails in a distributed work environment.

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Industry Considerations

Industry	Unique Requirements	Key Considerations
Manufacturing	Cost accounting expertise, inventory valuation, supply chain finance	Strong understanding of standard costing, variance analysis, and inventory controls
Technology	Revenue recognition (ASC 606), subscription metrics, equity compensation	Experience with SaaS accounting, stock option accounting, and complex revenue models
Healthcare	Regulatory compliance (HIPAA), insurance billing, cost reporting	Knowledge of healthcare reimbursement models and regulatory reporting requirements
Financial Services	Regulatory capital requirements, risk management, Basel III compliance	Understanding of banking regulations and capital adequacy requirements
Retail	Inventory management, multiple locations, seasonal fluctuations	Experience with point-of-sale systems integration and retail-specific accounting challenges
Construction	Percentage-of-completion accounting, job costing, bonding requirements	Expertise in project accounting and construction industry revenue recognition

Note: Industry-specific certifications and regulatory knowledge may be required depending on sector

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Compensation Guide

Salary Information

National Average Range: $120,000 - $180,000 annually

Metro Area	Salary Range	Cost of Living Adjustment
New York, NY	$140,000 - $210,000	+25% above national average
San Francisco, CA	$145,000 - $220,000	+30% above national average
Chicago, IL	$125,000 - $190,000	+10% above national average
Dallas, TX	$115,000 - $175,000	National average
Atlanta, GA	$110,000 - $170,000	-5% below national average
Denver, CO	$120,000 - $185,000	+5% above national average
Miami, FL	$115,000 - $175,000	National average
Seattle, WA	$135,000 - $205,000	+20% above national average

Factors Affecting Compensation

• Company Size: Large corporations typically offer 20-30% premium over mid-market companies
• Industry Complexity: Highly regulated industries (financial services, healthcare) often pay premium rates
• Public Company Experience: SEC reporting experience can command 15-20% salary premium

Salary data based on 2024-2025 market research from Robert Half, Hays, and Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Interview Questions

Technical/Functional Questions

1. Walk me through your month-end close process and how you've improved closing timelines in previous roles. Evaluation: Look for specific process improvements, use of technology, and leadership in driving efficiency.

2. Describe a complex accounting issue you've encountered and how you resolved it while ensuring GAAP compliance. Evaluation: Assess technical knowledge, problem-solving approach, and commitment to accuracy.

3. How do you ensure SOX compliance and maintain effective internal controls in your accounting operations? Evaluation: Evaluate understanding of internal controls, risk management, and regulatory compliance.

4. Explain how you would approach implementing a new ERP system from an accounting perspective. Evaluation: Look for project management skills, change management experience, and systems thinking.

5. How do you handle revenue recognition challenges, particularly with complex contracts or multiple deliverables? Evaluation: Test knowledge of ASC 606, analytical skills, and ability to work with sales teams.

6. Describe your experience managing external auditors and coordinating audit processes. Evaluation: Assess communication skills, organization, and experience with audit requirements.

7. How do you approach variance analysis and what steps do you take when actuals significantly differ from budget? Evaluation: Look for analytical thinking, business partnership skills, and proactive problem-solving.

8. What's your experience with cash flow forecasting and working capital management? Evaluation: Evaluate understanding of treasury functions and business impact of financial decisions.

Behavioral Questions

1. Tell me about a time when you had to deliver difficult financial news to senior management. How did you handle it? Evaluation: Assess communication skills, professionalism, and ability to maintain credibility under pressure.

2. Describe a situation where you had to lead your team through a major change or challenge. Evaluation: Look for leadership skills, change management, and team motivation abilities.

3. Give me an example of how you've mentored or developed a team member who was struggling. Evaluation: Test coaching skills, patience, and commitment to team development.

4. Tell me about a time when you identified a significant process improvement opportunity and how you implemented it. Evaluation: Look for innovation, business impact focus, and implementation skills.

5. Describe a situation where you had to work under tight deadlines while maintaining accuracy. Evaluation: Assess time management, attention to detail, and performance under pressure.

Culture Fit Questions

1. How do you balance the need for financial accuracy with supporting business objectives and deadlines? Evaluation: Look for business partnership mindset while maintaining professional integrity.

2. What motivates you most about working in a Controller role? Evaluation: Assess passion for the role and alignment with organizational needs.

3. How do you stay current with accounting standards and regulatory changes? Evaluation: Test commitment to professional development and continuous learning.

4. Describe your ideal working relationship with the CFO and other senior executives. Evaluation: Look for collaborative mindset and understanding of strategic partnership.

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Hiring Tips

Quick Sourcing Guide

Top Platforms for Controller Recruitment:

• LinkedIn: Primary platform for experienced finance professionals with advanced search filters
• Robert Half: Specialized accounting and finance recruitment with extensive candidate network
• CPA Societies: State and local CPA organizations with active job boards and networking events
• Indeed/Glassdoor: Broad reach for posting opportunities and gathering market intelligence

Professional Communities:

• IMA (Institute of Management Accountants): Access to management accounting professionals
• AICPA Career Center: Comprehensive network of CPA-qualified candidates
• Local Finance Executive Networks: Regional CFO/Controller groups for referral opportunities

Posting Optimization Tips:

• Highlight growth opportunities and career progression potential
• Emphasize technology and process improvement aspects of the role
• Include specific industry experience requirements to attract qualified candidates
• Mention flexible work arrangements and professional development support

Red Flags to Avoid

• Lack of CPA Certification: Non-negotiable for controller-level positions requiring technical expertise and credibility
• Frequent Job Changes: Pattern of staying less than 2 years may indicate lack of commitment or performance issues
• Limited Team Management Experience: Controller role requires strong leadership and people development skills
• Weak Communication Skills: Unable to explain complex accounting concepts clearly to non-finance stakeholders
• Resistance to Technology: Hesitation about process improvement or system implementations in modern finance environment
• Compliance Gaps: Any indication of involvement in accounting irregularities or audit issues

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FAQ Section