Corporate Controller Job Description | CFO Search Firm | Cowen Partners
      Corporate Controller Job Description | Best Executive Search Firm | Cowen Partners

      Corporate Controller Job Description

      A controller is an individual who has responsibility for all accounting-related activities, including high-level accounting, managerial accounting, and finance activities, within a company. A financial controller typically reports to a firm’s chief financial officer (CFO), although these two positions may be combined in smaller businesses. The duties of a controller include assisting with the preparation of the operating budgets, overseeing financial reporting and performing essential duties relating to payroll.

      The controller has many tasks which might include preparing budgets and managing important budgeting schedules throughout an organization. This includes the collection, analysis, and consolidation of financial data. Although the controller doesn’t always maintain the annual budget, the controller position monitors variances, summarizes trends and investigates budget deficiencies. The controller reports material budgeting variances or expenditure variances to management.

      Corporate Controller Job Description

      • Provide comprehensive financial updates to senior management by evaluating, analyzing, and reporting appropriate data points
      • Guide financial decisions by applying company policies and procedures to current economic landscape
      • Develop, implement, and maintain financial controls and guidelines
      • Achieve budgeting goals with proper scheduling, analysis, and corrective action
      • Maximize payroll efficiency through innovative process development
      • Help develop and support short and long-term operational strategies

      Corporate Controller Duties & Responsibilities

      • Manage and monitor all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems ensuring compliance with appropriate GAAP standards and regulatory requirements as well as the requirements of private contributions, loans, and government contracts
      • Maintain internal control safeguards for the receipt of revenue, costs and both team and organizational budgets and actual expenditures
      • In conjunction with the CFO, establish financial and operating benchmarks, budgets, program monitoring, and reporting standards on a bi-weekly, monthly, and annual basis
      • Implement consistent accounting policies, practices, and procedures across all programs, upholding federal, state, and local legal standards by remaining knowledgeable about existing, new, and future legislation
      • Develop and enforce internal controls to maximize protection of company assets, policies, procedures, and workflow
      • Oversee and support accounting team with dynamic leadership that creates an environment of trust and productivity

      Corporate Controller Skills & Qualifications

      • Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, or related field
      • Advanced degree in accounting, finance or business preferred
      • 10+ years proven accounting experience
      • Professional accounting certification – CPA
      • Strong working knowledge of finance law and regulatory standards (GAAP)
      • Strong understanding of economic and banking processes

      Preferred Qualifications

      • 5+ years experience as a senior-level accounting or finance manager
      • Strong working knowledge of detailed financial data analysis
      • Proven payroll experience, with a focus on streamlining accounting processes
      • Exemplary history of financial project management
      • Working knowledge of federal, state, and local tax compliance regulations and reporting
      • CPA highly preferred

      About Your Company

      Include a summary of your company, describing its size, culture, and anything else that may be appealing to prospective candidates. The paragraphs below are a generic version of a company description that you can use and include in a corporate controller job description.

      Without the strength of our accounting team, we wouldn’t be able to offer the industry-leading service we’re known for. We’re seeking an experienced accountant to oversee this team in the role of Corporate Controller. The ideal candidate will have proven industry experience as an accountant, preferably in a senior role. As a strong communicator and skilled financial analyst, you will make it your mission to streamline our budgeting, payroll, and financial reporting processes. You will produce thorough financial status reports for senior management to help improve our operational efficiency and aid in our continued growth.

      We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

      Cowen Partners has a strong record of identifying and recruiting Corporate Controllers for public, private and non-profit organizations. Contact us if you would like to discuss recruiting an exceptional Controller for your company.

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