A controller, or comptroller, is responsible for overseeing financial statements like balance sheets, invoices, accounts payable and accounts receivable. Their duties include directing accounting managers and department operations, compiling financial reports based on financial statements and implementing policies and procedures for financial reporting.
A Controller should be able to fulfill various duties and responsibilities. The following are some duties and responsibilities a Controller should be able to execute:
- Assist management with important financial decisions
- Prepare financial documents such as business reports, financial forecasts and statements to understand the financial state of business
- Supervise employees who work under the controller in preparing financial reports and budgets
- Monitor a company’s financial reports and determine ways to reduce costs
- Keep up-to-date on the financial market to understand how to maximize profits and find new expansion areas
- Understand the financial status of a company to meet legal requirements and keep the financial state in good standing
A competitive Controller will have certain skills and qualifications, including:
- The ability to communicate effectively with co-workers and management about the finances of the business and justify certain financial recommendations
- Attention to detail
- Basic math skills to make accurate calculations and estimates
- Good understanding of international finance
- Organization and project management
