Corporate Controller
A Corporate Controller oversees the accounting operations and financial reporting of a company, ensuring compliance with financial regulations, managing budgets, and assessing financial risks.
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Sample Job Descriptions for Corporate Controller
Below are the some sample job descriptions for the different experience levels, where you can find the summary of the role, required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Junior (0-2 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
As a Junior Corporate Controller, you will be responsible for assisting in managing the company's financial operations. This includes participating in the preparation of financial statements, maintaining and enforcing a documented system of accounting policies and procedures, and ensuring the accuracy of the company's reported financial results.
Required Skills
- Strong organizational skills
- Excellent attention to detail
- Ability to multitask and prioritize workload
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Effective communication skills
- Proficiency in using Microsoft Excel and accounting software
- Collaborative team player
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance
- Experience with creating financial statements
- Understanding of generally accepted accounting principles and financial reporting
- Knowledge of auditing practices and principles
- Comfortable with math and statistics
- Ability to work with various accounting software
Responsibilities
- Assist in the preparation of the company's financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)
- Support month-end and year-end close processes
- Ensure quality control over financial transactions and financial reporting
- Help in developing and documenting business processes and accounting policies to maintain and strengthen internal controls
- Coordinate and complete annual audits
- Provide input in the formulation of the company's future direction and supporting tactical initiatives
- Monitor and analyze accounting data
- Work with the senior controller to coordinate activities of external auditors
- Assist with tax filings and compliance
- Prepare ad hoc financial reports as needed
Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
The Corporate Controller will oversee the financial reporting, accounting operations, and compliance functions within the organization. This role is central for ensuring the accuracy of financial information, adhering to regulatory standards, and providing strategic financial insight to support executive decision-making. The ideal candidate is expected to have a strong background in accounting, finance, and management.
Required Skills
- Strong leadership and organizational skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Analytical mind with good strategic planning and problem-solving skills.
- Attention to detail and ability to multitask.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
- Knowledge of financial reporting software and databases.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
- Proven experience as a financial controller, accounting supervisor, chief or senior accountant.
- Thorough knowledge of accounting principles and procedures.
- Experience with creating financial statements and general ledger functions.
- Excellent accounting software user and administration skills.
- CPA or CMA preferred.
Responsibilities
- Manage and oversee the daily operations of the accounting department including month and end-year process, accounts payable/receivable, cash receipts, general ledger, payroll, and utilities.
- Ensure the accuracy and timely reporting of all monthly financial information, performance, and financial projections.
- Coordinate and direct the preparation of the budget and financial forecasts, and report variances.
- Prepare and publish timely monthly financial statements.
- Coordinate the preparation of regulatory reporting and tax filings.
- Support month-end and year-end close processes.
- Ensure compliance with GAAP principles and company policies.
- Liaise with external auditors to ensure proper compliance with all regulations.
- Develop and document business processes and accounting policies to maintain and strengthen internal controls.
- Evaluate and advise on business operations including revenue and expenditure trends, financial commitments, and future revenues.
Senior (5+ years of experience)
Summary of the Role
As a Corporate Controller, you will be the chief accounting officer and head of the accounting department, responsible for managing the company's financial statements, general ledger, cost accounting, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, budgeting, tax compliance, revenue recognition, and various special analyses.
Required Skills
- Strong leadership and management abilities.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Strong knowledge of financial reporting.
- Proficient in data analysis and financial projections.
Qualifications
- A bachelor's degree in accounting or business administration, or equivalent business experience.
- 10+ years of progressively responsible experience for a major company or division of a large corporation.
- Preference will be given to candidates with the Certified Public Accountant or Certified Management Accountant designations.
- Experience with creating financial statements and extensive knowledge of accounting principles and procedures.
- Experience with general ledger functions and the month-end/year-end close process.
- Excellent accounting software user and administration skills.
Responsibilities
- Oversee the operations of the accounting department, including the design of an organizational structure adequate for achieving the department's goals and objectives.
- Ensure that company financial records are maintained in compliance with company policies and US GAAP.
- Manage the preparation of the company's financial statements.
- Monitor and confirm financial condition by conducting audits and providing information to external auditors.
- Prepare budgets by establishing schedules; collecting, analyzing, and consolidating financial data; and recommending plans.
- Achieve budget objectives by scheduling expenditures, analyzing variances, and initiating corrective actions.
- Provide leadership in strengthening internal communications with staff at all levels throughout the organization; create and promote a positive and supportive work environment.
- Ensure that accounts payable are paid in a timely manner, that all reasonable discounts are taken, and that accounts receivable are collected promptly.
- Process payroll in a timely manner and ensure that periodic bank reconciliations are completed.
- Maintain the chart of accounts and an orderly accounting filing system.
- Comply with local, state, and federal government reporting requirements and tax filings
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