A financial controller is a senior management role responsible for overseeing the financial operations of an organization. On LinkedIn, financial controllers represent a range of industries and company sizes. Looking at financial controller profiles on LinkedIn can provide insight into common responsibilities, required skills, background and experience, and career progression for this critical finance position.
Typical Responsibilities
Based on financial controller positions listed on LinkedIn, some of their most common responsibilities include:
- Overseeing all accounting operations including Billing, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, and General Ledger
- Managing the preparation and reporting of financial statements, financial reports, and cash flow forecasts
- Implementing accounting policies, procedures, controls, and compliance measures
- Conducting risk management and completing audits
- Preparing budgets and monitoring organizational performance against budgets
- Leading the preparation for month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes
- Analyzing financial data and creating financial models, projections, and estimates
- Providing recommendations to reduce costs, enhance revenues, and improve profitability
- Managing teams of finance and accounting professionals
In small companies, the financial controller may oversee all aspects of financial management. In larger corporations, they may lead a department focused on core accounting functions while the CFO leads financial planning and analysis.
Skills and Qualifications
Financial controllers are highly educated professionals with extensive accounting qualifications. Typical skills and qualifications include:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related business field
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential
- Master’s degree like MBA or Master’s in Accounting
- 8+ years experience in accounting and finance roles
- Expertise in GAAP and financial reporting standards
- Strong technology skills and experience with accounting software
- Advanced Excel modeling skills
- Excellent analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Attention to detail with high accuracy
- Strong leadership and team management abilities
- Effective verbal and written communication skills
Many financial controllers list knowledge of ERP systems like SAP, Oracle, NetSuite along with business intelligence tools like Tableau on their LinkedIn profiles. Experience in systems implementation is also common.
Typical Background and Career Path
The career path to becoming a financial controller typically includes:
- Earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance
- Getting licensed as a CPA early in their career
- Starting out in an accounting role like Staff Accountant or Accounting Analyst
- Progressing to Accounting Manager or Senior Accountant
- Advancing to Assistant Controller or Divisional Controller
- Before achieving the pinnacle role of Financial Controller
Many financial controllers remain in the role long-term and enjoy the challenges of overseeing complex accounting activities and strategic business partnerships. Some eventually advance to Chief Financial Officer.
Industries Hiring Financial Controllers
Financial controllers have transferable financial skills that apply across many industries. According to LinkedIn data, some top industries hiring financial controllers include:
- Banking
- Accounting
- Information Technology & Services
- Hospital & Healthcare
- Construction
- Retail
- Higher Education
- Machinery
- Business Equipment & Supplies
- Oil, Gas, Energy & Utilities
The most in-demand skills can vary slightly across different industries, but core accounting and financial management capabilities are universally required.
Salary Ranges
According to salary data on LinkedIn, typical total compensation ranges for financial controllers based on years of experience are:
| Years of Experience | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 1-4 years | $65,000 – $85,000 |
| 5-9 years | $75,000 – $105,000 |
| 10-20 years | $85,000 – $125,000 |
Higher salaries exceeding $150,000 are possible for senior level financial controllers in high cost areas and large corporations.
Job Opportunities
Demand for financial controllers remains strong, especially for those with CPA credentials and experience using the latest accounting software tools. According to LinkedIn data as of October 2023:
- There are over 38,000 open job listings for financial controller in the U.S.
- Major metro areas with the most openings include New York City, Washington D.C., Chicago, San Francisco Bay Area, and Dallas-Fort Worth.
- Companies urgently hiring include Amazon, JPMorgan Chase, Deloitte, EY, and PricewaterhouseCoopers.
CPA certification provides a competitive edge for financial controller roles. Controllers with strategic financial analysis skills and experience with data analytics are also in high demand.
Advice for Aspiring Financial Controllers
Those aspiring to become financial controllers should:
- Complete educational requirements for CPA exam as soon as possible
- Gain breadth of experience in different accounting functions
- Develop leadership skills and emotional intelligence
- Stay current on the latest accounting technologies
- Pursue opportunities to take on management responsibilities
- Obtain any required continuing education and certifications
- Consider an MBA to broaden business knowledge
With sound qualifications and experience, financial controllers can enjoy rewarding long-term careers managing the financial health and strategy of an organization.
Conclusion
In summary, a financial controller holds a critical senior-level finance position. On LinkedIn, their profiles highlight common responsibilities like financial reporting and strategy, required qualifications like CPA certification, career progression from accountant roles, high salaries, and strong job openings across many industries. By developing the right mix of accounting expertise and leadership abilities, professionals can advance to this key role guiding financial operations and strategy.