How to Become a Financial Controller

Becoming a Financial Controller 

A financial controller is in a position of considerable responsibility. They oversee the preparation and dissemination of a business’s regulatory financial statements and manage other functions performed by the finance and accounting departments. These include cash flow management, planning and budgeting, bank account upkeep, cost and inventory accounting, and more.

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There are several ways to become a financial controller; see the steps below.

Step 1: Gain Some Accounting or Finance Experience

Financial controllership positions almost always require 5 to 15 years of work experience. Even small companies need prior work experience in financial accounting. Prospective financial controllership candidates should expect to work in the accounting or finance division for a few years. They need to learn the requisite skills.

These abilities include preparing financial statements, including cash flow, profit and loss, and balance sheets. This would also require skills like budgeting and cost accounting. You would also need expertise in managing cash flows, payables, and receivables and managing the business’s bank accounts.

Step 2: Get a Professional Accounting Qualification

A financial  controller needs extensive experience and professional qualifications to perform all responsibilities. Candidates should choose one of these certifications based on the nation where they hope to work. Of course, many of these qualifications are global or applicable across many countries. For further details, see our article on qualifications and skills, which discusses these professional and academic prerequisites.

Please note that steps one and two above can be interchangeable depending on specific circumstances.

Step 3: Display Leadership Potential

Financial controllers have huge responsibilities placed on their shoulders. To achieve their work-related objectives, they must rely on the large teams of professionals they manage. They also interact with other groups, making management and leadership skills a prerequisite. Also, financial controller roles can be stepping stones to CFO or Finance Director positions. They are the top positions in the finance division. After considering everything, it should be evident that someone who wants to work as a financial controller needs to be a good leader. They must prove those skills to decision-makers.

Search other articles to learn more about financial controller careers:

Job Description & Profile, Salary & Pay, Qualifications, Skills & Requirements, etc.

Search Jobs to find out about the financial controller job roles we currently have available.