We will examine various finance job roles in our series of articles on recruiting finance professionals. The role of a Finance Controller is the first in the series.
To oversee the day-to-day operations of a company’s finances, finance controllers collaborate directly with finance directors. This senior position is seen as a stepping stone to becoming a Finance Director. It entails creating financial targets, working with management, monitoring departments, creating accounts, working with cash flow, creating financial strategies, and creating and checking financial targets.
When their company is considering acquisitions, finance controllers use their knowledge to assist in decision-making, and they will be involved in the majority of major financial and business decisions.
When it comes to managing teams of Ledger Clerks who will handle the more administrative and accounting aspects of the department, candidates for Finance Controller positions will be expected to have a background in accounting.
You will work traditional hours on the day-to-day aspects, though you will be expected to work additional hours when necessary. Much of your time will be spent in meetings and traveling between offices to provide your services, like many high-responsibility management positions.
When businesses or finance recruiters are looking for candidates for the position of Finance Controller, they will be looking for candidates who are skilled at presenting financial data to various individuals in meetings. Motivation, multitasking ability, attention to detail, strong decision-making skills, and obviously a solid understanding of the financial world are among the other skills that will be evaluated.
For the position of Finance Controller, prior experience in management accounting and finance is expected. In addition, you should have a qualification from one of the UK’s accounting associations (ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA, ICAEW, ICAI, ICAS).
There are excellent career opportunities for Finance Controllers because they frequently advance to become Finance Directors or even Managing Directors or Chief Executive Officers.
As is the case with the majority of jobs in the finance industry, salaries are higher: qualified finance controllers can earn up to £45,000 per year, while trainees can earn up to £25,000. Your salary may rise to anywhere from £50,000 to £100,000 depending on your level of experience and time spent in the position.
Talk to a reputable finance recruitment firm for more information about jobs as a finance controller.