Careers in Accounting as a Corporate Controller

A career in Accounting as a Corporate Controller requires a very hands-on approach to solving complex accounting problems including solving tough internal control issues, consolidation issues between parent companies & subsidiaries, prepare financial & sales budgets, keep track of company overhead, better accounting processes of the company including inventory controls, better cash flow management & minimize accounts receivable while improving free cash flow.

Responsibilities of a Corporate Controller

• Oversee departmental goals and objectives by managing and directing business operations, implement policies and procedures.
• Help meet quarterly & annual accounting filing deadlines.
• Help and supervise analysts in production of financial & sales budgets.
• Direct all accounting functions, including financial statement preparation, accounts payable, payroll, accounts receivable, and fixed assets.
• Liase with external auditors who will audit financial statements & operations of accounting department at year end.
• Help & supervise junior staff in preparing Balance sheets, Income Statement & Statement of Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) as well as MD&As.
• Identify Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) & manage internal controls & improve free cash flows of the firm.
• Manage the annual audits process; develop pricing models; financial analysis; cost analysis, cash flow and forecasting.
• Help in financial analysis of potential acquisitions & other mergers and do a Net Present Value & Cash Flow payback analysis.
• Prepare statement disclosures, compliance reporting, month end close, and ad hoc reporting & analysis.

Median Salary by Years of Experience

Education Requirements for Corporate Controller Positions

• Candidates must have a professional accounting designation (CPA, CGA, CMA OR CA).
• Candidates should typically have at least 5 years of experience in a senior accounting role.
• Candidates should have a strong knowledge of GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles), SOX (Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002), SOX 404 coordination and control, etc.
• Candidates should have excellent technical financial skills with a wide view toward business application

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