finance controller

Some of the common tasks of a finance controller include:

• managing audits: as a finance controller, you finalise internal audits in a company. You oversee the roles of internal audit teams and review their findings to check for potential errors or fraud. When the audit reports are complete, you present them to senior management.
• controlling financial accounts: as a finance controller, you manage the preparation of financial accounts from monthly to quarterly and annual accounts. You also oversee accounts receivable and payable. Sometimes, the role involves monitoring cash flows to ensure the company meets its short-term obligations and optimises investments.
• accounting oversight: as a finance controller, you ensure the accounting distributions are accurate, and all monies are accounted for properly. You oversee the disbursement of cash and manage payroll activities and bank settlements. You can also supervise the accounting team to maintain accurate checks and balances.
• financial planning and reporting: finance controllers are in charge of banking and finance functions, including studying and reviewing financial contracts and negotiating credit agreements. You also ensure the executive has accurate financial planning data and assist various departments in creating budgets and preparing their projected cash flow reports to support the finance allocation.
• financial analysis: apart from financial reporting, you need to conduct financial analysis on various plans and advise management. For instance, if a company wants to invest in a particular investment, you assess the risk using statistical data. You can also find efficient ways of executing a business plan to improve financial management.
• ensuring compliance: as a finance controller, you need to ensure the company complies with local laws and regulations. You ensure the company remits all the necessary taxes and adheres to statutory requirements and relevant industry regulations to avoid fines and penalties.
   

As a finance controller, your work environment depends on the industry you work for and your employer. For instance, if you work for a financial service company, you are likely to work in insurance or banks, and your role involves working indoors in an office environment. You are likely to have your own office, but you spend most of the day attending meetings to catch up with accounting teams in various departments. While you don't meet directly with customers, the role requires professional attire at all times. You can work from home or remotely and conduct your meetings virtually.
 

Depending on the business sector and employer, your colleagues are likely to include accountants, auditors, mortgage brokers, grant writers and marketing managers. You will also work alongside chief finance officers and finance analysts, as well as other specialists that could include project managers, cost estimators and finance managers.
 

Finance controllers work regular business hours from 9 am to 5 pm. That means you work 40 hours per week, although sometimes you have to work evenings to complete deadlines and during busy tax periods. While most employers provide full-time opportunities, you can find part-time roles and opportunities to work remotely. The role involves minimal travelling unless you are attending conferences and meetings. If you work for a multinational with multiple branches, you may have to travel overseas to review their financial performance or manage internal audits.
 

You cannot start as a financial controller straight out of college. Most finance controllers start as accountants before becoming auditors and taking senior accounting jobs. You become a finance controller when you have extensive experience in accounting and finance, especially in senior managerial positions. Being a finance controller is a rewarding career if you have a background in accounting and finance. It opens doors to other senior finance roles. For instance, you can become a finance manager or the chief financial officer of a company.
 

Finding your finance controller job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:

• a wide variety of training and development opportunities
• an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
• a range of opportunities in your area
• get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
• temporary and permanent contracts

Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a finance controller is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
 

A finance controller oversees the accounting operations of a company and helps streamline decision-making processes. 

 

A finance controller earns an average salary of £55,000 per year, but with experience and additional educational qualifications, your earnings can increase to £75,000 annually. 

 

Becoming a finance controller is an exciting job with great career prospects and a lucrative salary. It is also a rewarding career since you contribute to companies' growth.

 

You need a degree in a relevant field. You also require extensive work experience in finance and accounting.

A finance controller manages the accounting operations of a company, while a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is in overall charge of the company's finance strategy. The finance controller reports to the CFO. Want to learn more about working as a finance controller? Then check out this article.

Applying for a finance controller job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for controller vacancies. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!