Controller Job Description

Position Description: Controller

Comments: The content of the following job description is based on the assumption that a controller has adequate
support staff to handle day-to-day accounting transactions, leaving the controller in the role of managing the accounting
department. If this is not the case, and especially if the controller is the only person in the accounting department, it is
likely that the controller is really fulfilling the role of a bookkeeper. See the bookkeeper job description for more
information.
Basic Function: The controller position is accountable for the accounting operations of the company, to include the
production of periodic financial reports, maintenance of an adequate system of accounting records, and a comprehensive
set of controls and budgets designed to mitigate risk, enhance the accuracy of the company's reported financial results,
and ensure that reported results comply with generally accepted accounting principles or international financial reporting
standards.
Principal Accountabilities:
Management
1. Maintain a documented system of accounting policies and procedures
2. Manage outsourced functions
3. Oversee the operations of the accounting department, including the design of an organizational structure
adequate for achieving the department's goals and objectives
4. Oversee the accounting operations of subsidiary corporations, especially their control systems, transaction-
processing operations, and policies and procedures.
Transactions
1. Ensure that accounts payable are paid in a timely manner
2. Ensure that all reasonable discounts are taken on accounts payable
3. Ensure that accounts receivable are collected promptly
4. Process payroll in a timely manner
5. Ensure that periodic bank reconciliations are completed
6. Ensure that required debt payments are made on a timely basis
7. Maintain the chart of accounts
8. Maintain an orderly accounting filing system
9. Maintain a system of controls over accounting transactions
Reporting
1. Issue timely and complete financial statements
2. Coordinate the preparation of the corporate annual report
3. Recommend benchmarks against which to measure the performance of company operations
4. Calculate and issue financial and operating metrics
5. Manage the production of the annual budget and forecasts
6. Calculate variances from the budget and report significant issues to management
7. Provide for a system of management cost reports
8. Provide financial analyses as needed, in particular for capital investments, pricing decisions, and contract
negotiations
Compliance
1. Coordinate the provision of information to external auditors for the annual audit
2. Monitor debt levels and compliance with debt covenants
3. Comply with local, state, and federal government reporting requirements and tax filings
Additional Accountabilities:
1. If the company is publicly held, then add a requirement to be responsible for the filing of quarterly and annual
reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission
2. If the company is a small one, then the controller likely assumes the responsibilities of the chief financial officer
(CFO). See the CFO job description for more information.
Desired Qualifications: The controller candidate should have a Bachelor's degree in accounting or business
administration, or equivalent business experience and 10+ years of progressively responsible experience for a major
company or division of a large corporation. Preference will be given to candidates with the Certified Public Accountant or
Certified Management Accountant designations.
Working Conditions: Primarily in an office environment. Will be expected to travel as needed to company subsidiaries, as
well as to potential acquirees to conduct due diligence. Periodic weekend or evening work is expected.
Supervises: All accounting staff










Accounts Receivable/Payable Clerk Job Purpose: Obtains revenue and pays invoices by verifying and completing payable and
receivable transactions.
Accounts Receivable/Payable Clerk Job Duties:
Prepares work to be accomplished by gathering and sorting documents and related information.
Pays invoices by verifying transaction information; scheduling and preparing disbursements; obtaining authorization of payment.
Obtains revenue by verifying transaction information; computing charges and refunds; preparing and mailing invoices; identifying
delinquent accounts and insufficient payments.
Collects revenue by reminding delinquent accounts; notifying customers of insufficient payments.
Prepares financial reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing account information and trends.
Maintains accounting ledgers by posting account transactions.
Verifies accounts by reconciling statements and transactions.
Resolves account discrepancies by investigating documentation; issuing stop payments, payments, or adjustments.
Maintains financial security by following internal accounting controls.
Secures financial information by completing data base backups.
Maintains financial historical records by filing accounting documents.
Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
Skills/Qualifications: Administrative Writing Skills, Organization, Data Entry Skills, General Math Skills, Financial Software,
Analyzing Information , Attention to Detail, Thoroughness, Reporting Research Results, Verbal Communication