financial controller job description

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 make sure accounting distributions are accurate and that all monies are accounted for properly. You oversee the disbursement of cash and manage payroll activities and bank settlements. You 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 with creating budgets and preparing their projected cash flow reports to support the finance allocation. financial analysis: apart from financial reporting, you conduct financial analysis on various plans and advise the management. For instance, if a company wants to invest in a particular investment, you assess the risk using statistical data. You also find efficient ways of executing a business plan to improve financial management. ensuring compliance: as a finance controller, you ensure the company complies with government regulations. You ensure the organisation remits all the necessary taxes and adheres to statutory requirements and relevant industry regulations to avoid fines or penalties.

As a finance controller, your work environment depends on the industry you work in and your employer. 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. Although you might have your own office, 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 always requires professional attire. You can work from home or remotely and conduct your meetings virtually.

who are your colleagues?

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include accountants , financial planners and finance analysts . You might also be working in close proximity to finance managers and finance business partners , as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, financial accountants , finance assistants and financial risk compliance officers .

Finance controllers work regular business hours, typically from 9 am to 5 pm. That means you work 40 hours per week, although you sometimes 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 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 can become a finance controller when you have extensive experience in accounting and finance, especially in senior managerial positions. If you have a background in accounting and finance, being a finance controller is a rewarding career. It opens doors to other senior finance roles. For instance, you can become a finance manager or the chief financial officer (CFO) of a company.

advantages of finding a financial controller job through randstad

Finding your financial 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 financial controller is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract every year with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

what are the duties of a financial controller?

As a financial controller, you oversee the company's finances and supervise the finance department's day-to-day operations. For instance, you are in charge of financial planning and managing annual budgets. You also oversee taxation and ensure compliance with financial and tax laws.

how much do financial controllers make in Australia?

The typical salary of a financial controller in Australia is $150,000 per year. The remuneration fluctuates based on work experience and the complexity of your duties. Junior-level roles attract a salary of $140,000 annually, while senior roles attract a remuneration package of $160,000 annually.

what is the difference between a financial controller and a finance manager?

Financial controllers and finance managers oversee the financial condition of the company. While the roles are similar, a financial controller focuses on accounting functions and financial reporting. On the other hand, a finance manager handles financial planning and management of the finances.

is a financial controller higher than a CFO?

In the traditional organisational hierarchy, a chief financial officer (CFO) ranks just below the chief executive officer (CEO). As a financial controller, you report to the CFO alongside the tax manager. Other managers in the accounting and finance departments report to the controller.

how do I become a financial controller?

You require at least a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting or a related course to become a financial controller in Australia. You also need professional qualifications, such as a CA or CPA designation, to excel in the role.

how do I apply for a financial controller vacancy?

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

Working as a financial controller

what is a financial controller?

As a financial controller, you oversee finance teams. You participate in budget-setting and support various departments in maintaining their budgets. You also work with various professionals and provide financial planning support. Therefore, you need experience with accounting technologies to aid your performance. You also juggle your duties with other managerial responsibilities, such as supervising the accounting team.

Finance controllers maintain a business's current and future stability. You need exceptional skills in accounting and decision-making to take control and be accountable for a company's financial strategies, cost-reduction opportunities and growth evaluation.

Finance controllers work in any industry in the public or the private sector. Whether you work in fast-moving consumer goods companies, mining industries, technology consultancies, not-for-profit organisations or financial services, you perform the same responsibilities. However, the size of the business influences your duties. For instance, in a small company, you manage the business's financial affairs directly, but you may also handle the duties of a finance manager. In large companies, your duties depend on the accounting complexity and the size of the finance team. You could specialise in finance management or supervise the accounting team. The role usually requires strong analytical skills as you handle statistical data.

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average financial controller salary

As a financial controller, you earn an average remuneration package of $150,000 per year. When starting in a junior role, you start with a salary of $140,000 per year, but with experience and advanced educational qualifications, you take home over $160,000 annually.

how to increase your salary as a financial controller

Your earnings as a financial controller depend on various factors. The main determinant is your work experience and educational qualifications. You will likely earn more if you have additional qualifications and certifications to highlight your competencies. After gaining several years of work experience, you can demand a higher salary.

The size of the company also affects your remuneration package. In a small company, you have fewer and less complex duties; in large companies, you handle more complex roles due to the company's huge financial resources.

Want to know what you will earn as a financial controller? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.

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types of financial controllers

The role of a finance controller has numerous aspects and areas of specialisation. As a steward, you conserve and protect a company's resources. You accurately report on the company's financial position, manage risks and preserve the employer's assets.

As an operator, you ensure efficient and effective operations in the accounting department. That involves managing the accounting process to ensure accuracy. Catalysts drive execution by providing the correct information to stakeholders at the appropriate time. They help in decision-making and guide decision-makers to the best options. As a strategic finance controller, you help the executive team drive the company's growth. You aid the development of business strategies.

Three colleagues having a meeting in a meeting room, while one colleague is making a call outside the room.

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working as a financial controller

Finance controllers work with accounting and finance teams to control finance and administrative functions. Let's explore the specific roles, work environment and career outlook of a finance controller.

financial controller job description
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 make sure accounting distributions are accurate and that all monies are accounted for properly. You oversee the disbursement of cash and manage payroll activities and bank settlements. You 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 with creating budgets and preparing their projected cash flow reports to support the finance allocation.
- financial analysis: apart from financial reporting, you conduct financial analysis on various plans and advise the management. For instance, if a company wants to invest in a particular investment, you assess the risk using statistical data. You also find efficient ways of executing a business plan to improve financial management.
- ensuring compliance: as a finance controller, you ensure the company complies with government regulations. You ensure the organisation remits all the necessary taxes and adheres to statutory requirements and relevant industry regulations to avoid fines or penalties.
work environment

As a finance controller, your work environment depends on the industry you work in and your employer. 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. Although you might have your own office, 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 always requires professional attire. You can work from home or remotely and conduct your meetings virtually.
who are your colleagues?

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include accountants, financial planners and finance analysts. You might also be working in close proximity to finance managers and finance business partners, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, financial accountants, finance assistants and financial risk compliance officers.
work schedule

Finance controllers work regular business hours, typically from 9 am to 5 pm. That means you work 40 hours per week, although you sometimes 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 travel overseas to review their financial performance or manage internal audits.
job outlook

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 can become a finance controller when you have extensive experience in accounting and finance, especially in senior managerial positions. If you have a background in accounting and finance, being a finance controller is a rewarding career. It opens doors to other senior finance roles. For instance, you can become a finance manager or the chief financial officer (CFO) of a company.
advantages of finding a financial controller job through randstad
Finding your financial 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 financial controller is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract every year with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

4

education and skills

To become a financial controller in Australia, you require a degree in accounting or business administration (accounting). Some companies require postgraduate qualifications for the role. You should also be accredited as a chartered accountant (CA) by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Australia and New Zealand or as a certified practising accountant (CPA) by Certified Practising Accountants Australia.

Aside from qualifications, you require extensive work experience. Start with entry-level roles in accounting or bookkeeping to learn the relevant skills and work towards becoming a financial controller.

financial controller skills and competencies

Some of the personal qualities of a financial controller include:

computing skills: as a finance controller, you should be familiar with office technology to succeed. For instance, master the Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel and Access (database management). Your computing skills are useful in bringing together the information you have gathered and analysing it to make decisions.
communication skills: as a finance controller, being a great communicator helps you relay information to the accounting team. Communication skills also help you explain the risks of an investment to the executive team in simple terms.
analytical skills: finance controllers analyse various financial information and accounting data. For instance, you analyse financial accounts during internal audits and assess the risks of an investment. Analytical skills help you improve your decision-making.
leadership and management skills: as a finance controller, you should be a good leader in order to manage and motivate people to optimise their performance. Leadership skills also help you become more strategic in your approach.

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FAQs about working as a financial controller

Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a financial controller.

what are the duties of a financial controller?

As a financial controller, you oversee the company's finances and supervise the finance department's day-to-day operations. For instance, you are in charge of financial planning and managing annual budgets. You also oversee taxation and ensure compliance with financial and tax laws.
how much do financial controllers make in Australia?

The typical salary of a financial controller in Australia is $150,000 per year. The remuneration fluctuates based on work experience and the complexity of your duties. Junior-level roles attract a salary of $140,000 annually, while senior roles attract a remuneration package of $160,000 annually.
what is the difference between a financial controller and a finance manager?

Financial controllers and finance managers oversee the financial condition of the company. While the roles are similar, a financial controller focuses on accounting functions and financial reporting. On the other hand, a finance manager handles financial planning and management of the finances.
is a financial controller higher than a CFO?

In the traditional organisational hierarchy, a chief financial officer (CFO) ranks just below the chief executive officer (CEO). As a financial controller, you report to the CFO alongside the tax manager. Other managers in the accounting and finance departments report to the controller.
how do I become a financial controller?

You require at least a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting or a related course to become a financial controller in Australia. You also need professional qualifications, such as a CA or CPA designation, to excel in the role.
how do I apply for a financial controller vacancy?

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

financial controller.