Controller Job Description for Finance and Accounting Leaders

The Controller is responsible for the accuracy and integrity of an organisation's financial information and the effective operation of accounting processes. Candidates should be experienced accounting professionals with a strong technical background, proven leadership in financial control, and the ability to deliver timely management reporting and compliant statutory accounts.

Controller Job Profile

The Controller oversees day-to-day accounting operations and ensures that financial records, reporting and internal controls meet regulatory and management requirements. This role provides reliable financial data, supports budgeting and forecasting, and maintains robust control frameworks to protect company assets.

The Controller typically reports to the chief financial officer or finance director and leads a small accounting team. The postholder acts as a key point of contact for external auditors, tax advisers and internal stakeholders when addressing financial queries and implementing improvements.

Controller Job Description

The Controller manages the preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements and ensures the month-end close process is completed accurately and on time. They deliver management information that highlights performance trends, variances and risks, and provide explanatory analysis to support strategic decisions.

In addition to reporting duties, the Controller develops and maintains internal control policies and procedures to mitigate financial risk and ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards and statutory requirements. The role involves co-ordination of audit activities, oversight of tax reporting obligations and regular review of accounting processes to achieve efficiencies and strengthen governance.

The Controller is expected to lead and mentor accounting staff, foster cross-functional collaboration with other business units and contribute to system and process improvements that enhance data quality and reporting timeliness.

Controller: Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the month-end and year-end close processes to produce accurate financial statements.
• Prepare statutory accounts and management accounts in accordance with relevant accounting standards.
• Maintain general ledger integrity and ensure timely reconciliations of key balance sheet accounts.
• Develop, document and enforce internal control procedures to safeguard assets and reduce risk.
• Coordinate and support external audit and internal audit activities, including provision of schedules and explanations.
• Oversee VAT, corporation tax and other statutory reporting requirements in co-ordination with advisers.
• Provide regular management reporting, variance analysis and actionable financial insight to senior management.
• Prepare and monitor budgets, forecasts and long-range financial plans.
• Manage cash flow reporting and short-term working capital requirements.
• Lead, train and develop the accounting team to maintain high standards and efficient workflows.
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase accuracy and reduce close timelines.
• Ensure compliance with company accounting policies and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Assist with system upgrades, data migrations and financial control enhancements as required.
• Perform ad hoc financial analysis and support special projects as requested by finance leadership.

Controller: Requirements and Qualifications

• Professional accounting qualification such as ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent.
• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or a related discipline preferred.
• Substantial experience in financial reporting, month-end close and statutory accounts preparation.
• Strong knowledge of relevant accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
• Proven experience in developing and maintaining internal controls and compliance frameworks.
• Demonstrable leadership and people management experience within an accounting team.
• Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail with the ability to present clear financial analysis.
• Effective communication skills and ability to work with senior stakeholders and external auditors.
• Prior involvement in audit processes and tax reporting obligations.
• Ability to prioritise, meet deadlines and manage multiple deliverables in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and process standardisation.
• High level of integrity and confidentiality when handling financial information.
• Proven problem-solving skills and a pragmatic approach to resolving accounting issues.