Financial Controller Duties & Responsibilities

The role and function of a Financial Controller includes the following duties and responsibilities:

  • Interpreting and communicating financial data to non-financial managers;
  • Liaising with other function managers to put the finances and accounts in context;
  • Preparing periodic financial statements, including profit and loss accounts, budgets, cash flows, variance analysis and commentaries;
  • Providing a support service by working with all departments and the management team to help make financial decisions;
  • Negotiating on major projects, loans and grants;
  • Offering professional judgement on financial matters and advising on ways of improving business performance;
  • Monitoring and evaluating financial information systems and suggesting improvements where needed;
  • Implementing corporate governance procedures, risk management and internal controls.
  • Ensuring spending is kept in line with the budget;
  • Informing key strategic decisions and formulating business strategies;
  • Advising on the financial implications and consequences of business decisions;
  • Analysing financial performance and so contributing to medium and long-term business planning/forecasts;

Note that this is not an exhaustive list of Financial Controller duties and responsibilities. Job functions for specific Financial Controller roles may vary, depending on the industry and type of employer.