Financial Controller Job Description

What is the job description of a Financial Controller? What are the duties and responsibilities of a Financial Controller? What does a Financial Controller do?

Job description of a Financial Controller

A Financial Controller prepares, develops and analyses key financial information to ensure that an organisation’s management makes well-informed decisions to ensure future stability, growth and profitability.

They establish and maintain financial policies and management information systems, as well as provide a high quality support service by liaising with management colleagues on all aspects of finance. The role combines accounting skills with business management skills.

This Financial Controller job description example includes the list of most important Financial Controller duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Financial Controller profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Financial Controller Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Controller job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • 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;

Financial Controller Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Financial Controller job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • Master's Degree in Accounting or equivalent.
  • Proven experience in finance management.
  • Good communication skills.
  • Auditing experience.
  • Compliance oriented.
  • Proficiency in accounting software.
  • Analytical skills.
  • Strong leadership qualities.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Sound knowledge of accounting fundamentals.

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Financial Controller starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Financial Controller job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Financial Controller may also reference it in preparation for the interview.