How to Become a Finance Controller

The position of finance controller is a high-level executive position in the corporate business world. As a matter of fact, it is often the top financial position in a privately held company or subordinate only to the CFO in the financial hierarchy of a public company. The main responsibility of this position is to oversee the financial inner-workings of a company in order to maintain budgets and encourage fiscal growth.

Things You'll Need

• At least 3 years of additional academic preparation or practical experience in corporate finance
• Bachelor's degree in finance and accounting

Instructions

Prepare to Become a Finance Controller

1. Build a strong academic foundation for future career advancement by obtaining a bachelor's degree in finance or accounting and going on to earn an MBA or Master's in accounting. Make it a priority to get these degrees early in your career so that their pursuit does not hinder your advancement when your career practical performance otherwise merits it.

2. Spend 3 to 4 years early on in your career in a preparatory position such as accountant or auditor with an objective to become an assistant controller later. Consider starting out as a small fish in a big pond, since working within a large corporation can strengthen your credentials while giving you important practical experience and a broad network of contacts.

3. Become an assistant finance controller or finance director in a mid- to large-sized company within 5 years of finishing your academic work, and begin to strategize about whether to set your sights on the top job where you are or at another company.

Make Your Move to Become a Finance Controller

1. Build a strong relationship with the external CPA who audits or reviews your company and discreetly ask him to keep you in the loop concerning finance controller openings or other career advancement opportunities at other companies he works with or knows of.

2. Make your superiors aware of your goal of becoming finance controller in your company on a specific timetable and ask them to support your career goal by giving you opportunities for internal advancement.

3. Keep an eye on appropriate job listings in the financial journals and newspapers such as the "Wall Street Journal" and the "New York Times" and circulate or send in your resume discreetly when you see a good fit.

4. Make note of "headhunter" or employment firms that frequently list high-level finance positions. Make an appointment to meet with their specialists in the areas of finance and accounting jobs in order to share your resume, make a personal impression and inform them of your career objective.

Tips & Warnings

• Be realistic about your personal strengths and weaknesses and suitability for such a high-level position. A finance controller must possess keen mathematical skills and training, proficiency with computer financial applications, above-average communication skills and an impeccable reputation for honesty and rigid integrity.