Should I Consider Becoming a Controller?

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The financial industry is littered with an abundance of career options. For potential students seeking the best career path, it can sometimes be hard to pick and choose the right fit. Choosing a career in the financial industry depends a lot on what skills, interests, and talents a candidate possesses and how far he or she is willing to go with higher education in order to get there.

What Does a Controller Really Do?

Often, financial careers are confusing and hard to navigate for those unfamiliar with the ins and outs of the finance world. A great example is that of a financial controller. Controllers are basically the guardians of corporate funds. Their responsibilities include controlling access to expenditure funds, creating reports and analyses regarding profitability, and setting prices for products and/or services.

What it takes to become a Successful Controller

Anyone considering a career as a financial controller should possess a strong desire to deal daily with complex mathematical and analytical situations. A solid attention to detail and advanced understanding of IT concepts is also necessary. Of course, extensive knowledge of business concepts and money flow is crucial. Due to the intense nature of the job, candidates must also have the ability to remain calm under pressure and handle unhappy or argumentative management staff professionally and with a firm hand.

Salary & Job Outlook

According to the website, indeed.com, financial controllers currently have a median salary of $80,000 per year. As technology advances, so will the need for skilled IT savvy controllers, so the job outlook for this field is promising. Anyone considering a career as a controller can look forward to a well-paying, stable job for a long time to come.

Education Requirements

Financial controllers must pursue a college education. A Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Business, or Economics is a must before employers will even consider a potential candidate. In addition, most employers require a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) License and proof that the candidate can handle complex budgetary and mathematical problems. Along with a degree, employers prefer controllers with experience in the field and a strong work presence.

Work Environment

Controllers work long, hard hours under intense pressure from management and at times must be the bearer of bad news to that same management staff. Typically, controllers work in close quarters with marketing, budgetary, and management staff to resolve expenditure and other financial issues. Successful controllers must be able to handle a high level of intensity and stress in order to succeed.

Overview

Students considering a career as a financial controller need to take a long look at the work environment, job responsibilities, and personal skills necessary to succeed in this high intensity career. If stress and pressure bring out the best in a candidate, this is a great career choice.

However, if a demanding, intense work environment sounds unappealing, candidates should consider other options as only calm, level-headed controllers rise to the top of this money-driven field. Of course, if a high salary and stable job outlook are also important, a career as a financial controller is something to consider.