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Financial Controller Job Description: Top Duties and Requirements

A Financial Controller, or Director of Financial Services, manages the finance and accounting departments of an organization. Their main duties include evaluating the operations of the finance, accounting and audit departments, implementing financial systems for records management, and preparing financial statements and reports for upper management and shareholders.

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Financial Controller duties and responsibilities

A Financial Controller is responsible for many important elements within an organization. Some of the main duties and responsibilities that are expected of a Financial Controller on a daily basis include:

  • Serve as the messenger between the accounting and finance departments, and shareholders
  • Evaluate auditing systems in place and modify whenever necessary
  • Develop models and projections to estimate what finances will look like over the course of a year
  • Hire, manage, and train new staff members
  • Prepare financial statements, analyses, and reports
  • Make recommendations for improving policies and systems in place
  • Ensure optimal profitability for the corporation
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Financial Controller Job Description Examples:

What does a Financial Controller do?

A Financial Controller establishes and maintains the procedures for the finance and accounting departments within an organization. They are responsible for planning budgets, executing financial analysis, and developing financial models to help explain their projections for the company’s financial success in the coming months. They also monitor the company’s financial performance and report back to upper management with their findings. The Financial Controller works with the heads of other departments to decide how to optimize the systems and policies in place, and to develop new ones. They ensure the organization is fully compliant with the Canadian Tax Act, as well as other federal and provincial regulations.

Financial Controller skills and qualifications

Some of the top skills and qualifications found in a successful Financial Controller candidate include:

  • Strong organizational and leadership skills
  • Excellent analytical skills
  • Exceptional communication skills
  • In-depth knowledge of accounting and finance
  • Strong eye for detail
  • Excellent knowledge of digital technology
  • Excellent ability to work as a team

Financial Controller experience requirements

As it is a management position, a successful candidate will generally have several years of experience in the field of accounting, finance, or business administration. Experience in budgeting or financial planning is considered an asset to this position.

Financial Controller education and training requirements

A successful Financial Controller candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, finance, or a related discipline. In some organizations, a Financial Controller may be required to hold an accounting designation such as a Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), or Certified General Accountant (CGA). A master’s degree with a concentration in finance or an MBA is a desirable certification for candidates.

Financial Controller salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average Financial Controller in Canada earns a salary of $80,002 per year. Salaries can vary based on factors like geographical location, type of industry, size of the organization, and level of experience.

Job description samples for similar positions

If this description isn’t exactly what you had in mind, consider browsing some similar job description samples to find a better fit:

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Financial Controller job description FAQs

What is the difference between a Financial Controller and a Financial Advisor?

A Financial Controller reports to the senior management team and shareholders of the corporation. They liaise between the accounting and finance departments and the upper management team, reporting their financial analyses, projections, and estimates for the future to these teams.

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