Becoming a controller is a great way to take your career to the next level. Controllers are responsible for keeping track of all the financial transactions that occur within their organization, so they typically have a lot of responsibilities and opportunities for advancement. If you’re interested in becoming a controller, here are some things you should consider:

1. What kind of company do you want to work for? If you want to work for a large corporation, then it’s important that you get experience working at medium-sized companies first. It’s easier to move up from smaller companies into larger ones than it is from larger companies into smaller ones.
2. Make sure you know how to use Excel like a pro! Controllers use Excel all day long to keep track of their data—it’s an essential skill for any controller job application or interview process.
3. Find out what kind of people tend to be successful in this position before applying for any jobs or interviewing with anyone related to it (such as recruiters). This will help give you an idea of whether or not the position would be right for your personality type.

How To Become Controller

Financial controllers generally work in the private sector and oversee organizations’ finances. The most qualified candidates typically hold advanced degrees, industry certifications, and years of accounting or financial experience.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 17% growth in financial management careers from 2020-2030.

If you are interested in how to become a financial controller, continue reading to learn about the typical steps, education, and certifications to obtain this position.

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Steps to a Financial Controller Career

We list the typical professional and educational requirements for becoming a financial controller. Aspiring professionals can follow these steps to pursue work in the field:

1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: Earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance provides a strong foundation for advanced accounting study and industry work. These degrees typically take four years to complete.
2. Obtain a Master’s Degree: A graduate degree, like a master’s in accounting or an accounting MBA, allows enrollees to specialize in their field. Advanced credentials can help candidates secure high-level accounting careers. Master’s programs take about two years to complete.
3. Take the CPA Exam: Once accounting students have satisfied the 150 credit requirement, they can sit for the Certified Public Assistant (CPA) exam. If test-takers pass the exam, they earn CPA certification.
4. Earn CPA Licensure: Professionals can earn CPA licensure by fulfilling the requirements from their state’s board of accountancy. Once they obtain their licenses, accountants can seek employment and legally practice public accounting.
5. Obtain Professional Accounting Experience: Prospective controllers need extensive accounting experience. Working for firms, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations can provide the practical experience that future controllers need. Accountants should obtain at least five years of public accounting experience.
6. Pursue Employment as an Assistant Controller: Many hiring companies seek financial controllers with assistant controller experience. Professionals may work in these positions for several years before advancing to senior financial controller roles.

Required Education for a Financial Controller

Financial controller candidates can improve their chances of landing a job by pursuing graduate degrees. A bachelor’s degree in accounting typically meets the minimum requirements for controller positions. However, hiring managers often prefer applicants with master’s degrees in accounting or MBAs in accounting or finance.

Since controllers must demonstrate leadership and financial guidance, an MBA offers well-rounded preparation for this management role. These versatile degrees cover financial analysis, taxation, forecasting, and business strategy.

Earning a graduate-level degree can lead to more opportunities for professional advancement. Holding a master’s or MBA communicates industry expertise to employers. A controller who holds a master’s degree can also negotiate for promotions and higher salaries.

• Read about bachelor’s degree programs in accounting
• Read about master’s degree programs in accounting
• Read about MBA degree programs in accounting

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Certifications and Licensure for Financial Controllers

While not required, financial controllers can pursue certification and licensure to indicate proficiency in the field. The CPA certification indicates successful completion of the CPA exam, while a license permits individuals to practice public accounting professionally. Continue reading to learn about more certification opportunities.

Optional Credentials

Some employers may expect applicants to hold CPA credentials. Depending on the organization’s function and size, employers may prefer other certifications, such as chartered financial analyst (CFA) or certified management accountant (CMA).

Certifications demonstrate candidates’ industry qualifications and expertise to prospective employers. Holding certifications can also help financial controllers advance into executive-level positions. Professionals can seek certification through organizations like the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants or the American Association for Investment and Financial Management.

CPA, CFA, and CMA certifications require applicants to demonstrate work experience and pass the respective exams. Learn more about specific accounting certifications and exams through the links below.

• Learn how to earn a CPA certification
• Learn how to earn a CFA certification
• Learn how to earn a CMA certification

Optional Education

Working toward a finance controller position takes years of study and work experience. Hiring requirements vary among companies, but candidates should include all academic and industry experience on their resumes. Accounting professionals can increase their chances of securing controller jobs by pursuing optional educational opportunities.

• Management Accounting Degree Concentration: Financial controllers oversee departments and need a strong educational foundation in management. An applicant with a specialization in management accounting can stand out among their competition.
• Ph.D. in Accounting: Earning a Ph.D. in accounting demonstrates the highest level of achievement in accounting education. Professionals who hold these degrees can pursue advanced positions in the industry.
• Mentorship Programs: A professional looking to secure an assistant controller or financial controller position can benefit from a mentorship. These programs often help enrollees gain confidence, develop expertise, and expand their professional networks.