CONTROLLER SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Published: September 25, 2024 - The Controller enhances the capacity to manage and supervise within dynamic, fast-paced environments. Strong analytical abilities, problem-solving skills, and a track record in full-cycle accounting, including GAAP, project-based accounting, and ERP implementations, support high standards in financial management. Advanced proficiency in financial system technologies and project accounting, particularly for engineering or construction firms, is coupled with exceptional organizational, confidentiality, and communication skills.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Controller Resume
  • Financial Reporting
  • Budgeting
  • General Ledger Management
  • Cost Accounting
  • Financial Analysis
  • GAAP Knowledge
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Tax Planning
  • ERP Systems
  • Internal Controls
  • Leadership
  • Communication
  • Problem-Solving
  • Attention to Detail
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Time Management
  • Adaptability
  • Teamwork
  • Decision-Making
  • Ethical Judgment

Summary of Controller Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BS in Accounting with 5 years of experience

  • Experience working with international subsidiaries
  • Experience working in SaaS and/or with a private venture-backed technology firm
  • Strong knowledge of GAAP and FASB interpretations
  • Experience in Netsuite, and implementation & integration of new systems/software, including billing platforms.
  • Track record of building and developing high-performance accounting teams in a fast-paced organization
  • Proficient with revenue recognition for technology and services companies
  • Able to set and meet deadlines
  • Strong written and verbal communication, with the ability to communicate at all levels in the organization.
  • Advanced understanding of Excel for financial analysis
  • Strong interpersonal skills, effective communication skills, and excellent organizational skills.
  • Professional, positive, and team-oriented attitude.
  • Ability to work closely with the management team.

2. BA in Finance with 6 years of experience

  • Ability to identify issues and resolve problems
  • Solid understanding of month-end closings
  • Strong familiarity with journal entries
  • Knowledge of cash flow management
  • Strong organizational skills and a proven ability to meet deadlines
  • Skilled in the construction and delivery of effective presentations to audiences with wide-ranging backgrounds
  • Distinguished analytical, quantitative and social skills
  • Observant, accurate and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment
  • Prior work in technology, analytics and management experience desired
  • Excellent written/verbal communication and organizational skills
  • Prior experience in a public accounting environment is highly valued
  • BA/BS in Accounting, Finance, Economics or other business related field
  • Ability to work well in matrix organization and dealing with ambiguity

3. BS in Business Administration with 7 years of experience

  • Strong knowledge of accounting and finance principles, including US GAAP and accounting topics relevant to enterprise SaaS companies
  • Experience managing successful external audit processes for companies
  • Experience managing banking, tax advisor, and other external relationships
  • Detailed experience with QuickBooks and at least one more “advanced” ERP/accounting platform (e.g., NetSuite)
  • Experience with selecting and implementing ERP/accounting, AR/AP, FP&A, and/or automation software preferred
  • Experience integrating finance systems with Salesforce and other enterprise systems preferred
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and Google Suite
  • Experience with and interest in building and mentoring a team.
  • Understanding of how to identify and hire talent, how to effectively manage and mentor
  • Direct and clear communicator, both written and verbal.
  • Ability to work for a small team in a fast-paced environment such as flexible, adaptable, willing to get hands dirty, collaborative

4. BS in Economics with 4 years of experience

  • Excellent management and supervisory skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills.
  • Proficient in accounting software.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.
  • Adept at gathering and analyzing data for understanding needs and evaluating outcomes.
  • Works well individually and is self-directed.
  • Flexible and has a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm.
  • High emotional intelligence and empathy for human behavior.
  • A balance of humility and confidence, always seeking truth from a place of inquiry.
  • Highly motivated and committed to excellence.
  • Strong business knowledge, understanding of a variety of business practices, and familiarity with the restaurant industry.
  • Experience working in a full-service restaurant environment would be beneficial.

5. BA in Accounting and Finance with 8 years of experience

  • Strong technical knowledge and experience with new accounting pronouncement interpretation and implementation
  • Experience with accounting for internal development costs
  • Demonstrated knowledge of financial systems, management controls, processes, and technology tools
  • Experience working with Boards
  • ERP implementation experience
  • Advanced proficiency with MS Office Suite
  • Proven leadership skills, including the ability to coach, develop and mentor a team
  • Excellent analysis abilities and a consultative approach to champion change
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence and effectively present and clarify concerns and concepts to various audiences
  • Exemplary collaboration and interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to develop and maintain relationships
  • Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple deliverables in a time-sensitive environment and adapt to frequently changing priorities
  • Highly attentive to detail and committed to quality
  • Ability to learn new skills (e.g., new databases and technology) and adapt to changing environments
  • Self-motivated with a strong work ethic and dedication to timely and accurate reporting.

6. BS in Management with 10 years of experience

  • Proven working experience as a Controller (strong plus if with a SaaS organization).
  • Overall combined accounting and finance experience (US GAAP experience a plus)
  • Knowledge of accounting principles and procedures.
  • Experience with creating financial statements, general ledger functions and the month-end/year-end close process.
  • Excellent accounting software user and administration skills.
  • Experience with Intacct accounting software and Concur expense management a strong plus
  • Excellent Excel and reconciliation skills.
  • Strong team leadership skills (approachable, strong coaching skills, ability and willingness to roll up sleeves and help out team members).
  • Ability to define and meet deadlines, work under pressure, and build/maintain productive relationships.
  • Time management and the ability to prioritize activities regularly and ensure key objectives are met.
  • Commitment to continuous improvement, self-development, and life-long learning.
  • Live and work in alignment with Axonify’s core values – Be Bold, Collaborate, and Get the Job Done

7. BS in Financial Management with 6 years of experience

  • Experience and post-secondary degree preferably with an accounting designation (CPA, CMA, CGA) in a related field of study or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Deep knowledge and technical proficiency gained through extensive education and business experience.
  • Excellent verbal & written communication skills
  • Highly motivated and adaptable with in-depth analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Previous experience leading teams is an asset.
  • Highly motivated with strong analytical, organizational, and time management skills.
  • Professional with a high level of business acumen.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office, Xero, and leveraging business intelligence systems.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to work with a high degree of accuracy.
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
  • Experience with increasing responsibility, with at least two years of supervisory experience in the financial reporting function, experience in the construction or landscape industry a plus
  • A disciplined professional manager possessing good organizational skills and experience in applying those to solid processes and procedures and the underlying systems to support them.

8. BS in Auditing with 4 years of experience

  • Excellent at hiring, training, developing, and appraising staff effectively.
  • Efficient written and oral communication skills
  • Strong interpersonal and customer service skills
  • Professional certifications such as CPA, CMA, CFA, CIA
  • Insurance industry-focused education accomplishments (LOMA, AIRC, APIR, etc)
  • Demonstrated experience building a team in a corporate environment.
  • Ability to work well under pressure, work independently and meet deadlines
  • Strong organization, attention to detail and multi-tasking skills
  • Strong interpersonal, supervisory and customer service skills
  • Experience with SAGE accounting software or other large automated accounting system
  • Strong experience and knowledge of MS Word and Excel

9. BA in Public Accounting with 9 years of experience

  • Experience as assistant controller or controller
  • Excellent knowledge of FSCP best practices and controls
  • Hands-on experience in cost accounting, inventory management, standard costing, and variance analysis
  • Thorough understanding of ASC 606, ASC 842, ASC 718, FIN 48
  • Entrepreneurial spirit, the ability to foster relationships, and the capability to develop innovative ideas and solutions with a track record of managing successful relationships with auditors and accounting service providers
  • Prior IPO or public company financial reporting experience preferred
  • Possesses a willingness and ability to work hands-on and with a sense of urgency, in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
  • Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively present to and engage with a wide range of audiences, ability to work as both a team member and a team leader
  • Strong proficiency in Excel and experience with ERP systems.
  • Strong knowledge of accounting standards, best practices, internal controls and GAAP
  • Ability to work independently (self-starter) and the ability to work effectively with senior-level staff
  • Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills

10. BS in Corporate Finance with 5 years of experience

  • Experience with cost accounting in a manufacturing setting
  • Knowledge of small business accounting practices and standards.
  • Experience working with multiple corporate owners across different functions and locations,
  • Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
  • Ability to provide accurate and timely financial reporting around the month-end close.
  • Solid knowledge of accounting laws and regulations on a federal, state, and local level, including FASB standards.
  • Working knowledge of Obeer and SAP
  • Strong organization skills and attention to detail
  • Confident, composed and has the ability to change direction with minimal notice
  • Analytical, excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Hands-on style with the ability to supervise and equally participate 
  • Experience in preparing the month-end close process, preparing month-end management reports, and maintaining the fixed assets schedule
  • Own accounts payable and receivable oversight, reconciliations, prepare and record journal entries

11. BA in Economics and Management with 6 years of experience

  • Ability to communicate effectively, in both written and verbal formats
  • Ability to effectively mentor employees at all levels
  • Understanding of and ability to use continuous improvement tools
  • Ability to drive solutions to complex planning issues with limited supervision
  • Ability to support a 24/7 global business operation
  • Effective analytical, planning and organizational skills
  • Effective interpersonal skills with employees and customers
  • Effective negotiation and problem-solving skills
  • Proven ability to demonstrate discretion, confidentiality, independent judgment and professionalism when representing Benchmark
  • Demonstrated leadership and people management skills
  • Demonstrated ability to work with a team and the ability to operate on diverse project teams with minimal direction
  • Solid financial understanding, risk analysis ability, relationship-building, and project management
  • Lead or participate in a continuous improvement activity with complete documentation, including a follow-up review with the team in a presentation format

12. BS in Cost Accounting with 7 years of experience

  • Experience with federal and commercial contracts.
  • Experience with Deltek Vision and/or specific industry software
  • Experience in A/E/C Industry.
  • Experience in cost controls and accounting.
  • Experience in the construction and remediation industry.
  • Significant knowledge of the design and consulting industry.
  • Knowledge of operations and maintenance industry cost controls and accounting preferred.
  • Practical problem-solving ability with experience in earned value management, trending, and forecasting.
  • Proficient with MS Office suite, especially Excel.
  • Excellent organizational, time management, multi-tasking and communication skills.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the capability to explain complex financial issues to non-finance people.

13. BA in Financial Planning with 5 years of experience

  • Experience with SaaS and preferably also IaaS Business Models.
  • Excellent management and supervisory skills.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Exceptional analytical, reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
  • Demonstrated leadership ability and confidence.
  • Experience in selection and implementation of general ledger, billing, and payroll systems a plus.
  • Government contracting experience a plus.
  • Proficiency with Excela, highly organized, able to maintain strict confidentiality, and possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Hands-on experience preparing financial statements and overseeing the monthly close process from start to finish are required
  • Experience with project-based accounting is essential as is WIP and project budgeting
  • Responsible for project accounting responsibilities, including work-in-progress
  • Experience with ERP implementation
  • Prior experience at an engineering, construction, or architectural firm is highly preferred
  • Strong knowledge of US GAAP and full-cycle accounting

14. BS in Taxation with 6 years of experience

  • Experience including technical accounting, audit support, financial controls, international operations and currency transactions, etc.
  • Exposure to SaaS and PaaS models preferred
  • Experience as a Controller, Assistant Controller, or Accounting Supervisor
  • Financial accounting systems experience (e.g., QuickBooks, SAP, and Cognos) and ERP implementation experience preferred
  • Experience in public accounting and private industry
  • Healthcare and/or medical technology industry experience
  • Proven team leader with supervision and staff development experience
  • Effective relationship management, collaboration, and communication, verbal and written across organizational units, various levels of management, and external customers and partners
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Detail-oriented with a focus on financial data integrity
  • Advanced PC skills (e.g., Excel, databases, reporting tools like Power BI)

15. BA in International Finance with 8 years of experience

  • Strategic agility such that individuals can understand and communicate how all the pieces contribute to the overall vision.
  • A self-directed manager with the ability to organize a variety of diverse projects and deliver timely results.
  • An energetic leader who encourages cross-department collaboration to accomplish organizational goals and improve operational efficiencies.
  • Able to prioritize, balance responsibilities and meet deadlines.
  • Able to expresses ideas clearly and concisely in writing. 
  • Work requires professional written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills. 
  • Ability to participate in and facilitate group meetings.
  • Able to identify the key actions that will make significant contributions to the business. 
  • Ability to establish long-term goals/metrics and plans accordingly.
  • Ability to multitask in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
  • Ability to proactively identify problems and offer solutions.
  • Good judgment and discretion in handling confidential information.
  • Ability to maintain flexibility and composure under pressure.

16. BS in Investment Management with 5 years of experience

  • Good computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, email, basic internet usage.
  • Demonstrated ability to successfully work with a wide degree of creativity, latitude and autonomy.
  • Demonstrated respectful, constructive and energetic leadership style.
  • Ability to use good judgment in dealing with proprietary and confidential matters.
  • Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
  • Ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  • Ability to work on prioritize and work on multiple projects and tasks efficiently with little direct guidance, while maintaining focus on details required for individual assignments.
  • Strong persuasion, negotiation, problem-solving and conflict resolution skills including strong interpersonal/internal customer service skills.
  • Ability to handle a high volume of work, rapidly adapt to changing environment and possess strong work ethics.
  • High degree of productivity and skill in testing, troubleshooting, and problem-solving.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across the organization, particularly with peers, salon owners, and members of the senior management team.
  • Ability to accept responsibility for assigned tasks and complete them on schedule.

17. BA in Strategic Management with 7 years of experience

  • Knowledge of GAAP standards
  • Keen financial and business acumen
  • A passion for the details and an ability to explain them to diverse audiences
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to ability to share values of growth, relationships, integrity, and true grit
  • Ability to track record of thriving in an entrepreneurial and self-starting environment
  • Ability to excel in multi-tasking and participating in, and coordinating new projects
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with a confident, can-do attitude, a sense of humor, and a demonstrated ability to interact across all levels on an organization (both internally and externally)
  • Ability to represent the company with high level of professionalism and present to (and interact with) c-suite, board member, and investor-level stakeholders
  • Ability to manage projects of a highly confidential and critical nature
  • Ability to share values of growth, relationships, integrity, and true grit

18. BS in Budgeting and Forecasting with 4 years of experience

  • Ability to work effectively in a diverse workforce.
  • Ability to communicate information efficiently and succinctly.
  • Experience in the construction industry preferred, job costing experience
  • Experience with cash flow forecasting, other treasury functions
  • Strong ERP knowledge and experience with Sage 100 Contractor and/or QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise Accounting Software
  • Demonstrated expertise in Excel along with experience with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and other Microsoft applications
  • Demonstrated ability to roll up sleeves and work with team members
  • Strong ownership of work product, 
  • Strong about completing work correctly and on time, with strong attention to detail and problem-solving ability
  • Ability to organize and manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously with accuracy while maintaining a positive attitude in a fast-paced environment
  • Superior analytical and organizational skills

19. BA in Banking and Finance with 6 years of experience

  • Ability to develop graphs, tables, presentations, and templates to convey information clearly, concisely and effectively
  • Ability to establish and maintain professional boundaries in working with all stakeholders
  • Ability to work independently as well as be a part of the team with minimal day-to-day supervision
  • Demonstrates a positive attitude, self-motivation, empathy, and resourcefulness while maintaining a reputation that reflects proactive team participation.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with both internal and external contacts including active listening, developing rapport and resolving conflict
  • Ability to assess and resolve stakeholder inquiries and concerns, responding timely and effectively. 
  • Understand when to elevate a situation to the next level
  • Ability to be multifaceted in a business environment to assist where needed with exceptional time management and organizational skills
  • Demonstrate a strong work ethic with a commitment to professional behavior and interactions
  • Ability to adapt to changing technology and processes
  • Able to pass a criminal background check and pre-employment drug screen
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