WHAT IS AN ACCOUNTING CONTROLLER ?

The Accounting Controller is responsible for managing financial processes, including the general ledger, tax, and accounts payable, ensuring financial accuracy, and leading technical accounting and reporting. This pivotal role designs strategies to align with industry demands and meet company objectives, focusing on efficient financial management and regulatory compliance.

An Overview of Accounting Controller Job Description Responsibilities and Qualifications

1. Accounting Controller Duties and Responsibilities

  • Build and sustain excellent relationships at multiple levels across the organization and act as a business partner to facilitate enhancement initiatives.
  • Lead all areas of accounting including general ledger, tax, consolidations, accounts payable, inventory
  • Ensuring the accuracy of financial information, publishing financial statements, and external reporting.
  • Drive continuous business process improvement, leveraging existing and new technologies
  • Overseeing robust and accurate business requirements, reporting, and testing for system changes impacting areas of responsibility.
  • Oversee the external reporting including the Company’s quarterly, annual, and statutory reporting requirements,
  • Staying apprised of changes in IFRS other regulatory requirements.
  • Ensure that SOX controls for areas of responsibility adequately address business and technology risks,
  • Ensure all processes are documented, kept current, and executed in accordance with Company policy.
  • Oversee month-end and year-end closings including external audits.
  • Attract, hire, train, and retain high-performing staff as supported by growth in the business.
  • Perform other job-related functions and special projects as assigned.

2. Accounting Controller Skills, Abilities and Experience

  • Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from an accredited college or university required.
  • An advanced degree (MBA or other relevant masters degree) is highly desirable
  • Minimum 12 years experience including managing accounting functions for a large organization(s) with experience at the Director/Controller level.
  • Big 4 public accounting experience and Oracle experience are highly desirable.
  • Airline and/or travel industry experience a plus.
  • Strong knowledge in IFRS technical accounting.
  • Excellent technical, verbal, and written communication skills (C1 English / Advance) 
  • Explain results across varying levels of experience within the organization.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
  • Experience with Oracle is highly desirable.
  • Experienced leader needed to oversee accounting function for a fast-growing international airline based

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Professionals in this field usually manage projects or tasks, collaborate with teams, analyze information, and solve problems related to business or organizational objectives. Daily responsibilities may vary depending on experience level, specialization, and the organization where the role is performed.

What skills are commonly required for this career?

Most careers require a combination of technical skills related to the profession and professional skills such as communication, teamwork, problem solving, and analytical thinking. These abilities help professionals perform effectively in different work environments and across various organizational roles.

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Many professionals begin in entry-level roles where they gain foundational knowledge and practical experience. Over time, they may progress to mid-level or senior positions that involve greater responsibility, specialization, or leadership within their organization or industry.

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Starting a career in this field typically involves building relevant knowledge, gaining practical experience, and developing the key skills associated with the profession. Preparing strong application materials, such as a targeted resume and cover letter, can also help candidates pursue entry-level opportunities successfully.

Editorial Process

Lamwork content is developed through structured review of publicly available job postings and documented hiring trends.

Editorial operations are managed by Thanh Huyen, Managing Editor, with research direction and final oversight by Lam Nguyen, Founder & Editorial Lead. Content is periodically reviewed to reflect observable labor market changes.