Controller

The Controller oversees the activities of the finance department, ensuring proper execution of its functions. They are tasked with the implementation of appropriate financial controls to ensure compliance with accepted accounting processes, procedures and legal requirements. They are also responsible for budget and forecast preparation, financial data analysis, record-keeping, and financial reporting to senior management.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

The Controller has a managerial role in overseeing the activities and efficiency of the finance department. In this position they also validate all financial controls and procedures within the business, ensuring the adequate maintenance of proper policies and procedures in the areas of finance, accounting, and tax to maintain suitable internal controls that lead to complete, accurate, and timely financial reporting. The Controller also manages audits of the business by working closely with external auditing firms at all stages for the purpose of guaranteeing accuracy in reporting.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

The Controller is tasked with analyzing, recommending, and implementing necessary improvements across the finance landscape of the business to ensure the integrity of reported financial results. In this capacity, they generate periodic financial reports that are timely, accurate, and usable by the business in assessing its financial position. The Controller personally reviews financial issues that directly impact the business’s operations and reported financial results.

Financial Management:

The Controller coordinates the monthly closing process and preparation of supporting schedules and work papers for periodical financial reviews and financial audits. In this capacity, the Controller reviews accounting entries on a regular basis to ensure timeliness and accuracy, maintaining a strict confidentiality of operational, financial, and business information. The Controller is also involved in treasury functions within the business, including banking relationships and management to meet the financial obligations and liquidity levels of the business.

Collaboration: The Controller’s role is very collaborative and works closely with senior management and all levels of the organization.

The Controller also conducts periodic audits and serves as the primary liaison for external auditors during operational and financial audits. The Controller will also work closely with the legal team, recommending appropriate structures of business or aiding in merger and acquisition financial activities.

Required Skills/Abilities:

The Controller must have exceptionally good written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate sensitive financial information and instructions to others within the organization.

In addition to accounting and finance functional/technical skills, the Controller must also possess exceptionally good computer and MS Office skills necessary for the creation of engaging and easy-to-understand financial documentation, reports, and recommendation for senior finance management and leadership.

The candidate for this position must be result-oriented, have a passion for change implementation and management, work comfortably in a fast-paced and fast-evolving environment, be open and welcoming to change, have strong analytical and organizational skills, be self-motivated and proactive requiring minimal supervision, have strong leadership capabilities, work comfortably in a highly collaborative setting, and remain calm and composed in times of uncertainty.

Education and Experience:

The Controller must have a bachelor’s degree Accounting or Finance or the equivalent of practical experience. A CPA certification is desirable.

The candidate for this position should have at least 5 years of working experience in similar roles and environments. They must also be highly familiar with ERP software and have a demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality of financial information.

A suitable candidate must also demonstrate knowledge and experience in general accounting principles and practices.