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Financial Controller Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

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A 9268491finance26.16financial controller21.93accountant18.34finance manager15.95finance director6.9411360111330422000.0059950.14117000.00YEARLY43592072025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Financial Controller, or a Comptroller supervises all accounting-related activities in an organisation. Their duties include maintaining internal controls over financial reporting, presenting financial reports to an executive team and overseeing the preparation of budgets.

9268491finance26.16financial controller21.93accountant18.34finance manager15.95finance director6.9411360111330422000.0059950.14117000.00YEARLY43592072025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Financial Controller duties and responsibilities

The functions of a Financial Controller vary depending on factors like the size and structure of a company. Financial Controllers that work in smaller companies typically have a broader scope of responsibilities, which may include those of a Finance Director and a Treasurer. In general, their day-to-day tasks include:

  • Ensuring that an organisation meets the necessary tax, permit and licencing requirements
  • Collaborating with an executive team in establishing more effective processes and controls to ensure the integrity of a company’s ledger
  • Overseeing all financial control activities, including the review and analysis of monthly and quarterly numbers and disclosures
  • Providing executive management with accurate and comprehensive financial information to guide effective policy making and financial strategising
  • Summarising budget trends, analysing deficiencies and reporting variances to executives
  • Providing external auditors with the necessary documentation and support
  • Taking care of tax preparation duties or liaising with external tax accountants for tax preparation

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Financial Controller Job Description Examples:

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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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What does a Financial Controller do?

A 9268491finance26.16financial controller21.93accountant18.34finance manager15.95finance director6.9411360111330422000.0059950.14117000.00YEARLY43592072025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Financial Controller has a senior position in a company’s finance team and is typically second in command after the Finance Director. The primary function of a Financial Controller is to oversee the collection, analysis and consolidation of financial data and to assist the Finance Director in the effective management of an organisation’s finances. Financial Controllers play a key role in the development and maintenance of financial controls, processes and systems and ensure that these are in line with statutory requirements.

Financial Controller skills and qualifications

As a Financial Controller acts as a valuable link between a company’s financial and executive teams, they must have strong communication skills. They need to clearly communicate financial information to senior management and must have the ability to build strong relationships with key collaborators. A successful Financial Controller candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications that typically include:

  • A practical understanding of management accounting principles and techniques
  • Solid knowledge of standard accountancy and finance best practices
  • Solid IT skills, including proficiency in the relevant accounting packages
  • A strong understanding of tax codes and laws
  • Strong analytical skills to effectively analyse financial reports
  • In-depth knowledge of budgeting and financial forecasting

Financial Controller experience requirements

Financial Controllers typically need many years of experience in professional accounting or auditing. To cope with the demands of the job, candidates normally also need previous experience in a managerial accounting position. A background in corporate financial management will provide candidates with valuable skills for the job. In general, Financial Controllers must show extensive experience in leading financial teams and overseeing a company’s financial control and reporting activities. Candidates also need knowledge of change best practices and experience in working with relevant financial and accounting software packages.

9268491finance26.16financial controller21.93accountant18.34finance manager15.95finance director6.9411360111330422000.0059950.14117000.00YEARLY43592072025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Financial Controller education and training requirements

Although there are no fixed education and training requirements for this job, many Financial Controllers possess a bachelor’s a degree in accounting, economics, finance or a related field. A master’s qualification, such as a master’s in Business Administration (MBA) or a master’s degree in accounting is advisable, as this level of education provides in-depth and specialist knowledge in key areas. Candidates with an accounting background typically obtain a recognised professional qualification from a professional institution, such as the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) or the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).

Financial Controller salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Financial Controller is £56,094 per year. Salaries will vary, though, depending on factors like location and employer.

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Financial Controller job description FAQs

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