Controller Resume Example

Are you ready to take the next step in your financial or accounting career? Crafting a standout controller resume is a crucial step in the job search process. Your resume should showcase your experience, achievements, and qualifications to catch the attention of potential employers.

This comprehensive guide will provide you with expert advice and a customizable resume sample to help you land your dream job as a Controller. You’ll learn how to optimize your cover letter, highlight your core competencies, and navigate the job search process with ease.

With a clear understanding of what employers are looking for and the tools to create a standout resume, you’ll be well on your way to advancing your career in finance.

Introduction

Looking to land a top accounting role that showcases your expertise in financial planning and reporting, budgeting, and GAAP? Check out this comprehensive guide on creating a winning controller resume for an Accounting or Financial Controller job position.

As a Controller, you’ll be responsible for managing cash flow and financial functions for businesses. It’s important to have a well-crafted resume that highlights your professional experience, skills, and cover letter to stand out from other candidates.

In this guide, you’ll find a professional sample Controller resume for financial and assistant job positions. You’ll learn how to choose the best Controller resume format, write a Controller resume objective or summary, optimize your resume for the Controller job description, and showcase your education and skills.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to invigorate your Controller resume with your proven experience in accounting, financial statements, payroll, and asset management.

Controller Resume Example Description

This resume was created for a higher level employee hoping to expand on his executive experience as a Controller in a large corporation.

As someone with a lot of experience and skills, we provided a detailed introductory paragraph and Summary of Qualifications to ensure that potential employers see his value immediately. Now that the reader is intrigued, we expanded upon the client’s accomplishments with a detailed Professional Experience section.

The more relevant and impressive bullet points were written in bold to have them further standout to the reader. This client had so much experience that we split his three oldest jobs into an Early Career Summary section. That way, they are still included and acknowledged, but the resume doesn’t begin to drag on.

Additionally, preveious job positions were explained in great detail are far more impressive and relevant to his future career interests.

Finally, Education and Training as well as Technology Proficiencies were listed to complete the resume. These works to show that this client is a well-rounded employee that brings a diverse skill set to his field.

Controller Resume Sample Summary Statements

• Highly effective financial executive with over 30 years of experience specializing in finance, operations and marketing.
• Offering an array of skills in cash flow forecasting, budgetary planning, productivity metrics analysis, team management, written and verbal communication, accounting, insurance policies, cross-functional collaboration, reporting and stakeholder engagement.
• Proven ability to utilize decisive leadership of multi-million dollar entities with large workforces and multiple locations.
• Inventive and foresighted results-getter delivering quantifiable profitability through cost controls, analytical reasoning, training and technology.
• Track record of success implementing multi-faceted approach in simultaneously managing all aspects of a company while exceeding all goals and deadlines in fast-paced, dynamic environments.

Resume Experience Statements for Controller

• Supervise all accounting operations for over $200M gross, month end, quarter and yearly closings.
• Direct company-wide payroll operations for over 1,000 employees, including Human Resources, ACA, insurance, EDD, employee policies and procedures.
• Drive sales increase, eliminate waste and shortages as well as manage payroll for 27 locations to secure high profitability for each location.
• Provide cash and treasury management, including overseeing reconciliation of banking activity (30 accounts), revenue, credit card processing, sales tax returns and investment accounts.
• Maintain efficiency of corporate and field locations, including researching latest software and POS for customer service efficiencies and effective time management.
• Seek and implement effective technologies for cost containment at numerous locations on continual basis.
• Deliver audit preparation (GAAP) and resolve other formal financial inquiries from agencies, property owners and insurance companies.
• Manage the preparation of financial reports, cost reports, balance sheets, budgets and financial forecasts on a regular basis for 28 locations.
• Oversee cash flow, treasury, Human Resources, unemployment and labor disputes on a routine basis.
• Control theft, fraud and expenses to assist with efficient operations and production.
• Advise on, and accountable for, all financial decisions made in the firm.
• Appointed responsible for financial proposals as well as the management of financial contracts and 25 real estate leases.
• Ensure superior risk management via setup and negotiation of effective insurance policies that include Property, Liability, Disability and Workers’ Compensation.

Resume Help – Summary Statements for Business Controller Resumes

Here are some examples of different summary statements you could use in a financial controller resume

• Showcasing over X years of expertise in Accounting, Finance, and Information Technology, this accomplished professional leads teams to enhance business processes, develops cost-saving strategies, and maximizes cost recovery to boost revenue. As a Financial Controller, you’ve got a keen eye for detail and are well-versed in management accounting.
• With a strong understanding of GAAP and accounting principles, you have experience managing finance and accounting operations, including Billing, A/R, A/P, GL, and RR. Your key skills in financial planning, reporting, and analysis, as well as your ability to manage personnel, makes you an ideal candidate for a Controller job position.
• You have supervised, trained, and evaluated accounting personnel, and have developed numerous cost-saving and revenue-generating ideas for departments. With a Master of Science in Accounting from the University of London and a Certified Professional – CPA License, you’re a top performer in your field.
• Your attention to detail, critical thinking skills, and ability to communicate effectively across departments make you a valuable asset to any organization. When writing your summary statement for a Controller resume example, highlight your accomplishments and skills to stand out from the competition.

Writing Out Work History & Accomplishments

Highlighting your extensive experience and achievements in Accounting and Finance, this section details your successful management of financial perations, development of cost-saving strategies, and supervision of accounting personnel that are ideal for a controller resume.

As a Financial Controller, you’ve got an impressive work history that demonstrates your ability to lead and motivate diverse teams to enhance and fully implement new business processes. You’ve managed all accounting operations including Billing, A/R, A/P, GL, and RR, and developed and maintained internal accounting policies and procedures.

Your professional experience also includes managing departmental costs and reducing costs within the Finance department. You’ve supervised, trained, and evaluated a total of 4 accountants and accounting clerks, and developed numerous cost savings and revenue-generating ideas for departments resulting in a personnel reduction of 15%.

As port of your job, you’ve coordinated and directed the preparation of the budget and financial forecasts, and prepared and published timely monthly financial statements. You’ve also managed the month-end/quarter-end/year-end closing and reporting, and maintained quality control over financial transactions and financial reporting.

Core Competencies & Qualifications on a Corporate Controller Resume

Oh look, another section full of impressive skills and qualifications that’ll make employers drool with envy. Let’s dive in and see what this Accounting Controller can really bring to the table.

As a candidate for a controller job position, you possess a wide range of core competencies and qualifications that’ll make you stand out from the crowd. You have a deep understanding of financial planning and reporting, GAAP, and accounting principles. You’re highly skilled in managing cash flow and forecasting, as well as budgeting and internal controls. Additionally, you have experience in team building, account management, and financial market analysis.

You’ve managed finance and accounting operations, developed internal accounting policies and procedures, and supervised the preparation and review of cost studies. You’ve got a proven track record of reducing costs and generating revenue, and are skilled in preparing and publishing timely financial statements.

Your combination of technical skills, attention to detail, problem-solving, and collaboration make you a valuable asset to any organization. With your controller resume in hand, you’re ready to take on new challenges and contribute to the success of your future employer.

Education & Training on Resumes

Now it’s time to share where you’ve honed your impressive skills and qualifications.

As a candidate for a Controller job position, your education and training are vital components of your controller resume example. Whether you have a graduate degree, undergraduated degree or exensive training, these qualifications demonstrate your extensive knowledge in accounting and finance.

To showcase your educational background effectively, you need to ensure that the education section of your controller resume  is well-organized and easy to read. Use a resume guide to create a professional-looking education section that highlights your qualifications and makes it easy for potential employers to see your credentials.

Be sure to include any relevant coursework, honors, or awards that you received during your studies. By presenting your education and training in a concise and professional manner, you can make a strong impression on potential employers and increase your chances of landing your dream job.

Certifications & Awards

Let’s dive into the Certifications & Awards section of your controller resume, where we can learn more about the impressive accolades and qualifications that set you apart as a top candidate in the accounting and finance industry.

Certifications and awards can demonstrate your commitment to the field and your expertise in various areas on your resume. In this section, you can include any relevant certifications such as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license or a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

Additionally, any awards or recognitions you’ve received for your work in accounting or financial management can be included here. These certifications and awards can reinforce your skills and experience, making you a standout candidate in a competitive job market.

Be sure to review controller resume samples to get an idea of what types of certifications and awards are commonly included in this section.

Relevant Skills for Financial / Accounting Controllers

As you review the Relevant Skills section for an Accounting Controller job position, you’ll quickly see the extensive financial knowledge and expertise necessary for success in this role.

Accounting controllers are expected to be proficient in financial planning and reporting, GAAP, budgeting, and cash flow forecasting. They’re also required to have strong technical skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office, PeopleSoft, and SAP NetWeaver.

Moreover, the ability to lead and motivate diverse teams, as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills, are essential for this position.

Resumes for accounting controllers should showcase both hard and soft skills. Examples of hard skills include proficiency in accounting principles, financial statements, payroll, asset management, and general ledger. Meanwhile, soft skills such as problem-solving, attention to detail, collaboration, and interpersonal skills should also be highlighted.

Emphasizing these skills can help the accounting controller resume stand out in a competitive job market.

Common Responsibilities for a Controller

What are the common responsibilities for an Accounting Controller resume and how can one excel in this role?

As a business controller, corporate controller, or assistant controller, the Accounting Controller is responsible for managing various financial functions, including accounts payable and receivable, general ledger, and financial reporting. They must also oversee departmental costs and develop cost-saving ideas, while ensuring compliance with GAAP, accounting principles, and internal controls.

To excel in this role, an Accounting Controller must possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as excellent communication and team-building abilities. As a key member of the finance team, the Accounting Controller must also collaborate with other departments to develop and maintain accounting policies and procedures.

They must be able to supervise and train accounting personnel, as well as evaluate their performance and provide feedback. Additionally, they must be able to prepare and publish timely financial statements and forecasts, and manage the month-end/quarter-end/year-end closing and reporting processes.

By demonstrating proficiency in these common responsibilities, a controller can stand out to potential employers and advance in their career as an Accounting Controller.

Wrapping Up the Resume

Congratulations! You now have all the tools you need to create a standout controller resume for your dream job. Remember to highlight your work history and accomplishments, core competencies and qualifications, education and training, certifications, and awards, and relevant skills.

To give you an idea of how to put all this information together, let’s take a look at a hypothetical example. Meet John, a seasoned professional with over 10 years of experience in the finance industry that wants to create a controller reusme.

John’s resume highlights his extensive work history, including his role as a Financial Controller at a Fortune 500 company where he successfully managed a team of 20 accountants and increased revenue by 15% in just one year. This controller resume also showcases his core competencies and qualifications, such as his expertise in financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting.

In addition, John has earned several certifications and awards, including a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license and a Finance Executive of the Year award.

Thanks to his well-crafted controller resume and cover letter, John lands an interview with a top accounting firm. During the interview, he impresses the hiring manager with his in-depth knowledge of financial analysis and his ability to lead a team to success.

As a result, John is offered the job and begins his new role as a Senior Accounting Controller, where he continues to excel and make a positive impact on the company.

Use the tips and advice in this guide to create your own standout resume and cover letter, and start your journey towards a successful career as an Accounting Controller. Good luck!