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Controller Job Description Template

A ready to edit controller job description, also called a financial controller, that covers the close, the controls and the reports leadership relies on. Copy it, fill in the brackets, or have HRStak draft one for your company.

Free to use. No account needed to copy the template.

Quick answer. A controller job description works when it says who the controller reports to, how large the finance team is and whether the job includes budgeting and forecasting or stops at accounting and reporting. It should also name the systems and any audit or lender requirements. The template below names those pieces and leaves pay, team size and any certification in brackets, because only you know them.

§01 Template

The controller job description, ready to edit.

Copy the text, then fill in each highlighted bracket. A bracket marks a blank only you can fill, such as the pay, the hours or who the role reports to.

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Template

Controller

About the role

[Company name] is hiring a Controller to lead accounting and financial reporting. You will own the month end close, the internal controls and the financial statements, and you will give [CEO, CFO or owner] a clear picture of how the business is doing. You will manage a team of [number] and work in [accounting system].

Responsibilities

Own the monthly close and deliver accurate financial statements by [business day].
Manage the general ledger, account reconciliations, accounts payable and accounts receivable.
Design and maintain internal controls for approvals, payments, expense reports and access to bank accounts.
Prepare the annual budget and rolling forecasts with [department heads or leadership].
Explain variances to budget and give leadership clear monthly reports on margin, cash and key costs.
Coordinate the annual audit or review, tax filings and lender reporting with [outside CPA firm and lenders].
Manage and develop the accounting team, including hiring, training and performance reviews.
Improve systems and processes, such as the chart of accounts, month end checklist and month end tools.

Requirements

[Number] or more years of accounting experience, including [number] years leading a team or the close.
Strong knowledge of financial reporting and the month end close.
Experience with [accounting system] and advanced spreadsheet skills.
[Degree, license or certification your state or industry requires, such as a CPA].
The ability to explain numbers to people who are not accountants.
Sound judgment and discretion with payroll, banking and other confidential information.

Nice to have

Experience in [industry such as manufacturing, healthcare, software or professional services].
Experience working with auditors, lenders or investors.
Experience selecting or moving to a new accounting or reporting system.
Experience with multi entity or multi location reporting.
Familiarity with [budgeting or reporting tool you use].

Pay, schedule and benefits

Hours: [days and hours, onsite, hybrid or remote]. Pay: [pay range or rate]. Benefits: [short summary]. Equal opportunity statement: [use the wording your HR or legal advisor provides].

§02 Make it yours

Three decisions that make this posting specific to you.

Clarify controller versus CFO

A controller focuses on accounting, the close and controls. A CFO also leads financing, strategy and investor relationships. If you need both, say so, or hire a controller now and plan for a CFO later. Candidates will compare your posting to both roles.

State the team and the systems

Say how many people the controller manages, which accounting system you use and whether a bookkeeper or outside accountant sits underneath. A controller of a team of five and a controller who does most of the work alone are two different jobs.

Name the outside reporting

Audits, lender covenants, investor reports and board packs shape the job. List the ones that apply and how often. Use the bracket for any license or certification you require, and check what applies where you hire.

§03 Levels

How the controller posting changes by level.

Adjust the template for the level you are hiring. These are common patterns, so match them to how your own team defines each level.

Level	Common titles	What changes in the posting
Entry	Assistant Controller, Accounting Supervisor	Runs the close and reviews staff work while the controller or CFO owns the controls, budget and audit relationships.
Mid	Controller, Financial Controller	Owns the close, financial statements, controls and the accounting team. Leads the budget and works directly with the owner, CFO and outside CPA.
Senior	Senior Controller, Corporate Controller, Director of Accounting	Leads a larger team and several entities, owns audits and lender reporting, and takes part in planning and financing decisions with executives.

§04 Mistakes

Mistakes to cut from a controller posting.

Using the title without defining the job

Controller can mean a hands on accountant in a ten person company or a manager of a large team. Describe what the person does each week and who reports to them.

Mixing controller and CFO duties

Strategy, fundraising and investor relations belong to a CFO. Putting them in a controller posting makes the job look unreachable and drives away strong controllers.

Ignoring soft skills

A controller spends time with the owner, managers and auditors. Ask for the ability to explain numbers clearly and to say no to a spending request in a way people accept.

§05 Questions

Frequently asked questions.

What does a controller do?

A controller leads a company's accounting. They own the month end close, the financial statements and the internal controls, manage the accounting team and work with auditors, lenders and the outside CPA.

What is the difference between a controller and a CFO?

A controller focuses on accounting, reporting and controls. A CFO also leads financing, planning and strategy, and often reports to the CEO. Small companies often have a controller first and add a CFO as they grow.

What is a financial controller?

Financial controller is another name for a controller. In some companies it means the person who leads the accounting and finance function. The duties described in this template apply to either title.

What skills should I ask for in a controller?

Month end close leadership, financial reporting, internal controls, budgeting and the ability to manage a team and explain results to leaders. Name your accounting system so candidates can judge their fit.

Should the posting include pay?

Candidates look for it first, and some places have rules about posting pay ranges. Check the rules where you hire, and put the range in the bracketed pay field of the template.

§06 Next

Draft yours, or keep browsing.

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