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Controller skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

5 min read

Quoted Experts

Kathi Mettler,

Thomas King

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical controller skills. We ranked the top skills for controllers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 7.6% of controller resumes contained cpa as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a controller needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 controller skills for your resume and career

1. CPA

Here's how controllers use cpa:

Worked with company CPA to ensure accuracy and integrity of financial information and assisted with internal audits to ensure regulatory compliance.
Decreased amount of time for end-of-year independent CPA audited financial statement production through more timely and accurate reporting.

2. Payroll Processing

Here's how controllers use payroll processing:

Consolidated human resource and payroll operations into one umbrella organization reducing unemployment tax costs and streamlining payroll processing and internal transfers.
Review and oversaw payroll processing and human resource functions; maintained commission schedules; coordinated payroll processing and eligibility of benefits.

3. Reconciliations

Here's how controllers use reconciliations:

Produced monthly account reconciliations, posted monthly journal entries and reviewed, analyzed, corrected and issued monthly comparative financial statements.
Trained and supervised bookkeepers Bank reconciliations, prepared financial statements and sales tax reports Managed cash flow Set up accounting systems

4. Cash Management

Here's how controllers use cash management:

Cash management and analysis including negotiation of payment terms discounts with suppliers and assisting Procurement department with managing supplier relationships.
Developed daily cash management program to analyze daily requirements and projected revenues streams based on volumes and seasonal history.

5. Internal Controls

Here's how controllers use internal controls:

Performed audits of financial statements and processes to ensure accuracy, compliance and adequate internal controls exists to safeguard hospital assets.
Coordinate and conduct internal audits to determine level of financial exposure to company and recommend improvements to strengthen internal controls.

6. GAAP

Here's how controllers use gaap:

Designed and implemented financial reporting procedures, including modifications to software packages to ensure compliance with GAAP and internal audit procedures.
Facilitated communication with outside auditors to ensure compliance with GAAP and prepared all necessary documentation resulting in an Unqualified audit.

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7. External Auditors

Here's how controllers use external auditors:

Reduced annual audit financial statement process by two months by utilizing automation of schedules and SharePoint technology with external auditors.
Monitored and provided status of all managed assets by conducting audits; providing information to internal and external auditors.

Select Skills To Add To Your Resume

CPA

Payroll Processing

Reconciliations

Cash Management

Internal Controls

GAAP

8. Account Reconciliations

Here's how controllers use account reconciliations:

Promote operational efficiency through proper accounting coding, balance sheet account reconciliations, and improved utilization of Excel and Access.
Prepared monthly financial statements, monthly account reconciliations from balance sheet to bank reconciliations, and weekly cash reports/deposits.

9. Cash Flow

Here's how controllers use cash flow:

Developed and implemented significant cost and working capital reduction, maximizing corresponding cash flow and Return on Assets.
Developed and prepared executive summary schedules including monthly operational results, budget variance analysis and cash flow forecast.

10. General Ledger Accounts

A general ledger account is a practice to keep a record of a company's total financial accounts. The accounts included in a general ledger lists the assets, liabilities, owners' equity, expenses, and income or revenue. It forms the basis of reporting a business's financial statements.

Here's how controllers use general ledger accounts:

Reviewed general ledger accounts to ensure that activity complied with company policies and procedures and that balances were accurately stated.
Developed general ledger reconciliation templates to standardize process and evaluate 216 general ledger accounts decreasing liabilities by 23%.

11. Financial Data

Here's how controllers use financial data:

Streamlined accounting and month-end closing procedures, resulting in efficiency and accurate financial data useful for upper management in making decisions.
Coordinate financial data allowing development of appropriate financial and operational information to be available to management in a timely basis.

12. Journal Entries

Journal entries can be defined as an act of keeping or making records of any transactions either economic or non-economic. The journal entries are made in the accounting systems of an organization. The entries are filled with two main fields; debit and credit. The debit and credit must be equal at the end of a journal entry else it is not considered correct. The journal entries also keep the date of transactions and the names of the accounts that were affected by the transactions.

Here's how controllers use journal entries:

Reconciled inventory at multiple foreign and domestic warehouses and adjust journal entries to balance general ledger with perpetual inventory system.
Managed monthly financial close including preparing journal entries, reviewing accounts for accuracy, and preparing internal management reports.

13. Oversight

Having oversight of someone means to monitor a process or a situation. If someone has oversight of something, they are responsible for the completion of the project. Oversight is usually given to experts as they monitor their juniors or newbies as they go through a project.

Here's how controllers use oversight:

Established and enforced corporate policies; provided comprehensive oversight of accounting functions; and maintained records for parent company and auditors.
Corrected and updated the financial reporting system and instituted financial integrity throughout the organization via operational and financial oversight and controls.

14. Financial Analysis

Here's how controllers use financial analysis:

Reviewed monthly financial analysis/business requirements reports.
Increased drill down reporting to include horizontal and vertical financial and non-financial analysis at a regional and business line segment level.

15. Human Resources

Human resources is a set of people in a business or a corporation that are designated to locate, interview, and recruit new employees into the company. They are also responsible to maintain the integrity of the employees and help them sort their problems out. They try to introduce and manage employee-benefit programs.

Here's how controllers use human resources:

Handled all insurance/pension/investment/real estate/human resources/employee benefit responsibilities.
Partnered with human resources to successfully re-negotiate union labor contract, achieving more stringent corporate and division spending guidelines.

12 Controller Resume Examples

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Brenda Cunningham Controller Contact Information Middletown, NJ (330) 555-4917 bcunningham@example.com Skills • To-Be • UAT • Waterfall • Ad-Hoc Analysis • Financial Statements • Business Partners • Project Budget • Financial Transactions • LLC • Essbase Employment History Controller 2020 - Present Barclays Capital Middletown, NJ • Review and coordinate 5 separate legal entity financial statements, including consolidation, with internal corporate counterparts. • Work cross functionally with tax, legal, GAAP, compliance and risk management. • Prepare and analyze monthly financials, monthly government reports, board reports and annual budgets. Business Analyst 2019 - 2020 AT&T Middletown, NJ • Developed an application which allowed UNIX and PC users to input financial data to a MVS GL system. • Monitored system status, database performance, and resolved issues affecting end-user access to the data warehouse. • Manage all hardware and software projects for the team. • Implemented user interface to view, enter and update marketing and inventory sales-related information about customers and services. • Modify and tested forms, reports and procedures requiring modification. Business & Finance Analyst 2011 - 2013 Verizon New Brunswick, NJ • Hired to fill a void while a more sophisticated and specialized in-house database management system was being built. • Supplied weekly expense/performance indicator data, monthly/quarterly/annual expense projections, and variance analysis for senior level management. • Gathered the Data Warehouse requirements to capture the KPI's, measures and dimensions and facts for the Data Warehousing effort. • Investigate metric formulas to ensure the reporting within sub business units are in uniform. • Key Results: >Corporate Submissions Verizon Data Services Income Statement, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow. • Project: Analyze requirements to determine if existing Siebel CRM should be upgraded or replaced. Education Master's Degree Accounting 2013 - 2014 Temple University Philadelphia, PA Bachelor's Degree Economics 2003 - 2006 Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey New Brunswick, NJ


Danielle Pierce Controller Contact Info Houston, TX (990) 555-3209 dpierce@example.com Skills Financial StatementsPayrollEssbaseCustomer ServiceBusiness ControllerEnsure ComplianceCPARisk ManagementSpecial ProjectsExternal Auditors Employment History Controller 2017 - Present Waste Management Houston, TX • Prepared Division budget, monthly forecasting and financial statements for facilities in multiple states. • Justify and seek proper approval for all capital expenditures. • Review and update financial procedures as necessary. • Originated monthly financial statements for 3 corporate sites. • Prepared and analyzed consolidated monthly financial statements. Finance Analyst 2015 - 2017 Boeing North Charleston, SC • Developed monthly reporting of budget performance including variance analysis, year-end spend and rate forecast. • Consolidated Boeing Defense Systems Financial Statements; P&L, Cash Flow and Balance Sheet. • Managed program Action Items utilizing the Management Emphasis Tracking (MET) database system. • Lead the design, logistics and facilitation of large meetings/events. Finance Analyst/Accountant 2011 - 2014 University of California Press San Bernardino, CA • Participated in account management and client relationship management initiatives to ensure continuous, revenue-generating sales. • Analyzed client contracts and determined proper revenue recognition according to GAAP and SOP 97-2. Education Master's Degree Accounting 2014 - 2015 Pennsylvania State University Main, PA Bachelor's Degree Business 2008 - 2011 California State University - San Bernardino San Bernardino, CA


Jeffrey Henry Controller Chicago, IL jhenry@example.com (310) 555-2279 Experience Controller 2017 - Present Bank of AmericaChicago, IL • Developed and fostered business partnerships at all reporting levels of the organization to reconcile intercompany accounts on a monthly basis. • Worked closely with business partners to analyze, maintain, and support allocated expenses for the purpose profitability measurement. • Maintained and reported facts to Board of Directors, created procedure manual and forms to streamline accounting procedures and intense correspondence. Accounts Payable Clerk 2007 - 2017 Bank of AmericaChicago, IL • Researched and resolved check processing differences by working with other financial institutions and internal departments. • Complete electronic conversion of paper checks to ACH transactions and prepare checks for immediate deposit. • Confirm Vendor invoices with receivers, process into system, Filing, Research issues. Assistant To The Controller 2000 - 2003 University of Illinois at ChicagoOakbrook Terrace, IL • Provided human resources support, including ADP payroll, maintaining insurance, and leading discipline investigation/problem resolution. • Coordinated meetings, calendars, conference calls, A/V room set up, travel itineraries, and reservations. Skills Timely Processing Gaap Income Payable System QC Due Diligence Data Entry HR W-9 Parent Company Education Doctoral Degree Accounting 2004 - 2007 DeVry UniversityOakbrook Terrace, IL Master's Degree Accounting 2003 - 2004 DeVry UniversityOakbrook Terrace, IL Bachelor's Degree Accounting 1997 - 2000 DeVry UniversityOakbrook Terrace, IL


Ann Elliott Controller Employment History Controller 2020 - Present Marriott InternationalSan Antonio, TX • Prepared and analyzed all financial statements (P&L, cash flow and balance sheet). • Collaborate extensively with external auditors, providing in-depth assistance with periodic corporate audits. • Ensured compliance with SOX requirements. Assistant Controller 2010 - 2020 Hilton Worldwide HoldingsChicago, IL • Assisted in payroll compensation analysis and creating budgets for all resorts, journal entries and financial statements. • Compiled quarterly and year-end SOX Bank reconciliation due diligence testing. • Handled U.S. and The Netherlands external audits (PwC). Staff Auditor 2002 - 2009 DeloitteChicago, IL • Supervised audit staffs on multiple audit engagements. • Performed over 20 audit engagements individually as well as part of a team. • Communicated directly with client personnel in a professional and timely manner. • Complete annual audit, interim review financial statements for public & private companies. Education Master's Degree Accounting 2009 - 2010 University of Illinois at ChicagoChicago, IL Bachelor's Degree Accounting 1999 - 2002 University of Illinois at ChicagoChicago, IL Contact Information San Antonio, TX (260) 555-9452 aelliott@example.com Skills Audit Engagements Compliance Audits Due Diligence Night Audit Quickbooks Physical Inventory CPA Procedures Communication Client Personnel


Grace Henderson Controller DeKalb, IL (630) 555-2816 ghenderson@example.com Skills Special Projects Financial Statements Business Operations Ifrs Quickbooks CPA W-2 Purchase Orders Raw Materials Vendor Invoices Employment History Controller 2011 - Present EMPLOYEE BENEFIT RESOURCESDeKalb, IL • Teamed with business partners across the globe to gather the security requirements for the application. • Produced quarterly and annual financial statements. • Managed and assisted with annual Financial Review financial statement with outside independent CPA firm. • Prepared and analyzed financial statements for the Chicago fluid milk division. • Full oversight of all financial operations, of this $70 million Community Development Corporation. Accountant 2001 - 2011 IPSEN INTDeKalb, IL • Prepared financial statements as required for internal and external use. • Performed the monthly close process for 3 separate plants (manufacturing/cost accounting). • Handle monthly reconciliation of General Ledger accounts Assist with preparing financial statements and supporting schedules Assist with special projects as needed. Junior Accountant 1999 - 2000 WalmartLas Vegas, NV • Verify accuracy of purchase orders and invoices. • Balanced cash funds and balanced all registers daily for audit; Prepared bank deposits; checked out customers at the registers • Conducted month-end balance sheet reviews and reconciled any variances. • Acted as resource for office correspondence management regarding hiring, scheduling, and payroll. • Respond to queries raised by internal and external auditors with regards to payroll and GL Postings. Education Master's Degree Accounting 2000 - 2001 Northern Illinois UniversityDeKalb, IL Bachelor's Degree Accounting 1996 - 1999 University of HoustonHouston, TX


Willie Kennedy Controller Chicago, IL (820) 555-0048 wkennedy@example.com Experience: Controller AKZO Nobel Chem Chicago, IL 2011 - Present • Provided timely financial accounting data, including monthly financial statements and written P&L analysis, for decision making. • File and recordkeeping maintenance of investments and financial information pertinent for income tax preparation purposes. • Prepared Quarterly Financial statements Handled Bank, Bonding, Surety & Insurance Relationships Prepared all schedules for annual audited statements Controller/Business Manager The Royal Group Chicago, IL 2006 - 2011 • Supervised and participated in the preparation of various consolidated financial statements and reports in compliance with GAAP. • Collaborated with Human Resources, Finance, and all internal departments in support of the practice. • Prepare operating and capital budgets, cash and financial forecasts, and financial statements for each office. Assistant To The Controller AGIA Santa Barbara, CA 1995 - 2005 • Prepare internal and external financial statements by gathering and analyzing information from the general ledger system and from departments. • Supply the internal customer service which accompanies these activities. • Upload, input, maintain, extract & analyze requisitions and purchase orders; audits. • Perform detailed monthly review of Store and Corporate financial statements. • Maintained documents, invoices, purchase orders and payroll tax filing for tracking. • Set up all in QuickBooks. Skills • Financial Matters • Financial Records • Customer Service • Special Projects • Project Management • A/P • Asset Value • Key Performance Indicators • Vendor Invoices • Purchase Orders Education: Master's Degree University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL 2005 - 2006 • Major: Accounting Bachelor's Degree University of California, Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA 1992 - 1995 • Major: Economics


Kelly Martinez Controller Washington, DC (620) 555-6933 kmartinez@example.com Experience: 2020 - Present Controller / Cisco Systems / Washington, DC • Prepared year end and monthly financial statements and working paper files. • Own SoX controls related to the Financial Statement Close process, including coordination and support for SoX processes and testing. • Closed the monthly Regional financial books in accordance with GAAP with workpaper support and expense accruals. 2019 - 2020 Accountant / Robert Half International / Washington, DC • Helped to update their purchase order and inventory system into QuickBooks and provided support to the purchasing department. • Analyze records of financial transactions posted to oracle financial computer applications, to determine accuracy and completeness. • Processed vendor invoices, check requests for assigned set of vendors. • Generated and reviewed standard monthly journal entries. • Prepared journal entries, month-end closing procedures, general ledger maintenance, and payroll functions. 2017 - 2018 Junior Accountant / The Carlyle Group / College Park, MD • Designed and implemented a training program to structure the customer service department based on the company's goal and objective. • Handled payroll tax registrations in states as needed. • Tax research, IRS response letters, compilation and tax planning. • Process A/P, A/R, payroll, financial statements, quarterly payroll reports and job costing using Semaphore accounting software. • Trained new employees, ordered merchandise, delegated jobs and maintained accounting and payroll. • Processed bank deposits on a daily and weekly basis for all income received through fundraising events & healthcare grants. Skills: Asset Management, Business Development, CPA, Ensure Accuracy, Oversight, Purchase Orders, Special Reports, Procedures, Data Entry, Annual Budget Education: 2018 - 2019 Master's Degree Accounting / Strayer University / Washington, DC 2014 - 2017 Bachelor's Degree Finance / University of Maryland - College Park / College Park, MD


Aaron Hill Controller Bothell, WA \| (430) 555-4032 \| ahill@example.com Work Experience Controller, Boeing - Bothell, WA 2019 - Present Implemented Extensity expense reporting system which utilized downloaded AMEX transactions and upgraded payroll system for integration into new accounting system. Worked on incremental three years IRS audits and special projects. Consolidated Boeing Defense Systems Financial Statements; P&L, Cash Flow and Balance Sheet. Create journal entries, credit memos, debit memos and financial statements. Finance Analyst, AT&T - Bothell, WA 2014 - 2019 Analyzed financial systems and procedures and performed impact assessments. Developed complex reports to compare crude usage data from various carriers to provide cost analysis. Analyzed and reconciled cash accounts for major audit conducted by parent company's CPA firm. Helped develop pricing strategies and business cases for add-on business. Assistant To The Controller, Amazon - Seattle, WA 2010 - 2013 Develop professional written communications to the fulfillment center through email and bulletin postings. Maintained relationships with numerous Vendor financial departments/entities to ensure invoicing/payment procedures are clearly understood & documented. Provided customer service in a timely and courteous manner related to invoice. Collected, analyzed, and presented various management reports for project reviews and audits to CEO, CFO, and Directors. Skills Purchase Orders, Credit Memos, Financial Performance, SQL, Vendor Invoices, Sales Reports, Oversight, Financial Institutions, Cost Analysis, Quickbooks Education Master's Degree Accounting 2013 - 2014 Western Washington University - Bellingham, WA Bachelor's Degree Economics 2007 - 2010 University of Washington - Seattle, WA


Joseph Barnes Controller Boston, MA (810) 555-2109 jbarnes@example.com Experience Controller, Boston Scientific, Boston, MA 2018 - Present • Trained CPA staff on manufacturing operations management and SAP cost accounting. • Initiated automated time keeping system and ADP payroll, reducing labor costs and increasing productivity. • Assist the company controller for various accounting reports to be submitted to external CPA and major vendors. • Achieved extensive, hands-on experience and impressive track record of understanding, communicating and successfully leading business development and operational processes. Administrator, Boston Scientific, Boston, MA 2017 - 2018 • Deployed, configured and managed Windows and Linux servers on the VM's. • Migrated the VM's using the SAN to SAN replication using Recovery point. • Granted SQL Server Database security and Report Server security to end users. • Implemented coalescing when required by monitoring the database for fragmentation. • Managed/maintained internal site network to include but not limited to NETWARE, UNIX and WINDOWS NT. Fund Accountant, State Street Bank, Boston, MA 2015 - 2016 • Prepared quarterly compliance reports using monthly net asset values. • Calculated daily net asset value, booked all security trades, and presented cash availability to mutual fund client. • Prepared monthly, quarterly, semi and annual Financial Statements for External Auditors, Client-specific needs and the SEC requirements. • Reconciled financial statements reporting and pricing Supervised five portfolio accountants Resolved issues and audited portfolios • Prepare daily valuation of NASDAQ funds Researched fluctuations of portfolio accounts Prepared Fund Financial Statements and Bank Reconciliations Skills • Financial Activities • Corporate Actions • Oversight • Project Management • Repair Orders • QA • Business Office • CMS • Linux • Real Estate Education 2016 - 2017 Master's Degree Business, Northeastern University Boston, MA 2012 - 2015 Bachelor's Degree Business, Northeastern University Boston, MA


Gloria Rodriguez Controller OFallon, MO \| (370) 555-4271 \| grodriguez@example.com Employment History: The Coca-Cola Company - OFallon, MO 2018 - Present Controller • Prepared Capital Expenditure Requests and participated in the preparation of the Capital Budget and prepared financial justifications. • Prepared monthly and yearly P&L and balance sheet; along with variance to budget for presentation to upper management. Citi - OFallon, MO 2017 - 2018 Regional Accountant • Implement and monitor controls of the department to comply with organizations policies and procedures. • Prepared monthly pricing analysis reports for hedge funds using Bloomberg, other proprietary systems and various pricing methodologies. • Provide yearly reports, such as asset level tables, included in the financial statements for the audit process. Northern Trust - Oakbrook Terrace, IL 2015 - 2016 General Accountant • Review financial statements and provide variance analysis. • Upload investment jourmal entries from Sungard to Peoplesoft. Skills: Executive Management, External Auditors, Variance Analysis, Financial Statements, Project Management, ERP, Financial Aspects, Powerpoint, Financial Records, CPA Education: DeVry University - Oakbrook Terrace, IL 2016 - 2017 Master's Degree Accounting DeVry University - Oakbrook Terrace, IL 2012 - 2015 Bachelor's Degree Accounting


Laura Cooper Controller phone(560) 555-0262 addressAtlanta, GA emaillcooper@example.com Experience 2019 - Present Controller Aramark · Atlanta, GA • Performed end of month close, prepared/analyzed monthly financial statements and account reconciliations. • Prepare and monitor annual operating and departmental budgets, financial statements, projections, and monthly billings. • Worked in a high rail space flight environment overseeing production control and logistical support of numerous programs. 2011 - 2019 Business Analyst CVS HLDGS · Phoenix, AZ • Worked with cross functional business teams and stored project artifacts using JIRA. • Align resources for Build phase such as Vendor/3rd party licensing and vendor management, Infrastructure readiness, security close out etc. • Reviewed and analyzed business requirements and user interface documents for all department work packages using CaliberRM requirements management software. • Project management with requirement elicitation and analysis within government compliance parameters for insurance and claims adjudication. • Performed User Acceptance Testing (UAT) for the webservices development project. 2001 - 2005 Business & Finance Analyst Avnet · Phoenix, AZ • Worked in different areas in accounting including: accounts receivable, accounts payable, general ledger and payroll utilizing ADP PCPW. • Provided technical support to Navy ERP end users via HEAT. • Assist in preparing financial statements, this included P&L, trial balance and balance sheet. • Prepared monthly financial statements (including P&L, balance sheet, statements of cash flows). Skills • Sdlc • ERP • CPA • Income • Project Management • Capital Expenditures • Essbase • To-Be • Key Performance Indicators • Revenue Growth Education 2005 - 2006 Master's Degree Accounting Arizona State University · Phoenix, AZ 1993 - 1996 Bachelor's Degree Accounting Arizona State University · Phoenix, AZ


Rachel Cole Controller phone:(380) 555-6935 email:rcole@example.com address:Oakbrook Terrace, IL Employment History Controller 2011 - Present AKZO Nobel Chem · Oakbrook Terrace, IL • Worked with ADP for payroll production. • Maintained personnel files including payroll, position descriptions and other human resource related documentation. • Assist external auditors in systems testing and meeting SOX controls. • Create policies as well as provide guidance on intercompany processes as related to G/L, A/R and A/P. Business Analyst 2009 - 2011 Walgreen Co · Oakbrook Terrace, IL • Interact with Subject Matter Experts SME's to elicit business goals and define goal-level requirements. • Gathered the requirements for user interface and system usability. • Organized workshops with Subject Matter Experts (SME's) to obtain domain level information. • Support for regional and market management, project management and vendor management. • Performed data analysis using Microsoft Excel Created PowerPoint sales presentations that were shown to prospective clients Business & Finance Analyst 2001 - 2003 Citi · New York, NY • Performed AS- IS analysis of the existing system and based on that conducted TO-BE analysis. • Performed Detailed Data Analysis (DDA), Data Quality Analysis (DQA) and Data Profiled on source data. • Showcased reporting standards for key financial metrics and KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) supporting Global Voice Operations to Senior Management. • Prepared health plan statutory financial statements. Skills Procedures CPA Executive Management Design Documents Ensure Accuracy Financial Statements Annual Budget ROI Pl/Sql To-Be Education Master's Degree Accounting 2003 - 2004 DeVry University · Oakbrook Terrace, IL Bachelor's Degree Economics 1993 - 1996 University of California, Berkeley · Berkeley, CA

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What skills help Controllers find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on Controller resumes?

Kathi Mettler

Director, Graduate Accounting Programs, Instructor of the Practice, Accounting, Fairfield University

Completion of the CPA Exam (passing all four parts before starting to work) is a significant competitive advantage. Analytics is really important now, which is why our Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) Program allows students to tailor their experience by choosing a specialization in either assurance, business analytics, or taxation. Additionally, a student may pursue a Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) with an accounting or taxation specialization. An accounting or taxation specialization is offered in our MBA and MSF programs as well. Another skill important for success is being an effective communicator. In this day and age, accountants no longer hide in the office and crunch numbers; they are at the clients' site and must possess strong people and interpersonal skills. The importance of effective communication (written and verbal) and soft skills is why we have created a new graduate course, "Effective Communication for Accounting Professionals".

What soft skills should all Controllers possess?

Thomas King

Department Chair, Director, Master of Accountancy Program, Professor, Accountancy, Case Western Reserve University

The ability to develop working relationships with a wide range of colleagues who have diverse skills.

What hard/technical skills are most important for Controllers?

Thomas King

Department Chair, Director, Master of Accountancy Program, Professor, Accountancy, Case Western Reserve University

The ability to extract information from unfamiliar data sets and then explain conclusions reached in a clear, persuasive manner.

What Controller skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Gary P Braun

Professor, California State University - Chico

Technology, technology, technology - there are different forms of this, but the intersection of data analysis and technology seems like the place that has the most bang for the buck. Perhaps I am overstating it here, but in my 35-plus years in the accounting world, there has been a continuous march toward the use of computer technology tools. My advice would be to either do a graduate program that has a focus on technology or to pick up certifications in specific tools. Another option would be to find free resources on these topics (MOOCs, for example). Also, for students wanting to be certified, I would say another great use of time is to get the hours needed to sit for the exam and to take the exam ASAP.

What type of skills will young Controllers need?

Dr. Lilac Nachum Ph.D.

Professor, International Business, Baruch College, City University New York

In light of the changes described in #1, the most apparent skills would be those related to digital employment. These will relate to both new opportunities, created digitally, as well as the transformation of brick and mortar jobs online. The former requires skills such as online management of supply chains, digital marketing, online sale, and the likes. These new jobs might require in addition to digital skills also heavy doses of creativity and entrepreneurship as new products and industries are being created and developed. In relation to the latter, the jobs themselves might be well established and familiar for some graduates but their delivery would be transformed in significant ways and require advanced digital skills related to the implementation of these activities.

What technical skills for a Controller stand out to employers?

Dr. JP Krahel Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Accounting, Accounting Department Chair, Loyola University Maryland

First, Excel. It's the most basic, essential tool for the accounting professional. If you can come in on Day 1 knowing essential keyboard shortcuts, proper formula and reference use, and how to format a spreadsheet properly, you'll have an immediate advantage over your peers.

Second, believe it or not, is writing. People think that accounting is all about numbers, but really, it's less about the math (which Excel does for you) and more about being able to explain the deeper meaning behind the results. Can you explain complex depreciation methods to an audit client? Give bad news to a tax client in an understandable way? These are big deals.

Third is data analytics. Given the immense volume of data now available to firms, someone who can extract, clean, and present that data using modern software tools will have an edge. It's really another form of communication, and one that early-career accounting professionals would do well to familiarize themselves with before entering the workforce.

Do you want to know more?

List of controller skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a controller resume and required skills for a controller to have include:

CPA
Payroll Processing
Reconciliations
Cash Management
Internal Controls
GAAP
External Auditors
Account Reconciliations
Cash Flow
General Ledger Accounts
Financial Data
Journal Entries
Oversight
Financial Analysis
Human Resources
Balance Sheet Accounts
Fixed Assets

Tax Returns
A/P
ERP
Close Process
Financial Management
SOX
Sales Tax
Taxation
Real Estate
Variance Analysis
QuickBooks
Bank Reconciliations
Financial Performance
Financial Results
Risk Management
Revenue Recognition
Tax Filings

Management Reports
Financial Operations
Direct Reports
Sarbanes-Oxley
Due Diligence
Bank Accounts
Inventory Control
Financial Statement Preparation
Financial Forecasts
Budget Preparation
Executive Management
Financial Aspects
Cost Savings
Cost Analysis
Financial Statements
ADP

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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