Financial Controller
For employers looking to fill a Financial Controller vacancy, the following sample Financial Controller job description can help you to attract the best candidates for the role. By tailoring this position description according to your company's specific job requirements, you have an excellent interview tool for comparison purposes.
For job seekers looking for a Financial Controller role, this job description details what the role may involve and what skills and experience are required to give you the best chance of securing the position.
Typically the Financial Controller reports to the Finance Director or Chief Financial Officer and is responsible for managing the organisation’s financial and accounting operations. Their duties will vary depending on the business size and financial requirements. The Financial Controller can be focused on the commercial side of the business as well as compliance and reporting.
As the link between financial operations and strategy, a Financial Controller’s job duties and responsibilities generally include but are not limited to:
Managing the accounting and finance departments
Managing the monthly financial and Board reporting
Completion of the ASX statements and notes (if applicable)
Preparation of timely and accurate financial statements and annual reports
Measuring company performance against external and internal benchmarks
Managing annual budgets and forecasts
Ensuring compliance with statutory law, finance, and tax regulations
Overseeing Treasury and Taxation functions
Managing external banking relationships
Maintenance and documentation of accounting procedures & policies
Manage the budgeting and forecasting process
Solving technical accounting issues
Maintaining relationships with external auditors and banks
Oversee Financial Systems and external providers of systems management and system upgrades
Identifying areas to improve business efficiencies and reduce costs
Team Management including mentoring and staff development
Working closely with the Executive Leadership team to deliver reports, analysis findings, potential risk areas and forecast opportunities
Minimum 10 years of accounting experience
Thorough knowledge of accounting principles and procedures
Experience with creating financial statements
Ability to motivate and lead teams
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to form strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
Excellent organisation and administration skills
Energetic and motivated personality with great multi-tasking
Able to work under pressure to tight deadlines
intermediate to advanced computer software skills, including Excel and other accounting packages
Bachelors or Masters qualifications in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Business Administration or Business Law
Professional accounting qualifications such as CA or CPA
$150 - $200k + Super
For hiring managers ready to recruit a Financial Controller, download our job description template.
For job seekers who need to write or update their resume, download our resume guide and template.
Typically, a Financial Controller manages the accounting and finance department and is the link between the financial, strategy and operation teams of the organisation. Responsibilities include managing their team/s that produces the monthly financial accounts and management reports, ensuring the company's invoices are being collected and the monies they owe are being paid. They will be handling the organisation's financial obligations such as tax, banking, and statutory accounts. The size and nature of the organisation will dictate the duties of the role.
A typical Financial Controller will have a minimum of 10 years of accounting experience, and have a degree or a Masters in Finance, Economics, BA or Law plus a professional Accounting qualification such as a CA or CPA.
Yes - an FC has worked their way up through an accounting career path. Without an accounting background, working as an FC would not be possible.
This depends on the size and complexity of the organisation. For a mid-sized company, it will often take 8 - 10 years to reach this level.
Yes - a Financial Controller is a more senior role than a Finance Manager. Often a Finance Manager will report to a Financial Controller in a larger organisation.
The salary of an FC varies depending on the size of the organisation, but will generally range from $150K - $250K + Superannuation.
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