Financial controllers oversee investment activities, prepare financial reports, and analyze future earnings and expenses. A bachelor’s degree in finance, business administration, or economics is recommended, along with accounting experience and strong math and business skills. An MBA or finance degree is desirable, and some companies may require a CPA license or professional certifications. Internships and entry-level positions can provide valuable experience. The Chartered Financial Analyst Institute offers additional certification for investment professionals.
Financial controllers are responsible for overseeing investment activities and strategies, preparing financial reports and reporting to an organization. They report income and balance sheets, as well as analyze and forecast future earnings and expenses. To become a financial controller, it is generally recommended that candidates have at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant financial field, in addition to having some form of accounting experience. Some companies may require a financial controller to hold certain certifications or licenses as well.
To become a financial controller, it is generally advisable to pursue a bachelor’s degree in finance, business administration or economics. Developing strong math and business skills is important for anyone looking to work as a financial controller. Financial controllers usually have a large amount of responsibility in their company; therefore, it is important that they can understand abstract financial concepts and have the necessary interpersonal skills to supervise and interact with other team members.
Obtaining an internship at a financial institution is often useful training in becoming a financial controller. To secure the employer, it is better to have as much experience as possible in the financial field. Some financial controllers work in entry-level positions at banks or accounting firms before securing higher-level positions as managers or controllers.
A master of business administration (MBA) or finance degree undertaken by those wishing to become a financial controller is often seen as highly desirable by employers. An MBA program offers complex training in financial strategy and leadership skills, traits so often needed in the finance industry. Controllers often prepare regulatory reports required by national and local authorities; therefore, familiarity with financial reporting is essential. An MBA is also useful in preparing controllers to oversee audits and budget regulations.
Some companies may require a financial controller to also hold a license as a certified public accountant (CPA). The requirements for the CPA exam procedures vary according to the region in which one is employed. There are also a number of professional certifications available for those in the financial management industry.
The Chartered Financial Analyst Institute has locations around the world and offers additional certification for investment professionals who meet certain criteria. After obtaining at least a bachelor’s degree and several years of professional experience, one may be eligible for certification after completing several exams. The exam process typically requires candidates to pass a series of three exams, each increasing in difficulty.
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