what is a controller?

A controller is a senior position in a company or organisation, responsible for overseeing, monitoring and leading the work of preparing financial reports, including profit and loss statements and balance sheets. They are also responsible for ensuring that the flow of income and expenses matches up and work to eliminate any mistakes in this area. Banks, government agencies and large companies often employ controllers to streamline and gain control over their operations.

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1

what does a controller do?

Financial controllers work closely with the departments responsible for the budget, audit, accounting and other matters related to the financial side of a company. They are responsible for producing production reports, as well as calculating the company's financial outlook.

They are also responsible for ensuring that the financial statements, both monthly, quarterly and annually, are accurate and completed on time. As a financial controller, you are also responsible for making sure that all documentation and paperwork is completed on time and submitted to the relevant institutions. Accuracy, efficiency and honesty are required in a controller role. Many companies hire controllers to improve processes within different departments, with the requirement that, among other things, each team meets their deadlines for, for example, submitting reports.

As a controller, you may also be responsible for personnel administration and managing the staff. At the same time, a controller can be the only accountant handling the bookkeeping in a smaller company. They report directly to the chair of the board, the managing director, or another relevant person to provide insight into the business, as well as offer recommendations for the long-term management of the budget. An important part of the job is being able to communicate and express yourself in terms that everyone can understand, for example when giving recommendations regarding the budget based on your view of key figures and the future of the business.

Someone with an analytical mindset is well placed to become successful in a role as a controller. Skilled controllers are often motivated to learn more and have a flexible approach to learning. It is not uncommon for a controller to also have an IT-related part of the job, where business or operational development can be part of the work.

In order to be able to develop in a role as a controller, you need to be good at handling unexpected changes and expectations within the company.

If you have an interest in economic and financial details as well as business, perhaps the role of controller would suit you well. Read on to find out more about the skills and qualifications required to succeed in a controller role.

2

average salary as a controller.

The average salary for a controller varies greatly and is usually between 40,000 and 60,000 kr per month.

What affects the salary includes, among other things, what type of controller you work as, experience in the role or industry, educational background, whether you are junior or senior, whether you live in a larger or smaller city, and what type of business you work in.

3

different types of controllers.

There are many different types of controllers, with the most common being:

Womale operating a touch-screen display.
Womale operating a touch-screen display.
4

working as a controller.

As a controller, you are responsible for seeing the whole picture of a company's financial status and its resources, as well as providing advice to company management. Below you can read about some of the specific areas of responsibility and tasks you have as a controller.

5

education and qualifications as a controller.

The most important steps to become a controller are:

  • Relevant exam: To become a controller, you need to have a degree in economics, business administration or accounting. An academic education provides you with the necessary knowledge to be able to carry out your work as a controller successfully. Some employers also require a master's degree in order to later work at a senior level in the company.

  • Work experience: In order to work as a controller, you often need many years of practical experience in accounting, within the company or in the financial field. To become a financial controller, you need to have worked with bookkeeping, accounting and financial planning for several years. Taking an entry-level job as a controller, for example as an assistant, can be a good step towards gaining the necessary experience.

6

knowledge and skills.

Some of the skills required to become a controller are:

7

frequently asked questions about the role of controller.

Here are the most frequently asked questions about working as a controller.

8

monitor jobs for controller.

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