Controller

Overview

Controllers maintain all finances for a company. They oversee book keeping, budgets and financial reporting. 

What responsibilities will I have?

• Maintain a documented system of accounting policies and procedures
• Oversee the operations of the accounting department, including the design of an organizational structure adequate for achieving the department's goals and objectives 
• Ensure that accounts payable are paid in a timely manner
• Ensure that all reasonable discounts are taken on accounts payable
• Ensure that accounts receivable are collected promptly
• Process payroll in a timely manner
• Ensure that required debt payments are made on a timely basis
• Maintain records of accounts
• Maintain an orderly accounting filing system
• Issue timely and complete financial statements
• Coordinate the preparation of the corporate annual report
• Manage the production of the annual budget and forecasts
• Provide financial analyses as needed, in particular for capital investments, pricing decisions, and contract negotiations
• Monitor debt levels and compliance with debt covenants
• Comply with local, state, and federal government reporting requirements and tax filings

What education and training is required?

To be a controller you must have at minimum, a bachelor’s degree in accounting or business administration. Often they have passed an exam and became either a Certified Public Accountant or Certified Management Accountant.

To pursue a career as a controller:

The following high school courses are recommended:  agricultural education, mathematics, English, business courses and statistics.

Where can I work?

Controllers work in a corporate or regional office setting for varying size companies.

Future Job Market / Outlook

The future outlook for a controller will be good over the next five years.

Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations

• American Accounting Association
• American Association of Finance & Accounting
• Local agribusiness associations