What to Look for in a Financial Controller

No matter how big or small your company is, you’ll need someone to handle the enormous responsibilities of money, whether it’s keeping the cash flow through your organization to help it grow or to make sure employees get paid on time.

There is a position between a chief financial officer and an accountant. A financial controller is responsible for managing the daily financial operations of a company, in addition to helping it make stratetic decisions. If you don’t have an individual in this role at your company, it’s critical you fill it as soon as possible.

Not sure how to distinguish between qualified applicants and unqualified applicants for a controller position? That’s ok, we have you covered. Here’s what to look for in a financial controller. 

Extensive Experience With Financial Responsibilities

A financial controller has duties that go beyond that of just an accountant. Your controller needs to be adept at juggling various roles to keep the financial operations of your company running smoothly.

When you’re looking through resumes and interviewing candidates, make sure they have experience with the following:

• Managing accounts payable and receivable
• Managing budgets
• Reviewing invoices
• Keeping a company within the bounds of accounting and regulatory compliance
• Preparing and reporting financial statements
• Analyizing financial data and recommending actions based on results

Education and Certifications Relevant to the Financial Industry

While experience tends to be the greatest indicator of whether a person can do the job, education and certifications can still be indicative of someone’s qualifications for the role.

Several certifications are proof of an applicant’s strengths in the financial industry. Here are some you should take note of:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) – Individuals who hold this certification have passed a rigrous exam that proves they are qualified to provide accounting services. The benefits of the CPA that holders of this certification enjoy include increased earning potential and new job opportunities. 
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) – This professional certification is evidence of an individual’s expertise in investment analysis. Before taking the three different exams for the CFA, individuals must have a bachelor’s degree and four years of industry experience. 
• Certified Management Accountant (CMA) – The CMA is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in using financial data to help businesses make strategic decisions. In addition to passing an exam, individuals must have two years of industry experience and a bachelor’s degree.

When it comes to education, controllers typically have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in accounting.

Ability to Lead and Take Charge

Armed with financial data, reports, and knowledge of the laws and regulations your business needs to be compliant with, it’s not uncommon for a controller to be expected to lead and make big decisions. 

While a financial controller reports directly to the chief financial officer (CFO) within a company, which is a huge responsibility in itself, they are also expected to lead a team. Here are some typical members of that team:

• Accounting managers
• Accounts payable and receivable managers
• Bookkeepers

When interviewing candidates for the job, ask them questions about their leadership capabilities. Can you envision them leading a team and arming your CFO with the right knowledge? Can you see them navigating the company through major financial decisions in the future and through uncertain times? If you need help finding a qualified financial controller for your business, we can help. K2 Staffing has more than 40 years of experience with filling open roles at companies that need financial experts. Contact us today.

At K2 Staffing, we specialize in both Construction Recruitment and Construction Staffing, helping companies find top talent across Southern California. Whether you need skilled leaders from our Construction Estimator Recruiters in Long Beach, trusted support through Construction Superintendent Recruiters in Los Angeles, or expertise from our Mechanical Engineering Recruiters in Long Beach, we have you covered. We also provide hiring solutions through our Civil Engineering Recruiters in Long Beach and Construction Project Manager Recruiters in Los Angeles.

Understanding the Financial Controller Role

Where the Controller Fits in Your Company

The financial controller sits between day-to-day accounting and top-level financial strategy. The controller oversees the accounting team, makes sure records are accurate, and prepares the reports that leaders use to make decisions. In many companies, the controller also works closely with auditors, banks, and tax advisors.

Because the role connects so many parts of the business, a strong controller brings order and confidence. A weak one can leave you with late reports, unclear numbers, and hidden risks. That is why careful hiring matters.

Controller Versus Accountant and CFO

An accountant records and reviews transactions. A CFO shapes the long-term financial plan and speaks to investors, lenders, and the board. The controller connects the two. They make sure the records are reliable and the processes are sound, so the CFO can plan with trust in the data.

In smaller companies, the controller may take on some CFO tasks. In larger firms, the role may be more focused on reporting and control. Define the scope clearly before you recruit.

Match the Role to Your Stage of Growth

A growing company needs a controller who can build systems and train staff. A mature company may need someone who can improve current systems and keep strict control. A company in a rapid change phase may need a leader who handles complexity and speed. Think about where your business is going, not only where it stands today.

Technical Skills to Look For

Strong Accounting Knowledge

A controller must understand accounting principles deeply. This includes the general ledger, month-end close, reconciliations, accruals, and financial statements. Ask candidates to explain how they manage a close process and how they check for errors. Clear, confident answers show real hands-on knowledge.

Look for people who explain complex ideas in plain terms. They will do the same for your leadership team.

Systems and Reporting Tools

Modern finance work depends on software. Ask about the accounting platforms the candidate has used, how they handled upgrades, and how they use spreadsheets and reporting tools to analyze data. A controller who can improve systems can save time and reduce mistakes. For more on this topic, read about Support Technician.

Comfort with new tools matters too. Technology keeps changing, and a good controller adapts without fear.

Compliance and Internal Controls

Controllers protect the company by building strong internal controls. These include approval steps, separation of duties, and regular checks. They also keep the business in line with tax and reporting rules. Ask candidates how they have set up or improved controls and how they respond when they find an issue.

Industry knowledge can be valuable. For example, construction companies have special needs such as job costing, progress billing, and retainage. If your business has unique features, look for experience with them.

Budgeting and Forecasting

Controllers help leaders plan. They build budgets, compare results to plans, and explain differences. Ask candidates to describe a time their analysis changed a business decision. Strong candidates connect numbers to actions and can say what the company should do next.

Personal Qualities and Soft Skills

Integrity and Sound Judgment

A controller handles sensitive information and must act with honesty. Ask about times they faced pressure to bend a rule and how they responded. Look for calm, principled answers that show respect for both people and rules. Reference checks can confirm this trait.

Clear Communication

Controllers explain financial results to people who are not finance experts. They must be able to tell the story behind the numbers without jargon. Ask the candidate to explain a recent result as if speaking to a department head. Pay attention to clarity and patience.

Attention to Detail With a Big-Picture View

The best controllers catch small errors while also seeing larger patterns. They know when a minor variance is noise and when it signals a real problem. In interviews, present a short scenario with a few odd figures and ask how the candidate would investigate. Their approach reveals how they think.

Adaptability and Calm Under Pressure

Month-end, audits, and tax deadlines bring stress. A strong controller stays steady, sets priorities, and supports the team. Ask how they handled a crunch period and what they learned. Look for planning habits, not just hard work. For more on this topic, read about Qualified Candidates.

Leadership and Team Management

Building and Developing a Team

A controller leads accountants, clerks, and sometimes managers. They must hire well, train, and keep the team motivated. Ask about how they develop staff, handle poor performance, and share workload. Strong leaders create teams that function even when the controller is away.

Working With Other Departments

Finance touches every part of the business. A good controller works well with operations, sales, human resources, and project teams. They explain deadlines, ask for clean data, and help others understand financial rules. Strong working relationships make the whole company run more smoothly.

Partnering With the CFO and Owners

The controller supports top leaders with accurate information and honest advice. Look for someone who speaks up when they see a risk and who respects the chain of command. A good partner challenges ideas respectfully and helps find practical solutions.

How to Evaluate Candidates in the Hiring Process

Write a Clear Job Description

List the main duties, the systems used, the size of the team, and the reporting line. Separate must-have qualifications from nice-to-have ones. Describe the company culture and the challenges the new controller will face. A clear description attracts people who are ready for the role.

Use Structured Interviews

Ask each candidate the same core questions so that you can compare answers fairly. Mix technical questions with scenario and behavior questions. Include more than one interviewer, such as the CFO, the owner, and a peer from another department. Different views give a fuller picture.

Check References Carefully

Speak to former supervisors and colleagues. Ask about reliability, accuracy, leadership, and how the person handled stress. Ask whether they would hire the candidate again. Honest answers to this last question are often the most revealing.

Common Hiring Mistakes to Avoid

Focusing Only on Credentials

Degrees and certifications matter, but they do not guarantee strong performance. A candidate with fewer credentials but deep, relevant experience may serve you better. Weigh the whole picture. For more on this topic, read about Impact Analysis.

Ignoring Culture Fit

A controller shapes the tone of the finance team. If their style clashes with your company values, problems follow. Discuss expectations about communication, speed, and decision making during interviews.

Rushing to Fill the Seat

Pressure to hire quickly can lead to compromise. A poor hire in this role can cost far more in errors and turnover than a longer search. Use a clear process and trusted partners to move fast without lowering standards.

Compensation, Onboarding, and Retention

Offer a Fair and Competitive Package

Strong controllers have options, so your offer must reflect the value of the role. Research the market for your region and company size. Consider base pay, bonuses, benefits, and flexibility. Be ready to explain how the role can grow over time. A clear and fair offer shortens negotiations and builds goodwill from the start.

Move quickly once you decide. Delays give other employers a chance to step in.

Plan the First Ninety Days

A strong start sets the tone. Prepare access to systems, introductions to key people, and a list of early priorities. Review the current close process, reports, and open issues together. Set clear goals for the first months so that both sides know what success looks like.

Schedule regular check-ins with the CFO or owner. Early feedback helps the new controller adjust and succeed.

Keep Your Controller Engaged

Good controllers stay when they have meaningful work, trust from leaders, and room to grow. Involve them in planning and give them a voice in decisions. Support their learning through training and professional groups. Recognize their contributions openly.

Using Interim and Contract Support

When a Temporary Controller Makes Sense

Sometimes you need help right away. A temporary or contract controller can step in during a vacancy, a system change, a busy season, or a special project. This keeps reporting on track while you search for the right permanent hire. For more on this topic, read about Staffing Decisions.

Setting Expectations for Contract Work

Define the scope, timeline, and deliverables from the start. Provide clear access to records and people. Ask the contractor to document processes so that knowledge stays with the company when they leave.

Moving From Contract to Permanent

Some contract controllers become excellent permanent hires. The working period lets both sides test fit before a long-term commitment. If you see a strong match, discuss options early and openly.

Industry Context Matters

Construction and Project-Based Businesses

In construction and engineering firms, finance work revolves around projects. Controllers track job costs, review change orders, manage progress billing, and watch cash flow across many sites. They must work closely with project managers and estimators to understand what is happening in the field. Ask candidates about their experience with project-based accounting and how they keep job reports accurate.

Professional Services and Technology Firms

Firms that sell time and expertise need controllers who understand revenue timing, utilization, and recurring contracts. Ask how the candidate has tracked profitability by client or service line, and how they handle billing disputes.

Growing Companies With Limited Systems

Smaller companies often have scattered tools and manual steps. A controller here may need to design processes from scratch. Look for someone who enjoys building, can prioritize improvements, and is comfortable working without a large team at first.

Red Flags During Interviews

Vague Answers About Past Results

If a candidate cannot explain what they changed or improved, probe further. Ask for specific examples and what they learned. Strong candidates give clear stories with outcomes.

Blaming Others for Problems

Everyone faces challenges, but a candidate who always blames others may struggle with ownership. Listen for how they describe mistakes and what they did to correct them. For more on this topic, read about Leadership Roles.

Discomfort With Questions About Controls

A controller should speak easily about checks, approvals, and risk. Hesitation or dismissive answers on this topic is a warning sign. Follow up with scenario questions to confirm their understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a financial controller need a CPA?

Many controllers hold a CPA, but it is not always required. Consider the credential along with experience, leadership, and fit for your business.

When should a company hire its first controller?

Consider it when your books become too complex for a bookkeeper or outside accountant alone, or when leaders need faster and more reliable reports.

Can a controller work part time or on contract?

Yes. Some companies use interim or contract controllers during growth, transitions, or special projects.

What should I ask in the first interview?

Start with their experience, the systems they know, how they run month-end close, and how they work with other leaders.

Next Steps

The right controller gives your leaders confidence in the numbers and frees them to focus on growth. Take time to define the role, ask thoughtful questions, and check the details. A careful search costs less than fixing the problems that follow a poor match. Strong finance leadership supports every other part of your business, from hiring to purchasing to long-term planning.

Finding the right controller protects your finances and supports growth. Here is how to move ahead.

• Define the scope of the role and your top priorities.
• Prepare a structured interview plan with technical and behavior questions.
• Decide how you will check references.
• Contact K2 Staffing to start a search for a qualified financial controller.

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