Controllers are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of financial records and managing financial risk. As a controller, your resume should be just like your financial statements: accurate, reliable, and up-to-date. In this guide, we'll review X controller resume examples to help you get the job you want in 2023.
You can use the examples above as a starting point to help you brainstorm tasks, accomplishments for your work experience section.
Here are the essential sections that should exist in an Controller resume:
Additionally, if you're eager to make an impression and gain an edge over other Controller candidates, you may want to consider adding in these sections:
Let's start with resume headlines.
Why these are strong:
These resume headlines are strong for Controllers as they highlight key skills and achievements that are relevant to their roles. The first headline emphasizes the candidate's ability to drive financial growth and implement cost-saving measures, which are crucial factors that hiring managers look for in Controllers. The second headline showcases the candidate's expertise in financial analysis, forecasting, and budgeting, which are essential skills for Controllers to have. Finally, the third headline emphasizes the candidate's attention to detail and focus on compliance and risk management, which are important qualities for Controllers to possess in order to mitigate financial risks.
Why these are weak:
These headlines need improvement as they lack specificity and do not highlight the unique value or accomplishments that the candidates bring to the table. The first headline does not mention the years of experience or the industries the candidate has worked in. The second headline highlights skills but does not provide any context or results, such as percentage improvements or cost savings. The third headline mentions expertise in financial reporting and analysis, but fails to showcase any measurable achievements or certifications that could strengthen the candidate's profile.
Resume summaries are crucial for Controllers as they provide a concise yet powerful way to showcase their skills, experience, and unique value proposition. A well-crafted summary can immediately capture the attention of hiring managers, setting the tone for the rest of the resume and positioning the candidate as an ideal fit for the role.
For Controllers specifically, an effective resume summary is one that highlights their ability to strategically manage financial operations and deliver accurate and timely financial reporting.
Key points that Controllers should convey in a resume summary include:
Relevant Experience:
Clearly mention the number of years of experience you have in financial management, highlighting any notable achievements or career highlights. If you have experience with different types of financial operations or industries that are particularly relevant to the job, mention that too.
Technical and Domain Expertise:
Showcase your knowledge of financial management methodologies (GAAP, IFRS, etc.), as well as any industry-specific knowledge that would be beneficial to the role (e.g., manufacturing, healthcare, etc.).
Leadership and Teamwork:
In any financial management role, leadership and collaboration are going to be core components. Emphasize your ability to lead cross-functional teams, collaborate with stakeholders, and create a shared vision for financial operations, as these are key attributes that every hiring manager will want to see in a Controller.
Accuracy and Attention to Detail:
Highlight your ability to ensure the accuracy and completeness of financial reporting, as well as your attention to detail in managing financial operations.
Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills:
Show that you can analyze financial data, identify trends, and make informed decisions to optimize financial performance and drive growth.
To nail the resume summary, use your best judgment to choose the right combination of these that align closest with the individual role you’re applying for. Remember, your resume summary will be one of the first things that a potential employer will see about you and your financial management career.
Here are some key writing tips to help you make the most of it:
Tailor the Summary:
Customize your summary for each job application, ensuring that it aligns with the specific requirements and expectations of the hiring company.
Be Concise:
Keep your summary brief and to-the-point, ideally within 3-4 sentences. Avoid using buzzwords or jargon, and focus on concrete skills and accomplishments.
Use Metrics and Tangible Outcomes:
Whenever possible, include quantitative data to back up your claims, such as cost savings, revenue growth, or financial reporting accuracy rates.
Begin with a Strong Statement:
Start your summary with a compelling statement that captures your unique value proposition as a Controller, and then build on that foundation with your key attributes and experiences.
Why these are strong:
These resume summaries are strong for Controllers as they highlight the candidates' key strengths, accomplishments, and industry-specific experience. The first summary emphasizes the candidate's financial expertise and ability to drive operational efficiency. The second summary showcases the candidate's strategic thinking and quantifiable impact on revenue growth in the healthcare industry. Lastly, the third summary demonstrates the candidate's attention to detail and experience in accounting and auditing, making them highly appealing to potential employers.
Why these are weak:
These resume summaries need improvement for Controllers as they lack specific achievements, metrics, or examples of how the candidate has added value to their previous employers. The first summary provides only a general overview of the candidate's experience, without mentioning any specific accomplishments or industries. The second summary mentions budgeting and forecasting but doesn't provide any quantifiable results or details on the candidate's successes in implementing these approaches, which would make their profile more compelling to potential employers. The third summary mentions process improvement and cost reduction, but again, doesn't provide any specific examples of how the candidate has achieved these goals or how they have impacted the organization's bottom line.
Why these are strong:
These resume objectives are strong for up and coming Controllers because they showcase the candidates' relevant skills, education, and experience, while also highlighting their eagerness to learn and contribute to the success of the organization. The first objective emphasizes the candidate's attention to detail and analytical skills, which are important attributes for a Controller. The second objective showcases the candidate's educational background and knowledge of GAAP and internal controls, demonstrating a strong foundation for success in the role. Lastly, the third objective highlights the candidate's experience in financial operations and leadership, making them a promising fit for a Controller position where they can further develop their skills and contribute to the company's growth.
Why these are weak:
These resume objectives need improvement for up and coming Controllers because they lack specificity and don't effectively showcase the unique value or skills the candidates possess. The first objective is generic and doesn't provide any information about the candidate's background, passion, or relevant experience. The second objective only mentions the candidate's interest in pursuing a career as a Controller, but doesn't provide any information about their skills or qualifications. The third objective hints at some experience in financial analysis, but it doesn't mention any specific achievements, education, or industries the candidate is interested in.
Developed and implemented financial controls and procedures, resulting in a 20% reduction in accounting errors and a 15% increase in overall financial accuracy.
Led the preparation and analysis of monthly financial statements, providing key insights to senior management and enabling informed decision-making.
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and implement cost-saving initiatives, resulting in a 10% reduction in operating expenses.
Oversaw the annual budgeting process, resulting in a 5% increase in revenue and a 10% reduction in expenses.
Managed the company's cash flow, ensuring timely payments to vendors and reducing outstanding accounts payable by 25%.
Implemented a new financial reporting system, improving the accuracy and efficiency of financial reporting by 30%.
Why these are strong:
Assisted in the preparation of financial statements and reports, ensuring accuracy and compliance with accounting standards.
Conducted routine audits of financial records and transactions, identifying discrepancies and proposing corrective actions.
Collaborated with other departments to gather financial data and provide analysis for budgeting and forecasting purposes.
Managed accounts payable and receivable processes, ensuring timely and accurate processing of invoices and payments.
Prepared and reviewed monthly financial statements, analyzing variances and providing recommendations for improvement.
Assisted in the development and implementation of internal controls and procedures to mitigate financial risks.
Why these are weak:
As a Controller, you know the importance of attention to detail and accuracy in financial reporting. You also understand the value of going above and beyond to ensure the success of your organization. Pairing your resume with a tailored cover letter can give you a crucial edge over the competition and significantly increase your chances of landing an interview. A cover letter is an extension of your resume, an opportunity to delve deeper into your relevant experience and showcase your passion for the role. Contrary to common belief, crafting a compelling cover letter doesn't have to be an arduous task, and the benefits far outweigh the effort required.
Here are some compelling reasons for submitting a cover letter as a Controller:
By submitting a cover letter along with your resume, you can showcase your expertise and passion for financial management, and demonstrate why you are the best candidate for the job. Don't miss out on this opportunity to make a lasting impression and secure your dream job as a Controller.
A Controller resume should ideally be one to two pages long, with a focus on highlighting the most relevant and significant experiences and achievements. It is important to keep in mind that Controllers are typically responsible for managing financial operations and ensuring compliance with regulations, so the resume should emphasize skills and experiences related to these areas. Additionally, including quantifiable achievements and metrics can help demonstrate the impact of the Controller's work. Ultimately, the length of the resume should be determined by the amount of relevant experience and achievements the Controller has to showcase.
The best way to format a Controller resume is to start with a clear and concise summary statement that highlights your experience and skills in financial management, accounting, and budgeting. Use bullet points to list your key achievements and responsibilities in previous roles, and be sure to include any relevant certifications or licenses. In terms of layout, use a clean and simple design with easy-to-read fonts and consistent formatting throughout. Avoid using too many colors or graphics, as this can be distracting and take away from the content of your resume. It's also important to tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying for. Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position, and use keywords from the job description to help your resume stand out to hiring managers. Overall, a well-formatted Controller resume should showcase your financial expertise and demonstrate your ability to manage budgets, analyze data, and make strategic decisions that drive
The following Controller skills are important to highlight in a resume: 1. Financial Analysis: Controllers should have strong financial analysis skills to be able to analyze financial data, identify trends, and make informed decisions. 2. Budgeting and Forecasting: Controllers should be able to develop and manage budgets and forecasts to ensure that the organization's financial goals are met. 3. Accounting and Reporting: Controllers should have a solid understanding of accounting principles and be able to prepare accurate financial statements and reports. 4. Risk Management: Controllers should be able to identify and manage financial risks to ensure the organization's financial stability. 5. Leadership and Management: Controllers should have strong leadership and management skills to lead and manage a team of accounting professionals. 6. Communication: Controllers should be able to communicate financial information effectively to stakeholders, including executives, board members, and investors. 7. Technology: Controllers should have a good understanding of financial software and technology to streamline financial processes and improve efficiency. In summary, highlighting these skills on a resume can help Controllers stand out to potential employers and demonstrate their ability to effectively manage an organization's financial operations.
If you have no experience as a Controller, it is important to focus on highlighting your relevant skills and experiences that can transfer to the role. Here are some tips for writing a resume: 1. Start with a strong objective statement that highlights your interest in becoming a Controller and your relevant skills and experiences. 2. Emphasize your education and any relevant coursework, such as accounting or finance. 3. Highlight any experience you have in financial analysis, budgeting, or other related areas. This could include internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs. 4. Showcase your skills in areas such as data analysis, problem-solving, and communication. 5. Consider obtaining a certification, such as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA), to demonstrate your commitment to the field. 6. Tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying for, highlighting the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position. Remember, even if you don't have
