While unemployment is increasing everywhere, there is a growing demand for controllers. This is because many more organizations have started to pursue a much more conscious policy with regard to finances. Controllers help create policies and prepare reports. There are different types of (assistant) controllers. Due to the high demand, the salary for the controller profession is also high. There is a high demand for controllers in the market. A controller is someone with a strong financial and economic background who helps the board and management of an organization in managing and controlling an organization. There are several tasks that a controller performs. In this way, he maintains permission on the financial administration of an organization. He particularly monitors the regulations and whether all procedures have been followed correctly. If necessary, he draws up procedures himself. Furthermore, a controller provides the board of an organization with information and advice on the basis of which they can determine their policy. Finally, a controller takes care of the planning and control cycle and ensures that various periodic reports, such as annual reports and budgets, are carried out.
Working as a controller
The demand for controllers has grown strongly in recent years. This is partly due to the economic crisis. As a result, many companies lost a lot of money. There was also an increasing demand in society for a more effective use of the available money. Many non-profit organizations in particular chose a certain policy and the way in which they would implement it much more consciously. To shape that policy, the demand for controllers also increased sharply. While unemployment has risen sharply in most sectors, the profession of controller is still very attractive. Companies and institutions compete with each other and the controller benefits from this by being able to charge a high salary.
Salary of a controller
There is a demand for different types of controllers. First of all, there is the unit controller. This is someone who is responsible for the financial-economic planning information of a specific business unit. This usually concerns people who have completed a university education. The average salary in 2013 was around fifty thousand euros. Strong analytical skills are required. Another type of controller is the financial controller. This is responsible for the financial and economic management of the organization. This person usually also reports to the general manager. The last group is the assistant controller. This person is responsible for the financial analysis and preparation of reports. The assistant controller falls under the controller. The average salary for an assistant controller is around forty thousand euros.
Controller training
A lot is asked of a controller. For example, someone must be analytically strong, but also have an eye for detail. Furthermore, someone must be able to take a lot of initiative and communicate clearly. This is important when he or she advises the management. Many controllers work in an international environment. That is why it is also important for a controller to have a good command of his languages. It is usually expected that a controller can draw up a report in fluent English. When applying for a controller position, most institutions require someone to have five to eight years of financial experience in the business world. There are several careers that someone can pursue if they want to become a controller. The minimum level that is usually required is the HBO level. Someone who wants to become a controller may, for example, have completed a course in Management, Economics and Law (MER), Business Administration, Commercial Economics, Accountancy or Business Administration. An assistant controller sometimes only needs to have completed an intermediate vocational education.