Corporate Controller Resume Examples for 2024

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Corporate Controller

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Corporate Controller Resume Tips

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Google Docs Template #1

Corporate Controller Resume Sample

A corporate controller is in charge of a company’s financial functions. Your tasks will include preparing budgets, making financial forecasts, establishing financial policies, and assessing financial risk.

This is a high-level position and a high level of expertise and educational background is expected. You will be expected to have a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a similar field, with a master’s and CPA being strongly preferred. Recruiters will also expect you to have a high level of financial management and familiarity with accounting and finance tools. Lastly, as you will be leading a team and potentially a department, your management and leadership skills will need to be stellar and highlighted in your resume. Take a look at this successful corporate controller resume.

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A strong corporate controller resume sample that highlights the applicant's organizational and technical skills.

Tips to help you write your Corporate Controller resume in 2024

Demonstrate your organizational and coordination skills.

Notice how the applicant highlights their ability to manage large projects, e.g. ‘Developed financial models for more than 185 subsidiary branches…’ Accomplishments like this, show hiring managers you have strong organizational skills which are critical to being a successful corporate controller, so try to do this in your resume too.

Also see: How To Demonstrate Organizational Skills on Your Resume

Demonstrate your organizational and coordination skills. - Corporate Controller Resume

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Add technical skills relevant to corporate controllers.

By the time you are being considered for this position, it is already expected that you have expertise using all the industry-standard tools. Your level of experience and success is what recruiters will concentrate on. So don’t waste space on your resume writing an extensive list of tools you are familiar with. List the most popular and industry-standard tools as well as the newest tools to be efficient.

Also see: Find Hard Skills To Include In Your Resume

Add technical skills relevant to corporate controllers. - Corporate Controller Resume

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Corporate Controller Resume Tips

As a hiring manager who has recruited Corporate Controllers at companies like Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft, I've reviewed hundreds of resumes for this role. Based on my experience, I've compiled a list of the most effective tips to help your resume stand out. Implementing these tips will significantly boost your chances of landing an interview and ultimately securing a Corporate Controller position.

Highlight your financial reporting expertise

Emphasize your experience in preparing financial statements, such as balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements. Provide specific examples of the types of reports you've created and the impact they had on the company. For instance:

Prepared quarterly and annual financial statements for a $500M company, ensuring 100% accuracy and timely submission to stakeholders
Created monthly financial reports that identified areas for cost reduction, resulting in a 15% decrease in operating expenses

Bullet Point Samples for Corporate Controller

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Showcase your experience with accounting standards

Demonstrate your knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Highlight instances where you ensured compliance with these standards. Contrast this with what not to do:

Familiar with accounting standards
Knowledgeable in GAAP and IFRS

Instead, provide concrete examples:

Implemented GAAP-compliant accounting policies, reducing audit findings by 90%
Conducted training sessions on IFRS updates for a team of 20 accountants, ensuring 100% compliance

Highlight your experience with financial systems

Corporate Controllers often work with various financial systems, such as ERP and accounting software. Showcase your proficiency in these systems and how you've used them to streamline processes. For example:

Implemented a new ERP system, reducing month-end close time by 40%
Developed custom reports in SAP, providing real-time financial data to executive leadership

Avoid generic statements like:

Proficient in various financial systems

Demonstrate your leadership and team management skills

As a Corporate Controller, you'll likely manage a team of accountants and financial professionals. Highlight your experience in leading and mentoring teams. Show how you've improved team performance and developed talent. For instance:

Led a team of 15 accountants, improving productivity by 25% through process improvements and training initiatives
Mentored junior accountants, resulting in a 50% reduction in turnover rate

Avoid vague statements like:

Experienced in managing teams

Include your experience with budgeting and forecasting

Corporate Controllers play a key role in budgeting and forecasting. Showcase your experience in creating and managing budgets, as well as developing financial projections. Provide examples of how your budgeting and forecasting efforts have contributed to the company's financial performance. For instance:

Developed a comprehensive annual budget for a $200M division, accurately forecasting revenue within 2%
Created a rolling 12-month cash flow forecast, enabling the company to optimize its cash management strategy

Highlight your experience with internal controls

Demonstrating your knowledge of internal controls is crucial for a Corporate Controller role. Showcase your experience in designing, implementing, and monitoring internal control systems. Highlight instances where you've identified and mitigated financial risks. For example:

Implemented a robust internal control framework, reducing the risk of financial misstatement by 95%
Conducted regular internal audits, identifying and rectifying control weaknesses in a timely manner

Avoid generic statements like:

Familiar with internal controls

Writing Your Corporate Controller Resume: Section By Section

Summary

When applying for corporate controller positions, a well-crafted summary can be a valuable addition to your resume. While not mandatory, a summary provides an opportunity to highlight your most relevant qualifications and experiences, giving hiring managers a quick overview of what you bring to the table. It's important to note that objectives should never be used in place of a summary, as they tend to focus on what you want rather than what you can offer the company.

When writing your summary for a corporate controller role, focus on showcasing your financial expertise, leadership skills, and industry-specific knowledge. Tailor your summary to the job description and company, emphasizing how your unique combination of skills and experience make you an ideal candidate for the position.

How to write a resume summary if you are applying for a Corporate Controller resume

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1. Highlight your financial expertise and achievements

As a corporate controller, your financial acumen is one of your most valuable assets. Use your summary to showcase your expertise in financial reporting, budgeting, and analysis. Highlight specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive financial success within an organization.

For example, instead of simply stating that you have experience in financial reporting, quantify your impact:

Seasoned corporate controller with 10+ years of experience in financial reporting, leading to a 15% reduction in reporting errors and a 20% improvement in financial forecast accuracy.

Avoid using vague or generic statements that could apply to any candidate, such as:

Experienced corporate controller with a proven track record of success in financial management.

Quantifying your achievements not only makes your summary more impactful but also helps you stand out from other candidates. Our Score My Resume tool can provide instant feedback on the strength of your resume, including how well you've highlighted your accomplishments.

2. Tailor your summary to the job description

One of the most common mistakes job seekers make when writing their summary is using a generic, one-size-fits-all approach. To make your summary more effective, tailor it to the specific corporate controller position you're applying for.

Review the job description carefully and identify the key skills, qualifications, and experience the employer is looking for. Then, incorporate these elements into your summary, demonstrating how you meet or exceed their requirements.

Results-driven corporate controller with 12+ years of experience in financial management for manufacturing companies. Proven track record of implementing cost-saving initiatives, optimizing financial processes, and ensuring compliance with GAAP and SOX regulations. Skilled in ERP systems and leading cross-functional teams to achieve financial objectives.

In contrast, a generic summary that fails to address the specific needs of the employer may look like this:

Experienced corporate controller seeking a new opportunity to utilize my skills in financial management and reporting. Proficient in various accounting software and able to work effectively in a team environment.

By tailoring your summary to the job description, you demonstrate your understanding of the company's needs and how you can contribute to their success. Our Targeted Resume tool can help you ensure your resume, including your summary, is optimized for the specific corporate controller position you're pursuing.

Experience

The work experience section is the heart of your resume as a Corporate Controller. It's where you detail your past roles and accomplishments to show hiring managers you have the right experience for the job.

Let's break down the key steps to write an effective work experience section on your Corporate Controller resume, from using the right format to incorporating key accomplishments.

1. Use reverse-chronological order

When listing your work experience, always put your most recent job first, and go backwards from there. This way, hiring managers see your current or latest role first.

Include the following details for each role:

Company name
Job location
Your job title
Dates of employment (month and year, or just years)

Under each role, add 3-5 bullet points detailing what you did in the role and your key accomplishments. The number of bullet points depends on how relevant the role is, and how recent. For example:

Nuveen, New York, NY
Corporate Controller, June 2018 - Present
Spearhead monthly and quarterly accounting close processes and reporting to ensure timely and accurate financial statements
Prepare complex financial reports including balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and cash flow reports
Oversee GL, AP, AR, and FA teams to ensure SOX compliance and adherence to US GAAP

To make sure your work experience section is easy to scan, use consistent formatting for each role. Keep company names, job titles, and dates in the same font and format. This way, the reader can quickly skim through and pick out the key details.

2. Incorporate strong accounting action verbs

When describing what you did in each role, start each bullet point with a strong action verb. This makes your contributions clear and impactful. But don't use generic verbs like 'managed' or 'handled' - use Corporate Controller-specific verbs like:

Reconciled financial discrepancies to maintain accurate books
Forecasted revenue and expenses to inform business decisions
Coordinated internal and external audit processes
Automated financial reporting processes to improve efficiency

In contrast, here are some examples of weak, generic bullet points:

Responsible for account reconciliation
Helped with financial reporting
Worked with auditors on SOX compliance

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To find the right verbs, look at Corporate Controller job descriptions and take note of the verbs they use. Incorporate these into your own work experience bullet points. This will not only make your experience more impactful, but also help your resume pass applicant tracking systems (ATS) that screen for these keywords.

3. Quantify your impact with metrics

To make your bullet points even more impactful, include hard numbers that quantify your contributions whenever possible. This could be financial metrics, percentages, or other KPIs. For example:

Reduced monthly close process from 10 days to 5 days by streamlining workflows
Saved $500K annually by identifying and eliminating redundant expenses
Managed $20M corporate budget across 5 departments

Without metrics, those same bullet points become vague and less impressive:

Reduced monthly close process by streamlining workflows
Saved money by identifying and eliminating redundant expenses
Managed corporate budget across several departments

Not every bullet point needs a metric, but try to include 2-3 measurable achievements for each role if possible. If you don't have exact numbers, estimate or use ranges. And if the metric isn't applicable, focus on the business impact, like improving accuracy or ensuring compliance.

4. Tailor your experience to the job

While it's tempting to list every job you've ever had, focus on the experience that's most relevant to the Corporate Controller role you want. Look at the job description and highlight the key skills and requirements.

Then, think about your past experience and how it relates. What have you done that's similar? What transferable skills do you have? Prioritize including these relevant details.

For example, if the job description mentions mergers and acquisitions (M&A) experience, make sure to include M&A work you've done:

Consolidated 3 subsidiary P&Ls after $250M acquisition to align with parent company's reporting standards

Even if you don't have the exact experience they're looking for, highlight what's most closely related.

To quickly check if your resume has the right skills and keywords for a specific Corporate Controller job, try using Resume Worded's Targeted Resume tool. It scans your resume against a job description and scores how well it matches. It also gives you suggestions for skills to add to improve your chances of passing an ATS and landing an interview.

Education

The education section of your corporate controller resume should be concise yet impactful. It's an opportunity to showcase your academic achievements and highlight any specialized training or certifications that are relevant to the role. Let's break down the key steps to crafting a compelling education section.

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1. Highlight your accounting degree

As a corporate controller, your accounting degree is a crucial foundation. Make sure to prominently feature your bachelor's or master's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.

Here's an example of how to effectively list your degree:

Master of Science in Accounting, XYZ University, Graduated: May 2015
Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance, ABC College, Graduated: May 2012

If you have a master's degree, consider listing it first to draw attention to your highest level of education.

2. Include relevant coursework and honors

If you're a recent graduate or have completed coursework that's highly relevant to the corporate controller role, consider including it in your education section. This can help demonstrate your expertise and set you apart from other candidates.

Here's an example:

Relevant Coursework: Advanced Financial Accounting, Corporate Taxation, Auditing Theory and Practice
Honors: Graduated Summa Cum Laude, Dean's List (All Semesters)

Be selective with the coursework you include. Only list classes that are directly applicable to the corporate controller position.

3. Showcase certifications like CPA or CMA

Professional certifications like Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) are highly valued in the accounting and finance industry. If you have earned these certifications, make sure to include them in your education section.

Here's an example of how to list your certifications:

Certified Public Accountant (CPA), State of [Insert State], License Number: 123456, Issued: June 2016

If you are in the process of obtaining a certification, you can mention it as well:

CMA Candidate, Anticipated Completion: December 2023

If you have multiple certifications, consider creating a separate 'Certifications' section to highlight them more prominently.

4. Keep it concise for senior-level positions

If you are a senior-level corporate controller with extensive work experience, your education section should be brief. At this stage in your career, your professional accomplishments carry more weight than your academic background.

Here's an example of what to avoid:

Bachelor of Science in Accounting, XYZ University, Graduated: May 1995
Relevant Coursework: Intro to Financial Accounting, Business Law, Microeconomics
GPA: 3.8/4.0

Instead, keep it concise and focus on your degree and any notable achievements:

Master of Business Administration, Concentration in Finance, ABC University
Bachelor of Science in Accounting, XYZ University, Graduated Magna Cum Laude

If you graduated more than 15 years ago, consider omitting your graduation year to avoid potential age discrimination.

Skills

The skills section of your resume is where you highlight your top abilities that are relevant to the Corporate Controller position you're applying for. It's an opportunity to showcase your expertise and demonstrate how you can add value to the company. Here are some tips to help you create a compelling skills section:

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1. Tailor your skills to the job description

When crafting your skills section, it's crucial to align your skills with the requirements listed in the job description. Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes based on specific keywords, including skills. To increase your chances of passing the ATS, carefully review the job posting and incorporate relevant skills and keywords into your resume.

For example, if the job description emphasizes proficiency in financial reporting, budgeting, and internal controls, make sure to include these skills in your resume. However, avoid simply listing generic skills without context. Instead, provide specific examples or certifications that demonstrate your expertise in these areas.

To ensure your resume is optimized for ATS and includes the right skills, consider using Resume Worded's Targeted Resume tool. It analyzes your resume against the job description and provides personalized recommendations to improve your skills section and overall resume.

2. Prioritize hard skills and technical proficiencies

As a Corporate Controller, employers will be looking for candidates with a strong foundation in accounting, finance, and relevant technical skills. Focus on highlighting your hard skills and proficiencies in your skills section. Avoid including soft skills like "leadership" or "communication," as these are often seen as buzzwords and should be demonstrated through your work experience and achievements instead.

Here's an example of a well-structured skills section for a Corporate Controller:

Financial Reporting: GAAP, IFRS, SEC Reporting
Accounting Systems: SAP, Oracle, QuickBooks
Data Analysis: Power BI, Tableau, Advanced Excel (Pivot Tables, VBA)
Certifications: CPA, CMA

Notice how the skills are grouped into relevant categories and include specific tools, standards, and certifications. This level of detail helps demonstrate your expertise and sets you apart from candidates with generic skill listings.

When listing your skills, consider the level of proficiency required for the role. If you're an expert in a particular area, you may want to indicate that next to the skill (e.g., "Advanced Excel (Expert)"). This helps recruiters quickly assess your suitability for the position.

3. Showcase your expertise in financial software and tools

In today's digital age, proficiency in financial software and tools is essential for Corporate Controllers. Employers seek candidates who can efficiently navigate and utilize these tools to streamline processes, analyze data, and generate reports. Make sure to highlight your expertise in relevant software and tools in your skills section.

Some common financial software and tools to consider including:

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle)
Financial reporting software (e.g., Hyperion, Workday)
Data visualization and business intelligence tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (e.g., Pivot Tables, VBA, Macros)

By showcasing your proficiency in these tools, you demonstrate your ability to adapt to new technologies and effectively manage financial processes within the organization.

When listing financial software and tools in your skills section, be specific about the features or functionalities you're experienced with. For example, instead of simply listing "Microsoft Excel," mention specific advanced skills like "Advanced Excel (Pivot Tables, VBA, Macros)" to highlight your expertise.

4. Include relevant certifications and professional designations

Certifications and professional designations are valuable additions to your skills section as they validate your expertise and commitment to the field. For Corporate Controllers, some of the most sought-after certifications include:

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

Including these certifications in your skills section not only demonstrates your technical knowledge but also shows your dedication to professional development and adherence to industry standards. Employers often prefer candidates with these designations, as they indicate a higher level of competence and credibility.

If you have multiple certifications or designations, consider creating a separate "Certifications" section on your resume to give them more prominence. This can help catch the attention of recruiters and hiring managers who are specifically looking for candidates with these qualifications.

Skills For Corporate Controller Resumes

Here are examples of popular skills from Corporate Controller job descriptions that you can include on your resume.

Financial Planning
Accounting
Financial Controlling
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
Finance
Business Strategy
Management
Cash Flow
Financial Forecasting
Sarbanes-Oxley Act

Match Your Resume To These Skills

Skills Word Cloud For Corporate Controller Resumes

This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Corporate Controller job descriptions and resumes. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more likely you should include it in your resume.

Top Corporate Controller Skills and Keywords to Include On Your Resume

For more skills, visit Corporate Controller Skills & Keywords.

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