Job Search & Hiring
How To Become a Controller
Glassdoor Team
Glassdoor Team | Author & Career Expert at Glassdoor | Jan 1, 2024
Are you thinking of becoming a Controller or already started your career and planning the next step? Learn how to become a Controller, what skills you need to succeed, how to advance your career and get promoted, and what levels of pay to expect at each step on your career path. Explore new Controller job openings and options for career transitions into related roles.
Steps to Become a Controller
A controller is an attractive career ambition for many accountants. Find out what it takes to become this financial guru, then follow these steps:
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Take an inventory of your personal skills.
- Problem-solving skills.
- Analytical thinking.
- Aptitude for leadership.
- Organization skills.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Keen business sense.
- Interpersonal and communication skills.
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Get your master's degree.
- Managerial finance.
- Behavioral studies.
- Business leadership.
- Economics.
- Business law.
- Human resources.
- International business.
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Put your degree to work as an accountant.
Even the best student won't get a controller job right out of college. It can take at least five years of dedicated work to earn this coveted title. Controllers must refine their technical skills by practicing as accountants and auditors in private sector roles or with government agencies and nonprofits.Many individuals start as cost accountants and advance to management positions after demonstrating their financial expertise, leadership abilities, and business management software competency. Plan to follow up that experience with a multi-year tenure as an assistant controller. -
Take your certification exam.
- Business environment and concepts.
- Auditing and attestation.
- Regulation.
- Financial accounting and reporting.
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Continue your education.
Controllers are typically required to complete continuing education to maintain their CPA-related credentials. Educators designed the process to help you maintain your competency and understanding of ever-changing tax laws. Most of these employees must also demonstrate extensive experience with Microsoft Excel and proficiency with leading financial analysis software, like Intuit's QuickBooks.
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