Resume Example
Controller Resume Example
Show financial reporting leadership, controls, and close efficiency. This sample focuses on governance and accuracy.
Executive Sidebar
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Keywords
Sample bullets
- Led a team of 6 to deliver on-time financials with zero audit adjustments.
- Implemented SOX controls that reduced deficiencies by 40%.
- Migrated to NetSuite, cutting close time by 3 days.
Soft skills
- Team leadership
- Process improvement
- Stakeholder management
- Risk management
Certifications
- CPA
- CMA
- MBA
Why this works
- Highlights leadership in financial reporting and controls.
- Shows measurable close-time improvements.
- Demonstrates audit readiness and governance.
Step-by-Step Guide
How to Write a Controller Resume
Lead with financial scope and close excellence
Controllers own the financial close and reporting. Lead with company revenue, close timeline, and reporting complexity. 'Controller for $200M company with 5-day close and 3 international subsidiaries.'
Highlight technical accounting expertise
Include experience with GAAP compliance, revenue recognition, consolidations, and any complex accounting areas (stock compensation, leases, M&A purchase accounting). Technical depth matters.
Show process improvement and efficiency
Controllers drive efficiency. Include close timeline reductions, automation implementations, and process improvements. 'Reduced close from 15 to 5 days through system automation' shows impact.
Include audit and compliance experience
Clean audits reflect Controller effectiveness. Include audit management, SOX compliance, internal controls implementation, and any audit finding remediation.
Demonstrate team and cross-functional leadership
Controllers lead accounting teams and partner across the business. Include team sizes, mentoring, and collaboration with FP&A, Treasury, and business stakeholders.
Summary Examples
Good vs. Bad Resume Summaries
“Controller for $150M SaaS company leading team of 8 through IPO readiness. Reduced monthly close from 12 to 4 days and implemented ASC 606 revenue recognition. Clean audits for 5 consecutive years.”
Revenue scale, team size, close improvement, technical expertise (ASC 606), and audit track record.
“Accounting professional with controller experience. Strong GAAP knowledge and attention to detail.”
No scope, no achievements, 'attention to detail' is expected for all accountants.
“Corporate Controller managing global accounting for manufacturing company with $500M revenue and 5 entities. Led ERP implementation reducing close 50%. Built accounting team from 3 to 12 during growth phase.”
Global scope, ERP project, dramatic close improvement, and team building.
“CPA seeking controller role to advance career in accounting. Experience with month-end close and financial statements.”
Basic expectations without achievements. 'Seeking to advance' focuses on your needs.
Action Verbs
Power Words for Controller Resumes
Common Mistakes
What to Avoid
- ✗Not specifying company revenue and accounting scope
- ✗Missing close timeline achievements
- ✗Omitting technical accounting expertise (revenue rec, consolidations)
- ✗Being vague about audit results and compliance
- ✗Not showing team leadership and development
- ✗Missing process improvement and automation experience
Salary ranges
| Level | US | EU | Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry controller | USD 98,000-130,000 | EUR 67,600-89,700 | CAD 113,700-150,800 |
| Controller | USD 130,000-175,000 | EUR 89,700-120,700 | CAD 150,800-203,000 |
| Senior controller | USD 175,000-253,000 | EUR 120,700-174,600 | CAD 203,000-293,500 |
| VP controller | USD 200,000-310,000 | EUR 138,000-213,900 | CAD 232,000-359,600 |
Market themes
- CPA is a standard expectation for senior roles
US hot markets
- San Francisco
- New York
- Chicago
- Boston
EU hot markets
- London
- Frankfurt
- Munich
Canada hot markets
- Toronto
- Vancouver
FAQ
Common questions about this role
What should controllers emphasize?
Financial reporting accuracy, controls, and close discipline.
Which metrics stand out?
Close time reduction, audit findings, and control improvements.
Related Roles
More Finance & Accounting Examples
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