Resume Example
Financial Controller Resume Example
Highlight reporting leadership, controls, and close efficiency. This sample focuses on governance impact.
Executive Sidebar
Professional two-column layout with elegant olive sidebar. Perfect for senior roles.
Keywords
Sample bullets
- Reduced close time from 10 to 6 days through process automation.
- Led SOX remediation, cutting deficiencies by 40%.
- Implemented NetSuite, improving reporting accuracy across departments.
Soft skills
- Team leadership
- Process improvement
- Stakeholder management
- Risk management
Certifications
- CPA
- CMA
- MBA
Why this works
- Shows measurable close-time improvements.
- Highlights audit readiness and controls discipline.
- Demonstrates ERP and reporting modernization.
Step-by-Step Guide
How to Write a Financial Controller Resume
Lead with organizational scope
Feature company revenue, team size, and financial complexity managed. Include multi-entity, international, or M&A experience. Show the scale of financial oversight.
Showcase technical accounting leadership
Include GAAP expertise, complex transactions, and technical accounting decisions. Feature audit management and financial reporting excellence.
Demonstrate controls and compliance
Highlight internal controls, SOX compliance, and audit outcomes. Show commitment to financial integrity and governance.
Feature process and systems
Include ERP implementations, process improvements, and close optimization. Show ability to build efficient financial operations.
Include strategic partnership
Detail CFO support, board reporting, and strategic finance involvement. Show evolution beyond transactional accounting.
Summary Examples
Good vs. Bad Resume Summaries
“Controller overseeing accounting and reporting for $150M revenue company with 15-person team. Led IPO readiness including SOX implementation with zero material weaknesses. Reduced close from 15 to 7 days through process automation.”
Shows revenue scale, team size, IPO experience, and close improvement.
“Financial Controller managing multi-entity consolidation across 5 countries. Achieved clean audits for 8 consecutive years. Built FP&A function supporting 25% revenue growth through improved forecasting.”
Demonstrates international complexity, audit success, and FP&A contribution.
“Controller with experience managing accounting operations.”
No revenue, team size, or specific achievements mentioned.
“Experienced in financial reporting and team management.”
Too vague about scope and doesn't demonstrate controller-level impact.
Action Verbs
Power Words for Financial Controller Resumes
Common Mistakes
What to Avoid
- ✗Not specifying company revenue and team size
- ✗Missing audit outcomes and compliance
- ✗Omitting close timeline and efficiency
- ✗Being vague about technical accounting
- ✗Not showing systems and process improvements
- ✗Failing to demonstrate strategic partnership
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 financial controllers emphasize?
Close discipline, controls, and audit readiness.
Which metrics stand out?
Close time reduction, audit findings, and reporting accuracy.
Related Roles
More Finance & Accounting Examples
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