In financial departments, the financial controller is an increasingly sought-after figure. For some time, there has been an increase in the demand for professional profiles of this type. But what exactly is a financial controller and what functions do they perform at the company?
The main task of the financial controller is to manage and oversee the accounting and financial information of the company. But this position should not be confused with that of the accountant: it is not about making accounting entries, but rather monitoring and analysing internal controls to extract useful high-quality information to be used by company management when making strategic decisions. In addition, they also have to create accounting policies and procedures to obtain up-to-date high-quality information, and to create and follow up the fulfilment and evolution of the objectives, particularly in terms of budget, in the different areas, projects, departments, etc. of the company.
Therefore, it is a role that has influence over the direction of the company and the operations that are launched. For this reason there is a coordinating role between the company management and the financial department, but it also acts as a liaison with lawyers, the accounting departments of business partners or even with the banks with which the company operates.
That is why a good financial controller must be a person capable of assuming responsibilities, with communication skills and a meticulous nature, who has to know the company inside out. It is no wonder that, according to a study by Adecco in this sector, this was the most sought-after profile in the year 2015, with an increasingly important position within companies and requested more and more from financial consulting firms.
