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Job profile
Controller (m/f/d)

The controller profession: more than just a number cruncher

What exactly do controllers do? To put it simply, controllers keep an eye on the company's current internal figures at all times. They are responsible for evaluating them and advising the management on the right strategic and operational decisions within the company.

The controller at a glance

Checking figures is therefore definitely part of the job, but controllers are more like number crunchers. In addition to preparing evaluations and reports, they plan and manage processes and services with the aim of ensuring the company's profitability. Controlling is therefore a management task.

In addition to analytical skills, the role of Controller (m/f/d) requires above all open and friendly interaction with colleagues. This is because Controlling works very closely with IT, business analysts and decision-makers from all areas of the company. Only through this overarching cooperation can controlling specialists recognize new potential for their own company and weigh up costs and risks.

Controllers have a varied and responsible profession, as their work contributes significantly to the current and future development of the company and thus ensures the competitiveness of companies.

 

Key Facts

Role of the controller

Financial expert who plans, analyzes and optimizes business processes
 

Education

Studies or training in the commercial sector plus further training as a controller
 

Further training

Specializations in various areas of controlling

Salary

50,000 to 70,000 euros on average, up to 100,000 euros possible
 

Hard & Soft Skills

► Training and experience in controlling and accounting
► Analytical and planning skills
► Knowledge of relevant IT applications and software
► Knowledge of English
► Ability to work under pressure, flexibility, assertiveness
 

Are you looking for a job as a Controller (m/f/d)?

Do you love numbers and the challenge of developing the right strategies from figures and data volumes to secure the future of a company? Do you also like to communicate directly and across departments? Then why not join a new company and demonstrate your vision with your strong data analysis and professional experience. Open a new chapter in your career with us.
 

Are you looking for an experienced Controller (m/f/d)?

Would you like to know how to steer your company safely through the future? With experienced specialists in controlling, you can take the right path in a targeted manner. Because they can draw a realistic future scenario for your company from your internal figures. Work with us to find controllers with industry experience who understand figures and can present you with results that will ensure your profitability.
 

Are you looking for an exciting project as a Controller?

Have you already seen a number of internal company figures and know exactly what conclusions you can draw from them for the future of a company? If you are more optimistic about the future than the past and can also back up your strategies with strong arguments, then why not bring your controlling expertise to a new company? Together we will find a project in which you can show that the combination of analytical thinking and strong communication skills is your hobbyhorse.

Controller tasks: What activities are part of a controller's everyday life?

As an area of a company's accounting system, namely internal accounting, controlling plans, directs and manages company processes. The aim of controlling is to keep a company on the road to success or to get it there. Always with the aim of maximizing profits. And this happens on an ongoing basis and not just at the end of a financial year. The continuous review of business figures enables controllers to recommend short-term measures in order to intervene to correct unfavorable company developments.

In contrast, a company's external accounting, and with it its financial accounting, records figures for information to third parties, such as the tax office or shareholders. These are figures from the past that are analyzed in order to draw up a balance sheet at the end of an observation period and to disclose whether controlling has worked successfully.

Controlling managers are therefore responsible for planning, controlling and monitoring processes and play a key role in the company's development. The following tasks are part of the day-to-day work of a controller (m/f/d):

► Determination and control of processes in the company
► Analysis and optimization of processes
► Process and weak point analysis and continuous optimization
► Target/actual comparisons
► Budget planning and sales forecasts
► Planning and implementation of strategies
► Preparation and transmission of figures to management
Depending on their area of responsibility, controllers in operational controlling are responsible for budget management, i.e. the economic efficiency and profitability of the company. In strategic controlling, on the other hand, they look for new potential for the company and weigh up costs and risks.
But it is not only the responsibilities that differ in controlling. Depending on the area of tasks and responsibilities, companies and organizations fill the respective position with controllers - according to their qualifications and previous experience:

Tasks of the Junior Controller

Controllers who are just starting out in the field of controlling are referred to as junior controllers.

Controllers who are just starting out in the field of controlling are referred to as junior controllers. At the beginning of their controlling career, they initially support the controlling team and, as they gain more professional experience, they also take on their own projects. Gradually, they are introduced to the tasks of a controller. This includes drawing up budget plans, preparing analyses and reports and processing data.

Tasks of the Junior Controller

Controllers who are just starting out in the field of controlling are referred to as junior controllers.

Controllers who are just starting out in the field of controlling are referred to as junior controllers. At the beginning of their controlling career, they initially support the controlling team and, as they gain more professional experience, they also take on their own projects. Gradually, they are introduced to the tasks of a controller. This includes drawing up budget plans, preparing analyses and reports and processing data.


Tasks of the Senior Controller

With experience comes expertise in controlling.

With experience comes expertise in controlling. As a Senior Controller (m/f/d), company processes are controlled and planned. In addition to target/actual comparisons and measures to optimize company processes, the focus of senior controllers is on strategic tasks and advising the management.

Tasks of the Senior Controller

With experience comes expertise in controlling.

With experience comes expertise in controlling. As a Senior Controller (m/f/d), company processes are controlled and planned. In addition to target/actual comparisons and measures to optimize company processes, the focus of senior controllers is on strategic tasks and advising the management.


What does a controller earn?

Junior controller salary: What is the starting salary for a controller?

Controlling is a management task and the position of controlling manager is also anchored at this level. The great responsibility of controllers is also reflected in their salaries. Junior controllers (m/f/d) can expect a starting salary of around 45,000 euros gross per year.

Senior Controller salary: How much do you earn with experience?

As professional experience and responsibility increase, the contribution of this position to the company's success becomes more and more apparent. This is also reflected in the salary. As a senior controlling manager, people in this role can expect a significantly higher salary. Depending on the size of the company and their own area of responsibility, annual salaries of between 60,000 and 115,000 euros gross are the order of the day. Above all, controllers with a degree in business administration and a specialized Master's degree are sought-after specialists in controlling.

Can controllers specialize?

In large companies, individual divisions or departments may have their own controlling department. Accordingly, experts in controlling can also specialize in the following areas:

► Sales controlling
► Logistics controlling
► Investment controlling
► Marketing logistics
► Production controlling

What hard and soft skills should controllers have?

In addition to analytical thinking and planning skills, controllers should have a high degree of persuasiveness and assertiveness. They are often the ones who have to explain the collected company figures and data in presentations and justify their recommendations. An eye for the essentials and a good command of English are a must for specialists in controlling in their role as the right hand of the company management.
The following hard and soft skills characterize controllers:

► Training and experience in controlling and accounting
► Analytical and planning skills
► Knowledge of relevant IT applications and software
► Knowledge of English
► Ability to work under pressure, flexibility, assertiveness
 

Become a controller: What training should controllers have completed?

As in many other professional fields, there is no one prescribed path to the goal in controlling. Anyone aspiring to a career in the role of a controller should acquire a sound knowledge of business administration and statistical skills. This can be achieved through a relevant course of study or training with subsequent further training. 

The academic path - studying to become a controller

In addition to a degree in business administration with a focus on accounting or controlling, a degree course with a focus on mathematics or statistics is also an option. Many state and private universities offer full-time or part-time Bachelor's and Master's degree courses with different specializations. It is also possible to do a dual course of study in a company. The following courses are suitable for a career in controlling:
 
► Banking and finance
► European economy and corporate management
► Finance, accounting & taxation
► Corporate management - Entrepreneurship
► Business Administration (BWL)
► International Management
► General Management
► Accounting & Controlling

How to become a Controller? Training & Courses

There are various ways in which you can become a controller. One option is to complete a commercial or administrative apprenticeship and then undertake further training to become a controller. This takes around 8 months on a part-time basis and provides you with the necessary knowledge in the areas of cost accounting, reporting, budgeting, information management and more1.

Another option is to complete a business administration degree in which you can choose a specialization in controlling. This can be done at a university or university of applied sciences. A degree course offers you a broader theoretical basis and more opportunities to specialize in different areas of controlling.

Controller training

In order to develop as a controller and stay up to date, there are various options for controller training. These can vary depending on the objective, previous knowledge and time budget. The most popular forms of controller training include:
 
  • Certificate courses: These offer compact and practical training in specific controlling topics such as cost accounting, budgeting, reporting or risk management. The courses are offered by various providers such as the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the Haufe Academy or the Controller Institute and conclude with a recognized certificate. 
 
  • Distance learning: Distance learning allows you to design your controller training flexibly and individually. You can set your own pace and learning times and study from home. Distance learning can lead to an academic degree such as a Bachelor's or Master's in Controlling or to a part-time certificate such as Certified Controller.
 
  • Seminars and workshops: These offer an intensive and interactive discussion of current controlling topics. They are aimed at controllers who want to deepen or refresh their knowledge or exchange ideas with other colleagues. Seminars and workshops are organized by various providers such as the Controller Association, Controller Magazin or the Controller Congress and usually last one to two days.

Find your next dream job or find employees in controlling with Hays

When placing qualified controllers with your company, our recruiters use search networks and data analyses to create shortlists of our applicants. This allows us to access a large number of suitable candidates at any time, which we then place in accordance with your requirements.

In order to best place you in a suitable vacancy in Controlling, we attach great importance to getting to know our applicants in the field of Controlling. This enables us to correctly assess your interests and priorities and place you in exciting job offers with suitable companies at any time.

If the professional exchange and mutual interest between the applicant and the company are satisfactory, all relevant framework conditions are agreed with Hays. Applicants are then employed either directly by the company or by Hays via a temporary employment agency. Nothing stands in the way of a good working relationship!

Top job offers: Controller jobs

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FAQs

How do you become a controller?

The ideal basis for a career in controlling is a commercial apprenticeship with subsequent further training or a degree in economics or mathematics.

The ideal basis for a career in controlling is a commercial apprenticeship with subsequent further training or a degree in economics or mathematics. If you want to work as a controller, you should always have a keen interest in figures and corporate strategies.

How do you become a controller?

The ideal basis for a career in controlling is a commercial apprenticeship with subsequent further training or a degree in economics or mathematics.

The ideal basis for a career in controlling is a commercial apprenticeship with subsequent further training or a degree in economics or mathematics. If you want to work as a controller, you should always have a keen interest in figures and corporate strategies.


What does a controller earn?

As in most professions, the salary of a controller (m/f/d) depends on professional experience, the industry, the size and the location of the company.

As in most professions, the salary of a controller (m/f/d) depends on professional experience, the industry, the size and the location of the company. Junior controllers starting out in their careers earn an average of around 45,000 euros. People in the role of senior controller often earn an annual salary of over 100,000 euros.

What does a controller earn?

As in most professions, the salary of a controller (m/f/d) depends on professional experience, the industry, the size and the location of the company.

As in most professions, the salary of a controller (m/f/d) depends on professional experience, the industry, the size and the location of the company. Junior controllers starting out in their careers earn an average of around 45,000 euros. People in the role of senior controller often earn an annual salary of over 100,000 euros.


What does a controller do?

The controller (m/f/d) is responsible for the ongoing analysis and interpretation of company figures.

The controller (m/f/d) is responsible for the ongoing analysis and interpretation of company figures. This enables controllers to quickly recognize when a business, a specialist area or a product is developing differently than planned. In the event of an unfavorable company development, corrective measures can be taken in consultation with the management in order to put the company back on the road to success. At the beginning of a professional career as a controller (m/f/d), people join a company as junior controllers. Initially, junior controllers often have a supporting role and create budget plans, write analyses and reports and prepare data. With increasing professional experience, responsibility usually increases. The focus is then increasingly on strategy and management.

What does a controller do?

The controller (m/f/d) is responsible for the ongoing analysis and interpretation of company figures.

The controller (m/f/d) is responsible for the ongoing analysis and interpretation of company figures. This enables controllers to quickly recognize when a business, a specialist area or a product is developing differently than planned. In the event of an unfavorable company development, corrective measures can be taken in consultation with the management in order to put the company back on the road to success. At the beginning of a professional career as a controller (m/f/d), people join a company as junior controllers. Initially, junior controllers often have a supporting role and create budget plans, write analyses and reports and prepare data. With increasing professional experience, responsibility usually increases. The focus is then increasingly on strategy and management.