The FC is a senior leader in the finance team. For this reason, it’s usually expected that job applications show significant experience in accounting and tax issues, plus the ability to guide others and take ownership of the company’s books.This requires more than simply a gift for numbers. Controllers need to be organized self-managers, with the skills to compel the wider company to follow policies and procedures.
“As the critical link that binds finance to the entire senior management team, you need to be a good communicator and to understand the entire business, not just the ins and outs of your own department. This means that a financial controller needs strong leadership skills, interpersonal flair and more than a touch of charisma.”
“The need for partnering means that financial controllers must carry out their financial – and highly technical – role within the entire business environment. The so-called soft skills are just as important as the hard figures.”
