What does a Controller do?
A controller is expected to oversee the company's accounting operations and ensure the integrity of its financial reporting. Below is a ready-to-use job description template, along with a step-by-step guide to customizing it for your team.
Controller Job Description Template
[Company Name] is hiring a Controller
About the Role
[Company Name] is looking for a controller to oversee the company's accounting operations and ensure the integrity of its financial reporting. This role reports to the CFO / VP Finance and is based in [Location / Remote / Hybrid].
Responsibilities
- Oversee day-to-day accounting operations and month-end close
- Ensure accurate and timely financial statements and reporting
- Manage internal controls and compliance with accounting standards
- Lead the accounting team and manage their development
- Coordinate with external auditors and tax advisors
- Support budgeting and forecasting alongside the finance leadership team
Requirements
- 6+ years of progressive accounting experience
- CA / CMA or equivalent qualification
- Strong knowledge of Indian accounting standards and tax compliance
- Experience managing and developing an accounting team
Nice to Have
- Experience with ERP implementation or migration
- Exposure to multi-entity consolidation
Salary Range
₹1,000,000 – ₹2,000,000 per annum, based on experience and location.
How to Apply
Interested candidates can apply by sending their resume to [careers@company.com] or applying via [Careers Page Link].
Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Controller Job Description
Here's how to adapt this template into a job description that attracts the right candidates:
Step 1: Define the Role's Purpose
Before listing responsibilities, get clear on why this controller role exists and what success looks like in the first 90 days. This shapes everything else in the job description.
Step 2: Benchmark Against Similar Roles
Look at how other companies, especially close competitors, describe a controller role. This helps you calibrate scope, seniority, and expectations realistically.
Step 3: List Core Responsibilities
Write out the 5-6 responsibilities that matter most for this controller role, in order of importance. Avoid vague statements, be specific about what the person will actually do day to day.
Step 4: Define Required Qualifications
Separate must-have requirements from nice-to-haves. Being overly strict on requirements for a controller role can screen out strong candidates who'd otherwise be a great fit.
Step 5: Add Compensation and Culture Details
Include a salary range wherever possible, along with a short note on team culture or what makes the role interesting. Transparent job descriptions consistently get more qualified applicants.
Step 6: Review and Publish
Have the hiring manager and HR both review the final job description before it goes live, to make sure it accurately reflects the controller role and matches your employer brand.
FAQs
What does a controller do?
A controller oversees a company's accounting operations, ensuring accurate financial reporting, strong internal controls, and compliance.
What is the difference between a controller and a CFO?
A controller focuses on accounting accuracy, controls, and compliance; a CFO owns broader financial strategy, planning, and fundraising.
Writing the job description is just the first step. Intervue helps teams run structured, bias-free technical interviews at scale, so you can hire the controller who's the best fit, not just the best interviewer.