9 Controller Resume Examples for 2024

A well-crafted controller resume can set you apart in a competitive finance job market. This article provides proven resume examples and strategic advice. Learn how to highlight your financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance skills. Understand the key sections your resume needs, including experience and certifications. Whether you are new or experienced, you will find tips to make your resume strong and effective.

  Compiled and approved by Steve Grafton
  Last updated on See history of changes

  Next update scheduled for

At a Glance

Here's what we see in the best resumes for controller roles.

  • Show Impact With Numbers: Use metrics to show your impact. Numbers like reduced costs by 15%, improved accuracy by 10%, cut processing time by 20%, and boosted revenue by $1M are common.

  • Highlight Relevant Skills: Include skills on your resume that you have and are mentioned on the job description. Some popular ones are GAAP, financial reporting, quickbooks, auditing, and budget forecasting. But don't include all of them, choose the ones you have and are mentioned in the JD.

  • Quantify Accomplishments: Show specific achievements with phrases like achieved cost reduction or boosted efficiency by. Be direct about what you did.

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Where to list your education

For controllers or those in similar financial positions, your education could be a key factor in getting noticed. If you are new to the workforce, recently finished a significant educational program, or returning after a break for further education, you should list your education at the top of your resume. This immediately shows employers your recent academic focus and up-to-date knowledge in the field.

If you have been working for some time and your experience is a strong point, then your education should follow your professional experience. Focus on noting any degrees related to finance, accounting, or business, as these are directly relevant. You should also highlight any additional certifications, like CPA or CMA, which are valuable for this role as they show a commitment to the field and a mastery of critical skills.

Financial achievements

Highlight your financial achievements. Mention times when you helped your company save money or increase revenue through financial planning.

Data-driven results like reducing costs by 10% or improving budgeting accuracy will show your value to prospective employers.

Ideal resume length

As a controller, your resume should reflect your ability to manage and prioritize information. If you have less than 10 years of experience, keep your resume to one page. This shows you can highlight your most relevant experiences and skills succinctly. Use space wisely and focus on content over quantity.

For those with more than 10 years of experience or at a senior level, a two-page resume is appropriate. On the first page, include your most impactful achievements and roles. Ensure every detail adds value and relates to the controller role. Remember, clear and concise information is key for someone seeking a strategic financial position.

Certifications and trainings

Include certifications such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA). These add validity to your resume.

Note any training in financial software like QuickBooks or SAP, as these are important for many roles in this field.

Beat the resume bots

Many companies use software to screen resumes before a human sees them. You must format your resume so these systems can read it well. Here are two tips for a controller's resume:

  • Use keywords like 'financial reporting' and 'budget management' from the job description. This matches your resume to the job.
  • Make sure your resume has a simple layout. Complex designs can confuse the software. Use clear headings for sections like 'work experience' and 'education'.

Make your resume job-specific

When you apply for a financial controller role, it's key to show you have the right skills and experience. Think about what controllers do and how you've done similar work. Make your resume speak directly to the job you want by showing your know-how.

  • Highlight your experience with financial systems and software, like Oracle or QuickBooks, to show you can manage money matters well.
  • For those with more experience, share examples of how you've led teams. Show your leadership by mentioning the number of people you've managed or budgets you've overseen.
  • If you're coming from a different career, link your past work to controller tasks. For example, if you handled budgets in your last job, make that clear.

Quantify your financial impact

When you apply for a controller role, it is key to show your value through clear metrics. You need to explain how you have helped your past employers. Think about the specific numbers that can highlight your success. For example, you can show how you have managed budgets or saved money.

  • Include percentages of cost reduction you achieved through strategic changes.
  • State dollar amounts of budgets you have overseen or revenue growth you contributed to.
  • Detail time savings realized by streamlining processes.
  • Show reduction in audit time or improvements in audit results.
  • Mention any decrease in financial discrepancies found under your watch.
  • Highlight efficiency in financial reporting cycles or quick month-end close times.
  • Point out any increase in cash flows from better financial control.
  • Quantify improvements in compliance rates with financial regulations.

Use numbers to make your experience clear. If you are not sure about an exact number, estimate it. But be ready to explain how you came to that number in an interview. It is better to show your impact with an estimated metric than to not include it at all.

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