Description

Business unit controllers are executives who is tasked with overseeing the company's finances and accounting. They usually have the whole accounting department of a business under their control and are required to oversee the department in a way that is in line with standard procedures. Business unit controllers approve the financial reports of the company and are responsible for ensuring that the reporting is as reliable and accurate as they can. In addition, the controller typically establishes routine auditing systems to make sure that all employees adhere to the organizational guidelines.

The controller of the business unit manages or implements all the systems related to the accounting of a business. They typically oversee the payroll, accounts receivables, as well as accounts payable. They closely keep track of cash flow and manage budgeting and forecasting according to the requirements set by their operations.

The controller of the business unit is also in contact with financial institutions to report the financial position of a company. They collaborate with regulators and auditors to determine the most effective, precise method to evaluate the company's processes for accounting and reporting. The controller usually has a variety of finance and accounting department supervisors and managers as his direct supervisors and is responsible directly with hiring or promotions for these positions.

The standard education requirement for this job include the requirement of a bachelor's education in business, or another related field. Larger companies may prefer an individual with an MBA in addition. The controller must also be certified as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Business Unit Controller with 9+ years of experience in the United States, your main responsibilities include:

  • Managing financial planning and analysis to support business goals.
  • Overseeing budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
  • Providing financial guidance and insights to executive leadership.
  • Ensuring compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Business Unit Controller job role, the following qualifications are required:

  • Extensive financial expertise to oversee and manage the unit's financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
  • Strong analytical skills to analyze financial data, identify trends, and provide insights to support strategic decision-making and drive profitability.
  • In-depth knowledge of accounting principles and regulations to ensure compliance with financial guidelines and policies.
  • Excellent leadership and communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams, including finance, operations, and executive management, and effectively communicate financial information and recommendations.

Essential Skills For Business Unit Controller

1

Business Transformation

2

Business Planning

3

Business Modeling

Skills That Affect Business Unit Controller Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Sap FI-AP

11%

Financial Analysis

9%

People Management

4%

Accounting

11%

Career Prospects

The role of a Business Unit Controller is crucial in overseeing financial operations and ensuring sound financial management. For professionals with 9+ years of experience in the United States, here are following alternative roles to consider:

  • Senior Financial Manager: A position that entails managing overall financial performance, analyzing financial data, and providing strategic guidance to the organization.
  • Compliance Officer: A role focused on ensuring adherence to regulatory guidelines and implementing effective compliance strategies across the business.
  • Operations Director: A position involving overseeing business operations, optimizing processes, and driving efficiency and profitability.
  • Strategy Consultant: A role that involves providing valuable insights and recommendations to drive business growth, identifying market opportunities, and supporting strategic decision-making.

How to Learn

The role of a Business Unit Controller in the United States is projected to experience significant growth in the market. With a 10-year analysis, employment opportunities for this position are expected to increase steadily. According to recent data from Google, this role is in high demand due to its crucial responsibilities in financial reporting and analysis. As companies continue to expand and face complex financial challenges, the need for skilled Business Unit Controllers will rise. This trend indicates a promising future for individuals aspiring to work in this field, highlighting an abundance of employment opportunities in the coming years.