What You'll Do

  • Prepare and file annual tax returns or prepare financial information so that outside accountants can complete tax returns.
  • Prepare or direct preparation of financial statements, business activity reports, financial position forecasts, annual budgets, or reports required by regulatory agencies.
  • Supervise employees performing financial reporting, accounting, billing, collections, payroll, and budgeting duties.
  • Delegate authority for the receipt, disbursement, banking, protection, and custody of funds, securities, and financial instruments.
  • Maintain current knowledge of organizational policies and procedures, federal and state policies and directives, and current accounting standards.
  • Conduct or coordinate audits of company accounts and financial transactions to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements and statutes.
  • Receive, record, and authorize requests for disbursements in accordance with company policies and procedures.
  • Monitor and evaluate the performance of accounting and other financial staff, recommending and implementing personnel actions, such as promotions and dismissals.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with banking, insurance, and external accounting personnel to facilitate financial activities.
  • Coordinate and direct the financial planning, budgeting, procurement, or investment activities of all or part of an organization.

Essential Skills

Reading Comprehension 4.12/5
Critical Thinking 4.12/5
Complex Problem Solving 4.12/5
Judgment and Decision Making 4.12/5
Speaking 4.0/5
Management of Financial Resources 4.0/5
Active Listening 3.88/5
Monitoring 3.88/5
Mathematics 3.75/5
Writing 3.62/5
Active Learning 3.62/5
Systems Evaluation 3.62/5

Career Fit Overview

Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.

Top passions

  • Leader: Taking charge and moving ideas forward motivates you.
  • Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
  • Helper: Supporting people and making a difference matters to you.

Common styles

Integrity, Attention to Detail, Dependability, Analytical Thinking, Persistence

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Key Abilities

This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:

Written Comprehension 4.12/5
Inductive Reasoning 4.12/5
Oral Comprehension 4.0/5
Oral Expression 4.0/5
Written Expression 4.0/5
Problem Sensitivity 4.0/5
Deductive Reasoning 4.0/5
Near Vision 4.0/5

Technologies & Tools

Accounting software ADERANT Expert Back Office, Powered by Keystone ADP software ADP Workforce Now Automatic Data Processing PC payroll for windows PCPW Blackbaud The Raiser's Edge Corel QuattroPro Deltek professional services software Exact Software Macola ES FileMaker Pro Fund accounting software Hyperion Enterprise Hyperion Solutions System 9 Planning Hypertext markup language HTML IBM Cognos Impromptu IBM Lotus 1-2-3 Infor ERP SyteLine Intuit QuickBooks Job costing software Microsoft Access

Work Environment & Style

Common Styles for This Career

  • Integrity (High importance: 5.0/5)
  • Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.83/5)
  • Dependability (High importance: 4.76/5)
  • Analytical Thinking (High importance: 4.62/5)
  • Persistence (High importance: 4.52/5)

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How to Become One

Most employers require a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Some positions may also require experience through internships, co-ops, or entry-level work to strengthen your candidacy.

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Also Known As

This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:

City Comptroller City Controller City Treasurer Comptroller Controller Corporate Controller Corporate Treasurer Cost Controller County Treasurer Financial Controller Financial Engineer Financial Institution Treasurer Financial Officer Financier Plant Controller Production Controller Project Controller Regional Controller School Treasurer State Comptroller Treasurer Treasury Consultant Trust Officer