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If you’ve Googled “corporate controller job description,” you’ve probably seen the same thing over and over: bullet points, buzzwords, and a vague paragraph that could apply to any finance role in any company. The problem? Those generic posts don’t actually help you attract the kind of financial leader your business needs—they just fill space.
A great Corporate Controller isn’t just someone who “manages accounting.” They’re the financial backbone of your company—responsible for accurate reporting, compliance, and providing the insights that guide critical business decisions. If your job post reads like a tax form, you’re going to miss out on top-tier candidates who could be bringing strategic thinking, leadership, and real value to your organization.
Before we dive in, I recommend checking out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ —because when it comes to hiring a controller, generic simply won’t cut it. You need a job post that not only describes the role but also inspires the right person to apply.
Don’t let bad hires slow you down.
WorkScreen helps you identify the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
What a Corporate Controller Actually Does
A Corporate Controller is the senior leader who keeps your company’s financial house in order. They oversee all accounting operations—managing financial reports, budgets, audits, and compliance—while ensuring the numbers you rely on are accurate and timely.
But this role goes far beyond “closing the books.” A great controller acts as both a guardian and a guide:
- Guardian, because they protect the company from costly mistakes, compliance risks, and bad data.
- Guide, because they translate numbers into insights leadership can act on, helping shape smart business decisions.
They lead the accounting team, work closely with executives, and often liaise with external auditors, tax advisors, and regulatory bodies. In short, they’re the bridge between raw financial data and confident, strategic decision-making—and that makes them one of the most critical hires in your finance department.
Two Great Corporate Controller Job Description Templates
We’ll provide two tailored job description options:
1.✅ Option 1: For employers looking to hire an experienced candidates with prior experience.
2.Option 2: For employers open to hiring entry-level candidates or those willing to train someone with potential.
✅ Option 1: Job Description For Experienced Corporate Controller
📌 Job Title: Corporate Controller — NorthBridge Components
💼 Location: Denver, CO (Hybrid: 3 days onsite)
💰 Salary: $140,000–$175,000 base + 15% target bonus
🕒 Type: Full-Time
🎥 A quick 90-second intro from leadership:
- CEO on our mission & growth (Loom link)
- CFO on what success looks like in this role (Loom link)
Who We Are
NorthBridge Components is a mid-market manufacturer that supplies precision assemblies to leading EV and renewable-energy OEMs across North America. From our Denver headquarters, our 300-person team designs and delivers high-tolerance components used in energy storage, drivetrain systems, and power electronics. We believe impeccable quality and dependable delivery are as critical as innovation—which is why finance is a strategic partner here, not a back-office afterthought.
What You’ll Do
- Own all accounting operations (GL, AP/AR, payroll, consolidations) and the monthly/quarterly/annual close.
- Lead GAAP-compliant financial reporting with clear narratives for leadership and the Board.
- Drive budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis across plants and entities.
- Implement and refine standard costing, inventory valuation, and cost accounting for manufacturing.
- Manage external audits, tax filings, and compliance; strengthen internal controls.
- Mentor and develop a 6–8 person accounting team, raising accuracy and accountability.
- Partner with Operations and Supply Chain on capex, inventory turns, and margin expansion.
- Advance our ERP (NetSuite) use, dashboards, and automation for better decision-making.
What We’re Looking For
- Bachelor’s in Accounting/Finance; CPA strongly preferred.
- 7+ years progressive accounting experience; 3+ years in a leadership role.
- Manufacturing background with standard costing and multi-entity consolidations.
- Mastery of GAAP; audit-ready rigor with a continuous-improvement mindset.
- Systems: NetSuite (or SAP/Dynamics), advanced Excel/Sheets; BI familiarity a plus.
- Clear communicator who can translate numbers into business decisions.
Perks & Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision + employer HSA contribution
- 401(k) with company match
- 20 days PTO + 10 paid holidays + paid sick time
- 12 weeks paid parental leave
- Annual learning stipend ($1,500) + CPA/CPE support
- Hybrid work, commuter benefits, on-site lunch Fridays
- Annual performance bonus + spot awards
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- Strategic seat at the table: You’ll shape pricing, margins, and capex decisions.
- Build & elevate: Take a solid foundation and make it world-class—your playbook, your team.
- Real impact: Your work shows up in product costs, delivery reliability, and growth capital.
- Growth runway: Exposure to Board-level work and future VP Finance/CFO track.
📥 How to Apply
We hire on ability and integrity. Please apply via WorkScreen.io and complete the short skills assessment so we can see your expertise in action. You’ll hear back from us within two weeks—every applicant gets a response.
✅ Option 2: Job Description For Entry Level Corporate Controller (Training Provided)
📌 Job Title: Corporate Controller (Training Provided) — Cedar & Stone Home
💼 Location: Austin, TX (Hybrid; Remote considered with CST overlap)
💰 Salary: $90,000–$110,000 base + performance bonus
🕒 Type: Full-Time
🎥 Meet the team in 75 seconds:
- VP Finance on our journey & roadmap (Loom link)
- COO on how finance partners with growth (Loom link)
Who We Are
Cedar & Stone Home is a design-forward, sustainable home goods brand selling direct-to-consumer across our Shopify store, Amazon, and boutique retail partners. We’re a 60-person, fast-growing team obsessed with product quality, supply-chain transparency, and customer joy. Finance is our growth engine—helping us launch new lines, manage cash cycles, and scale responsibly without losing what makes us special.
What You’ll Do (with training and mentorship)
- Assist with monthly close, reconciliations, and clean GL management.
- Support revenue recognition across Shopify/Amazon/wholesale channels.
- Learn inventory accounting with our 3PL partners and demand-planning cycles.
- Help implement dashboards for contribution margin, CAC payback, and cash flow.
- Participate in sales tax nexus compliance and external reviews.
- Build repeatable processes that scale—documentation, controls, and automation.
- Present key insights to leadership as you grow into full ownership of the function.
What We’re Looking For
- Bachelor’s in Accounting/Finance (CPA/CMA a plus but not required).
- 3–5 years accounting or finance (public accounting or e-commerce a plus).
- Comfortable in Excel/Sheets; experience with QuickBooks/NetSuite helpful.
- Curiosity, ownership, and bias for action—learn fast, improve faster.
- Clear communicator who enjoys partnering with non-finance teams.
Perks & Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision + mental health support
- 401(k) with match after 6 months
- 18 days PTO + company wellness days + flexible schedules
- Paid parental leave (10 weeks)
- $1,200 annual learning stipend + certification support
- Remote setup stipend (laptop + workspace)
- Product discounts + quarterly team retreats
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- Step-change opportunity: Grow from strong accountant to full Controller with hands-on mentorship.
- Modern finance stack: Build dashboards and automation that drive daily decisions.
- Cross-functional exposure: Work with marketing, ops, and product to influence growth.
- Clear path upward: As we scale, you’ll lead the function end-to-end.
📥 How to Apply
Apply via WorkScreen.io to complete a fair, skills-based evaluation (no long cover letters required). We review every application and respond within 1–2 weeks.
Hiring doesn’t have to be hard.
If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.
Breakdown of Why These Corporate Controller Job Posts Work
1. The Job Titles Are Clear, Specific, and Purpose-Driven
- NorthBridge Components: Instead of “Controller,” it specifies “Corporate Controller — NorthBridge Components” and adds context (advanced manufacturing). This signals the industry and location right in the title, helping attract candidates with relevant experience.
- Cedar & Stone Home: The title makes it clear training is provided (“Corporate Controller — Training Provided”) and names the brand, which appeals to candidates seeking growth opportunities in a modern e-commerce environment.
2. Warm, Contextual Introductions With a Human Touch
- Both posts open with a short video element featuring leadership. This is rare in job descriptions and instantly builds trust. Candidates can see and hear from the people they’d be working with.
- The “Who We Are” sections go beyond a dry company blurb—they describe the company’s mission, industry position, and why the finance function matters in their success story.
3. Transparent Salary & Bonus Information
- Both roles list a salary range and bonus structure upfront. This builds credibility, attracts serious applicants, and filters out those outside the range.
- It also sets the tone for an open, trust-based hiring process.
4. Detailed and Role-Specific Responsibilities
- NorthBridge Components lists tasks tied to manufacturing finance (standard costing, multi-entity consolidation, ERP improvements).
- Cedar & Stone Home adapts responsibilities for an e-commerce business and an upskilling path (inventory accounting with 3PL, CAC payback dashboards).
- This level of specificity tells candidates exactly what impact they’ll have day-to-day.
5. Clear, Non-Intimidating Requirements
- The experienced role is specific about must-haves (CPA preferred, manufacturing background).
- The training role makes it clear some qualifications are “nice-to-have” but not mandatory, which widens the talent pool to driven, high-potential applicants.
6. Perks & Benefits Are Separate and Easy to Scan
- By breaking perks and benefits into their own section, candidates can quickly see what they’ll gain—medical, PTO, parental leave, learning stipends, etc.—without hunting for them in paragraphs.
7. “Why This Role Is a Great Fit” Personalizes the Opportunity
- Instead of generic “why you’ll love working here” copy, each role outlines specific, compelling reasons:
- Strategic seat at the table
- Modern finance stack
- Clear growth track
- Cross-functional exposure
- Strategic seat at the table
- This makes the pitch feel authentic and tailored.
8. Respectful, Transparent Hiring Process
- Both roles explain that every applicant gets a response and give a clear timeline (1–2 weeks).
- Using io signals a skill-based, fair evaluation process—not a resume black hole.
- This reassures top talent that their application will be genuinely considered.
9. Industry-Relevant Language Without Jargon Overload
- The manufacturing role uses terms like “standard costing” and “multi-entity consolidations” to speak directly to qualified candidates.
- The e-commerce role references “CAC payback” and “3PL” to show industry context.
- Both avoid heavy jargon that might alienate readers.
Bad Corporate Controller Job Post Example (And Why It Fails)
📌 Job Title: Controller
💼 Location: United States
🕒 Type: Full-Time
Company Overview
XYZ Corporation is seeking a Controller to manage accounting operations and financial reporting.
Responsibilities
- Manage daily accounting functions.
- Oversee payroll and accounts payable/receivable.
- Prepare monthly and annual reports.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.
- 5+ years of accounting experience.
- Strong organizational skills.
How to Apply
Email your résumé and cover letter to hr@xyzcorp.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
❌ Why This Job Post Falls Short
- The Job Title Is Vague and Uninspiring
- Simply saying “Controller” doesn’t tell candidates if it’s corporate, plant-level, divisional, or industry-specific. There’s no location or context in the title to attract the right audience.
- Simply saying “Controller” doesn’t tell candidates if it’s corporate, plant-level, divisional, or industry-specific. There’s no location or context in the title to attract the right audience.
- Cold, Lifeless Introduction
- The “Company Overview” is a single bland line. There’s no mission, values, or reason for the role’s importance—just a generic “we’re hiring” statement.
- The “Company Overview” is a single bland line. There’s no mission, values, or reason for the role’s importance—just a generic “we’re hiring” statement.
- No Salary or Perks Mentioned
- Failing to include a salary range feels outdated and can deter top candidates. The absence of benefits makes it harder for candidates to compare opportunities.
- Failing to include a salary range feels outdated and can deter top candidates. The absence of benefits makes it harder for candidates to compare opportunities.
- Responsibilities Are Generic
- Phrases like “manage daily accounting functions” could apply to any accounting job. There’s no detail to help candidates imagine their daily work or the role’s strategic impact.
- Phrases like “manage daily accounting functions” could apply to any accounting job. There’s no detail to help candidates imagine their daily work or the role’s strategic impact.
- Requirements Don’t Differentiate
- The listed qualifications are bare minimum and could apply to hundreds of candidates. There’s nothing about leadership skills, industry experience, or technical competencies.
- The listed qualifications are bare minimum and could apply to hundreds of candidates. There’s nothing about leadership skills, industry experience, or technical competencies.
- No Culture or Values Shown
- There’s no insight into the working environment, team dynamics, or company values. This fails to connect emotionally with the right talent.
- There’s no insight into the working environment, team dynamics, or company values. This fails to connect emotionally with the right talent.
- Dismissive Application Process
- “Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” sends the message that most applicants won’t even get an acknowledgment—discouraging high-caliber talent who expect professionalism.
- “Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” sends the message that most applicants won’t even get an acknowledgment—discouraging high-caliber talent who expect professionalism.
- Zero Personality in the CTA
- The application call-to-action is a flat email address with no warmth, urgency, or encouragement to apply.
- The application call-to-action is a flat email address with no warmth, urgency, or encouragement to apply.
Bonus Tips to Make a Corporate Controller Job Post Stand Out
Even with a strong structure, you can add small but powerful details that make your Corporate Controller listing more trustworthy, attractive, and memorable—especially to top-tier candidates who are evaluating you just as much as you’re evaluating them.
1. Add a Security & Privacy Notice for Applicants
Building trust starts before a candidate even applies. A short statement like this reassures applicants you take their safety seriously:
Important Notice: We take the security and privacy of all job applicants very seriously. We will never ask for payment, bank details, or personal financial information during any part of the hiring process. All communication will come from an official [Company Name] email address.
2. Be Transparent About Time Off
Top finance talent works hard—and values recovery time. Including this upfront makes your listing more competitive:
Enjoy 20 days of PTO, 10 company holidays, and flexible sick leave so you can recharge and return at your best.
3. Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities
Even senior hires want to see there’s room to grow, whether that’s expanding their scope or preparing for a CFO role:
We invest in professional development, from CPA/CPE reimbursement to leadership coaching and industry conferences—helping you stay sharp and ready for your next big move.
4. Use a Short Loom or Video from Leadership
Both our good examples already included this, but it’s worth emphasizing—finance candidates, especially controllers, respond well to transparency from leadership. A 60–90 second video from your CFO or CEO covering:
- Why the controller role matters to your growth strategy.
- What success in the first year looks like.
- How finance partners with other teams.
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
5. Consider Including a Quick “First 90 Days” Outline
Controllers are execution-minded—they want to know what’s expected from day one. A quick snapshot like this sets clarity from the start:
Your First 90 Days:
- Month 1: Learn our systems, meet the team, and review current processes.
- Month 2: Take ownership of monthly close, reporting, and initial process improvements.
- Month 3: Present your first full-cycle financial package to the leadership team and recommend strategic adjustments.
6. Add a Culture Signal Without Overdoing It
One simple sentence in your “Why This Role Is a Great Fit” section can make the listing warmer:
We run on accuracy, collaboration, and curiosity—because in finance, the numbers matter, but the people behind them matter more.
Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone for Your Corporate Controller Job Post
These days, it’s tempting to let AI do all the work—type “Write me a corporate controller job description” and paste whatever comes out. The problem? You’ll end up with the same bland, cookie-cutter post everyone else has. That’s bad news for two reasons:
- You’ll Attract the Wrong Candidates
- Generic AI text draws in “spray-and-pray” applicants who apply to dozens of roles without reading the posting.
- You’ll spend more time filtering out irrelevant resumes instead of engaging qualified talent.
- Generic AI text draws in “spray-and-pray” applicants who apply to dozens of roles without reading the posting.
- It Undermines Your Brand
- Your job post is often the first impression a candidate has of your company.
- If it reads like every other post out there, it signals that you’re not intentional about hiring—or worse, that you don’t value the role.
- Your job post is often the first impression a candidate has of your company.
The Smarter Way to Use AI for This Role
AI is a fantastic assistant—but it works best when you feed it the right raw material.
Instead of asking:
“Write a job description for a corporate controller.”
Do this:
“Help me write a job post for NorthBridge Components, a Denver-based advanced manufacturing company. We’re hiring a Corporate Controller to lead accounting operations, ensure GAAP compliance, oversee audits, manage a team, and provide financial insights for leadership. Our culture is collaborative, precise, and improvement-driven. We offer a $140–$175k salary, bonus, hybrid work, CPA reimbursement, 401(k) match, and 20 PTO days. Our ideal candidate has a CPA, manufacturing background, and strong ERP skills. Here are my notes: [paste notes here].”
This way, AI can:
- Polish your tone to match your employer brand.
- Organize your structure for readability.
- Suggest compelling language to highlight your culture and perks.
💡 Pro Tip: You can even feed AI a strong example (like the NorthBridge Components or Cedar & Stone Home listings above) and say:
“Write a corporate controller post for my company in this style, but with the following details changed: [list specifics].”
You stay in control, but AI handles the polish—helping you publish faster without sacrificing quality.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache.
WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
Copy-Paste Corporate Controller Job Description Templates
We get it—sometimes you just need something fast.
Maybe you’ve already read this guide and know what a strong job post looks like, but you want a solid starting point you can adapt in minutes.
✏️ Important Reminder:
Don’t copy this word-for-word and expect magic.
This is a foundation, not a final draft.
Add a Loom video, inject your team culture, and edit the details to reflect your actual company.
In this section, you’ll find two ready-to-use job description templates for quick copy-paste use — but please remember, like we mentioned above, don’t just copy them word-for-word and expect results.
Think of these as starting points, not final drafts.
- Option 1: A more conversational, culture-first job description that highlights personality and team fit.
- Option 2: A more structured format, including a Job Brief, Responsibilities, and Requirements for a traditional approach.
✅ Option 1: Conversational, Culture-First Style (Experienced Hire)
📌 Job Title: Corporate Controller — [Company Name]
💼 Location: [City, State or Remote]
💰 Salary: [Salary Range] + [Bonus/Equity if applicable]
🕒 Type: [Full-Time/Part-Time/Contract]
🎥 Meet the Team (90 seconds):
Watch a quick video from our leadership on why this role matters and what success looks like in your first year. [Insert Loom/YouTube link]
Who We Are
[Company Name] is a [brief description: industry, size, mission, product/service]. We believe finance is a strategic partner—not a back-office function. We’re hiring a Corporate Controller who brings accuracy, clarity, and leadership to help us scale with confidence.
What You’ll Do
- Own full-cycle accounting (GL, AP/AR, payroll) and monthly/quarterly/year-end close
- Deliver GAAP-compliant financial statements with clear commentary for leadership
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis; strengthen cash-flow visibility
- Manage audits, tax filings, and internal controls; reduce risk and ensure compliance
- Mentor and grow the accounting team; raise standards of accuracy and speed
- Partner cross-functionally (ops, sales, product) to support data-driven decisions
- Improve systems and reporting (ERP, BI dashboards, automation)
What We’re Looking For
- Bachelor’s in Accounting/Finance (CPA/CMA preferred)
- [X]+ years progressive accounting experience, including team leadership
- Strong GAAP knowledge and audit-ready rigor
- Proficiency with [ERP name]/[accounting tools] and advanced Excel/Sheets
- Clear communicator who can translate numbers into action
Perks & Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision
- [Retirement plan/401(k) + match if applicable]
- [PTO/holiday policy]
- [Parental leave policy]
- [Learning stipend / certification support]
- [Hybrid/remote flexibility]
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- Strategic seat at the table influencing planning, growth, and profitability
- Build and refine processes and reporting with autonomy
- Clear growth path toward [Senior Controller/VP Finance/CFO]
📥 How to Apply
Apply via WorkScreen.io using this link: [WorkScreen link]. Complete a short skills-based assessment—every applicant gets a response within [timeline].
✅ Option 2: Structured “Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements” Format (Generic)
📌 Job Title: Corporate Controller — [Company Name]
💼 Location: [City, State or Remote]
💰 Salary: [Salary Range] + [Bonus/Equity if applicable]
🕒 Type: [Full-Time/Part-Time/Contract]
Job Brief
[Company Name] is seeking a Corporate Controller to lead financial operations, ensure compliance, and provide leadership with timely, accurate reporting and insights. This role owns the close process, strengthens controls, and partners across the business to support smart decision-making.
Responsibilities
- Oversee accounting operations (GL, AP/AR, payroll) and monthly/quarterly/year-end close
- Prepare GAAP-compliant financial statements and management reports
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis; support cash-flow planning
- Manage external audits, tax filings, and internal control framework
- Implement process improvements, automation, and reporting enhancements
- Hire, develop, and manage accounting staff; set clear KPIs and rhythms
- Collaborate with department leaders to align financials with operating plans
Requirements
- Bachelor’s in Accounting/Finance; CPA/CMA preferred
- [X]–[Y] years of relevant experience, including leadership of accounting teams
- Strong knowledge of GAAP and audit practices
- Proficiency with [ERP name]/[accounting tools] and advanced Excel/Sheets
- Excellent communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills
Perks & Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision
- [Retirement plan/401(k) + match if applicable]
- [PTO/holiday policy]
- [Parental leave policy]
- [Professional development stipend / certification support]
- [Remote/hybrid flexibility]
📥 How to Apply
Apply via WorkScreen.io: [WorkScreen link]. We use a short, fair, skills-based evaluation—no long cover letters required. You’ll hear from us within [timeline].
Let WorkScreen.io Handle the Next Phase of Hiring
Once you’ve crafted a job post that actually attracts top Corporate Controller candidates, the next challenge is sorting through applications to find the ones who truly have the skills and leadership qualities you need. That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
With WorkScreen, you can:
- Quickly identify your most promising candidates
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
- Easily administer one-click skill tests
With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
- Eliminate low-effort applications
WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
The result? You spend less time wading through unqualified resumes and more time interviewing the right people—making your Corporate Controller hire faster, smarter, and more confident.
📥 Start with a better job post today, then let WorkScreen handle the heavy lifting:
[Sign Up at WorkScreen.io]
FAQ: Corporate Controller Job Description
A controller can refer to any senior accounting manager overseeing financial reporting and compliance—sometimes at a divisional or plant level. A corporate controller is typically the top accounting leader for the entire organization, responsible for consolidated reporting, company-wide policies, and coordination across all business units. Corporate controllers usually report directly to the CFO.
Beyond technical accounting expertise, great corporate controllers bring:
- Leadership and team development skills to manage accounting staff.
- Strategic thinking to connect financial data with business decisions.
- Systems and process improvement capabilities to increase efficiency.
- Communication skills to explain complex numbers to non-finance leaders.
- Risk management mindset to protect the company from compliance issues.
Salaries vary by company size, industry, and location, but in the U.S., most corporate controllers earn between $110,000 and $180,000 annually, with larger companies or specialized industries often paying over $200,000. Many roles also include bonuses, profit-sharing, or equity.
While not always mandatory, a CPA credential signals a strong foundation in accounting principles, audit readiness, and compliance. Many companies prefer or require it—especially in publicly traded or heavily regulated industries.
A corporate controller focuses primarily on the accuracy, compliance, and integrity of the company’s financial data. A CFO takes a broader view—overseeing finance, strategy, investor relations, and capital structure. In smaller companies, one person may wear both hats, but in larger organizations, they are distinct roles.
