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If you’ve Googled “financial controller job description,” you’ve probably seen the same thing over and over again—dry templates, bullet-point lists, and vague responsibilities like “oversee budgets” or “ensure compliance.”
But here’s the truth:
Most of those posts don’t help you attract a high-performing financial controller.
They help you check a box.
And when you rely on generic job descriptions, you don’t just sound boring—you risk attracting the wrong candidates or getting ignored by the great ones.
Because the best financial controllers aren’t just looking for another job. They’re looking for a mission to own, a team they can impact, and a company that values clarity, trust, and excellence.
In this guide, we’ll help you write a job description that actually gets the attention of experienced, capable, and trustworthy finance professionals.
Not with fluff. Not with filler.
But with clarity, purpose, and the exact structure you need to stand out.
Before we dive in, if you want the full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/. .
It explains why most job descriptions fail—and how to fix yours.
Now, let’s break down what a great financial controller post should include (and why it matters).
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.
What does a financial controller actually do?
A financial controller is the person who keeps your company’s finances tight, accurate, and future-ready.
They don’t just close the books—they own the financial truth of the business.
From budgeting and reporting to compliance and forecasting, a good controller helps you make smarter decisions with real numbers, not guesswork.
They work closely with leadership, manage accounting teams, ensure regulatory compliance, and provide insights that shape company strategy.
But here’s what often gets overlooked:
The best financial controllers aren’t just number-crunchers—they’re strategic thinkers, risk managers, and communicators. They know how to translate complex financials into simple insights that help teams act fast and stay aligned.
So, if you’re hiring for this role, you’re not just looking for someone with an accounting degree.
You’re looking for someone who’s analytical, trustworthy, detail-obsessed—and can lead with clarity.
Two Great Financial Controller Job Description Templates
Option 1: Financial Controller (Experienced)
📌 Job Title: Financial Controller – Help Drive Financial Strategy at Acme Health (Remote-Friendly)
💼 Type: Full-time | Hybrid (Atlanta, GA or Remote)
💰 Salary Range: $100K–$125K + Performance Bonus
🕒 Schedule: Mon–Fri | Flexible Hours
A quick hello from our CFO (insert Loom link)
________________________________________
Who We Are
Acme Health is a fast-growing digital health company on a mission to make affordable, personalized care accessible to all. We serve over 50,000 patients across the U.S. and are backed by top-tier investors. We’re now looking for a Financial Controller to help us scale responsibly and strategically.
You won’t just be managing numbers—you’ll be influencing real decisions that affect patients, providers, and product teams every single day.
________________________________________
About the Role
We’re looking for a Financial Controller who can own the full finance function, lead our small accounting team, and build processes that scale with us. This isn’t just a reporting role—it’s a leadership role. You’ll work directly with the CFO and founders, help shape our financial strategy, and ensure accuracy across the board.
________________________________________
What You’ll Be Doing
● Lead month-end close, budgeting, and forecasting cycles
● Prepare and present financial reports to the executive team and board
● Ensure compliance with GAAP, tax, and regulatory standards
● Manage AP/AR, payroll, and internal controls
● Work cross-functionally with HR, Operations, and Product
● Mentor and manage junior accounting staff
● Improve systems, processes, and documentation as we grow
________________________________________
What We’re Looking For
● 5+ years of accounting/finance experience, with at least 2 in a controller or senior finance role
● CPA preferred (but not required)
● Experience in SaaS, healthcare, or venture-backed startups a plus
● Strong systems knowledge (QuickBooks, NetSuite, Excel, etc.)
● Highly organized, analytical, and calm under pressure
● Can communicate clearly with both finance and non-finance people
________________________________________
Why Join Us
At Acme Health, we don’t just care about what you do—we care about how you grow. You’ll be joining a mission-driven team that values autonomy, clarity, and continuous learning. We offer:
● Competitive compensation and bonus structure
● Health, dental, and vision insurance (100% covered)
● 401(k) with match
● Generous PTO and wellness days
● Professional development budget + executive coaching
● Remote-friendly culture with quarterly team offsites
________________________________________
📥 How to Apply
We believe hiring should be respectful and transparent. That’s why we use WorkScreen—a smarter hiring platform that evaluates applicants based on real skills, not just resumes.
To apply, just click the link below and complete a short evaluation.
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Apply Link]
We review every application and respond within 10 business days.
🌱 Option 2: Financial Controller (Willing to Train / Promote from Within)
📌 Job Title: Financial Controller (Open to Senior Accountants Ready to Level Up) – Join a Mission-Driven Nonprofit
💼 Type: Full-time | On-site (Nashville, TN)
💰 Salary Range: $75K–$90K + Benefits
🕒 Schedule: Mon–Fri | 8AM–4PM
________________________________________
🎥 Meet Our Team
Before you read further, meet a few of the people you’ll be working with. Here’s a short video from our Director of Finance and Operations team, giving you a feel for what we value and how we work together:
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube link here]
Who We Are
Harmony Outreach is a nonprofit supporting youth recovery and reintegration programs across Tennessee. We’ve grown fast over the past 5 years—and now, we need a mission-aligned Financial Controller to help us stay financially sound and mission-focused.
This role is perfect for someone who’s worked as a senior accountant, loves mission-driven work, and is ready to step into more responsibility with mentorship and support.
________________________________________
What You’ll Be Doing
● Manage monthly reconciliation, payroll, and reporting
● Assist in preparing annual budgets and grant reports
● Track expenses across multiple programs and funding sources
● Ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards
● Work closely with our external CPA firm
● Help implement new accounting software (we’re upgrading soon!)
________________________________________
What We’re Looking For
● 3+ years in accounting or finance
● Experience with nonprofits is a plus—but not required
● Strong attention to detail and integrity
● Eager to learn, grow, and take ownership over time
● Degree in accounting, finance, or related field
________________________________________
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
● You’ll be mentored by our Director of Finance with a clear path to promotion
● You’ll be doing meaningful work every day, directly impacting programs that change lives
● You’ll get benefits that support your well-being:
○ Health insurance
○ Paid holidays and sick leave
○ 2 weeks of paid vacation
○ Tuition reimbursement
○ Flexible Fridays and team retreats
________________________________________
📥 How to Apply
We respect your time and want to make hiring fair and fast.
Apply via our WorkScreen link below—just a short, skills-based evaluation that helps us understand your fit.
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Apply Link]
Smart Hiring Starts Here WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results
Breakdown of Why These Posts Work
Let’s break down what makes each of the two job descriptions effective—and how they attract the right financial controller candidates.
✅ Why These Financial Controller Job Descriptions Work
1. Clear, Specific Titles
- Instead of generic titles like “Financial Controller,” both posts add context:
- “Help Drive Financial Strategy at Acme Health” signals impact and ownership.
- “Open to Senior Accountants Ready to Level Up” speaks directly to growth-minded candidates.
- Specific titles attract more relevant, higher-quality applicants because they immediately communicate fit and value.
2. Warm, Human Introductions
- The intros go beyond what the company does—they explain why this role matters.
- They make it clear who the ideal candidate is (“someone who’s calm under pressure” / “someone ready to grow with mentorship”).
- By highlighting impact and intention, the posts connect emotionally—not just professionally.
3. Transparent Salary & Benefits
- Salary ranges are listed upfront. This builds trust and saves time by aligning expectations early.
- Perks like health insurance, flexible hours, PTO, and bonuses are included—but in natural language, not as a dry checklist.
- In the second post, benefits like paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and “Flexible Fridays” show thoughtfulness and care—exactly what mission-driven candidates look for.
4. Respectful, Applicant-Centered Hiring Process
- Both posts include clear, kind messaging like:
- “We believe hiring should be respectful and transparent.”
- “We review every application and respond within 10 business days.”
- These lines show that the company values candidates’ time—an easy way to stand out in a world full of ghosted applicants.
5. A Video from the Team or Hiring Manager
- Adding a Loom or YouTube video makes the post feel more personal, more human.
- It builds instant trust and helps candidates visualize who they’ll be working with.
- Especially for remote or culture-sensitive roles, this adds a big dose of authenticity.
6. Well-Written, Insightful Role Descriptions
- Instead of just listing tasks, the job duties are written with intent:
- “You won’t just be managing numbers—you’ll be influencing real decisions…”
- “Everything you do helps create a safe, enriching environment…”
- This shows purpose behind the work, which helps attract candidates who care about outcomes—not just job functions.
7. Inclusive & Empowering Language
- The second job post specifically calls out that some requirements are “nice to have” and encourages candidates to apply even if they don’t meet all the boxes.
- This small change widens the talent pool and helps reduce self-deselection, especially among underrepresented groups.
Bad Financial Controller Job Description Example (And Why It Fails)
To help you avoid the most common pitfalls, here’s an example of a generic, outdated job post—and a breakdown of everything that’s wrong with it.
❌ Bad Job Post Example
Job Title: Financial Controller
Company: Global Enterprises Ltd.
Job Type: Full-Time
Location: New York, NY
Salary: Competitive
Application Deadline: August 30, 2025
Job Summary
Global Enterprises is seeking a Financial Controller to manage and oversee its financial operations. The successful candidate will be responsible for budgeting, forecasting, compliance, and reporting.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee day-to-day financial operations
- Prepare monthly and annual financial statements
- Ensure compliance with financial regulations
- Manage the accounting team
- Assist with audits and tax filings
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance
- CPA preferred
- 5+ years of relevant experience
- Proficiency in accounting software
- Strong communication and leadership skills
How to Apply:
Submit your resume and cover letter to hr@globalenterprises.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
❌ Why This Job Post Falls Flat
1. Generic Job Title
- “Financial Controller” with no context or hook.
- It doesn’t say what industry it’s in, why it’s an exciting opportunity, or who it’s meant for.
- As a result, it disappears in a sea of similar listings.
2. Bland, Impersonal Introduction
- The “Job Summary” is just a filler paragraph.
- No mission, no company story, no emotional hook.
- Great candidates won’t feel connected—and they won’t bother applying.
3. No Mention of Culture or Values
- There’s zero insight into what the team is like, how decisions are made, or how the role fits into the company’s mission.
- This makes it feel like just another corporate cog, not a meaningful leadership role.
4. Vague Compensation Info
- “Competitive” salary is a red flag. Candidates want to know what you’re offering.
- Omitting salary suggests a lack of transparency—and may discourage top-tier applicants.
5. Cold, Dismissive CTA
- “Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” feels outdated and disrespectful.
- It puts the burden on the applicant and signals poor communication practices.
6. No Perks or Growth Opportunities
- There’s no mention of what’s in it for the candidate—no benefits, learning, flexibility, or leadership path.
- This fails to sell the opportunity and offers no reason to choose this role over others.
In short: This job post checks the basic boxes—but it does nothing to connect, motivate, or inspire.
And in a competitive hiring market, that means losing the attention of great candidates within seconds.
Bonus Tips That Make Your Job Post Stand Out
Now that you’ve seen what works (and what to avoid), here are some simple upgrades that instantly elevate your financial controller job post—and help you earn more trust, attention, and high-quality applicants.
💡 Tip 1: Add a Security & Privacy Notice to Build Trust
Job seekers today are wary of scams—and rightfully so. Adding a short security disclaimer shows that you’re a serious employer and that you respect their privacy.
Example you can copy:
🔒 We take the security and privacy of all applicants seriously. We will never ask for payment, personal banking info, or sensitive documents during the hiring process. If anyone claims otherwise, please report it to us directly.
This small addition reassures candidates and helps them feel safer applying.
💡 Tip 2: Mention Time Off or Flexibility
If your company offers flexible hours, wellness days, or PTO, don’t bury it—highlight it.
Even something simple like:
“Enjoy up to 15 days of paid vacation, plus 5 wellness days a year so you can recharge when you need to.”
Why this matters: Great candidates care about balance. It shows you’re thoughtful, not just transactional.
💡 Tip 3: If You Offer Training or Leadership Development, Say So
Whether it’s executive coaching, a CPA support program, or just budget for online courses—this signals long-term growth and care for the person behind the role.
Example:
“We invest in your growth. You’ll get a dedicated professional development budget and the option to work with a financial leadership coach.”
For entry-level or mid-career candidates, this can be a huge motivator to apply.
💡 Tip 4: Add a Video (Even a Simple Loom) From the Hiring Manager or Team
Words matter—but seeing a real face adds warmth, credibility, and culture.
You don’t need a fancy production—just a 1–2 minute Loom or Zoom recording where the CFO or founder explains:
- What the company does
- Why the role is important
- What kind of person they’d love to hire
It helps humanize your post—and boosts conversion from serious applicants.
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
💡 Tip 5: Write the Job Post With Personality
If your company is mission-driven, bold, warm, or fun—let that come through.
Even in a financial controller post, tone matters. You’re not just hiring for competence. You’re hiring for fit, communication style, and leadership presence.
So don’t be afraid to:
- Use “you” instead of “the ideal candidate”
- Add small human touches (“we’re a tight-knit team that roots for each other”)
- Say what you don’t want if it helps clarify fit
Should You Use AI to Write a Job Post?
These days, it feels like every hiring platform and HR tool is adding a one-click “Generate Job Description with AI” button.
Even platforms like Manatal, Workable, and Recruitee now offer AI-generated job posts.
And while that might sound convenient…
Let’s be honest:
AI alone won’t write a great job post.
❌ Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone
When you let AI spit out a full job description without giving it proper context, you run into real problems:
- The post ends up generic and boring
- It’s filled with vague corporate phrases like “detail-oriented individual with a strong work ethic”
- It fails to reflect your company’s culture or values
- It attracts low-effort, quantity-over-quality candidates
- Worst of all—it damages your employer brand by sounding soulless or disconnected
Remember: A job post is often a candidate’s first impression of your company.
You wouldn’t trust a first date or sales pitch to a robot. Don’t do it here either.
✅ The Right Way to Use AI (With Context and Direction)
AI can be a powerful writing assistant—if you treat it like a collaborator, not a replacement.
Here’s how to do it the right way:
🔧 Before Prompting AI, Gather the Raw Ingredients
Give it inputs like:
- What your company actually does
- What makes this role important (and why now)
- What your values and work culture are
- Who the ideal hire is—not just on paper, but in mindset and approach
- The perks and salary you’re offering
- Your hiring process and timeline
🧠 Smart Prompt Example
“Write a conversational, human-sounding job description for our company, Acme Health. We’re hiring a Financial Controller to help manage our finances, lead the accounting team, and support company growth. Our culture is thoughtful, fast-moving, and mission-driven. We value clear communication, accuracy, and ownership.
We offer a competitive salary ($100K–$125K), a bonus, flexible work, and professional development support.
Our hiring process includes a WorkScreen evaluation and a 2-step interview.
Here are some bullet notes I’ve written to help guide the tone and direction…”
Then give it a few bullets of your own thoughts. Ask the AI to polish, expand, or rewrite while keeping your tone.
🛑 Don’t Just Click “Generate.” Shape It First.
If you treat AI like a co-writer—not a content vending machine—you’ll get much stronger, more personalized results.
And once you’ve got a great post ready to go, you can let WorkScreen.io take it from there.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache. WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
Need Quick Copy-Paste Job Description Templates
✅ Option 1: Conversational Job Description Template (Culture-First Style)
📌 Job Title: Financial Controller – [Insert Industry or Mission Focus]
💼 Type: [Full-time / Part-time] | [Remote / Hybrid / In-Office]
💰 Salary Range: [Insert range] + performance bonus
🕒 Schedule: [e.g., Monday–Friday | Flexible Hours]
🎥 A Quick Hello from Our [CFO / Founder / Finance Team]
[Insert Loom or YouTube link here]
Who We Are
[Your company name] is on a mission to [briefly state what your company does and why it matters]. We’re growing quickly, and we need a strategic, detail-driven Financial Controller to help us scale responsibly and make smarter decisions.
This role isn’t just about numbers—it’s about helping shape the direction of the business with real-time insights, strong systems, and financial clarity.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead monthly close, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting
- Oversee internal controls, audit preparation, and compliance
- Build and refine accounting processes that scale
- Partner with leadership on financial planning and risk management
- Manage and mentor the finance and accounting team
What We’re Looking For
- [X]+ years of experience in accounting or finance
- CPA or equivalent credential (preferred but not mandatory)
- Strong working knowledge of tools like QuickBooks, NetSuite, Excel, etc.
- Clear communicator who can explain financial data to non-finance teams
- Highly organized, trustworthy, and process-minded
Why This Role Is Worth Your Time
At [Company], you’re not just another hire—you’re a trusted partner.
You’ll get:
- Competitive salary + bonus
- Health, dental, and vision coverage
- Generous paid time off and wellness days
- Professional development support
- A collaborative team that values clarity, autonomy, and integrity
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to make our hiring process faster, fairer, and skills-based.
Click the link below to complete a short evaluation and show us what you bring to the table.
👉 [Insert WorkScreen application link]
We review every application and respond within [insert timeframe, e.g., 7–10 business days].
📊 Option 2: Structured Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements
Job Title: Financial Controller
Company: [Insert Company Name]
Location: [City / Remote / Hybrid]
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: [Insert salary range]
Application Deadline: [Insert deadline, if applicable]
Job Overview
We’re hiring a Financial Controller to oversee our accounting operations, manage reporting cycles, and ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations. This role reports to the CFO and plays a key role in helping us grow sustainably.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports
- Manage internal controls, audit readiness, and regulatory compliance
- Oversee budgeting and forecasting cycles
- Supervise AP/AR, payroll, and reconciliations
- Mentor and manage accounting staff
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
- CPA preferred
- 5+ years experience in finance leadership roles
- Strong analytical and systems skills (Excel, NetSuite, QuickBooks, etc.)
- Strong leadership and communication abilities
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive compensation + bonus structure
- Comprehensive health and dental insurance
- Paid holidays and generous PTO
- Ongoing learning and growth opportunities
- Supportive, mission-aligned work environment
How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to make our hiring process more efficient and candidate-friendly.
Please follow the link below to start your application with a short, skills-based evaluation:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen link]
Let WorkScreen.io Handle The Rest
Once you’ve crafted a strong, culture-driven job post, the next step is making sure you hire the right person—not just the one with the best-looking resume.
That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
WorkScreen helps you:
✅ Quickly identify your most promising candidates
Our platform automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—so you can instantly see who’s genuinely qualified.
✅ Test for real-world skills, not just resumes
Forget guessing based on credentials. WorkScreen lets you run one-click skill tests tailored to the role—so you can evaluate candidates based on how they think, what they can do, and how they communicate.
✅ Eliminate low-effort and AI-generated applicants
WorkScreen filters out low effort “spray and pray” applicants, AI copy-pasters, and people who aren’t serious.
That means you spend less time reviewing junk—and more time engaging with top-tier talent.
✅ Make faster, smarter, and more confident hiring decisions
Our structured evaluations and insights help you hire holistically—not just based on guesswork or gut feeling.
It’s how modern teams hire smarter.
Let WorkScreen handle the filtering, testing, and scoring—so you can focus on choosing the right person with confidence. 👉 Visit WorkScreen.io to get started
FAQ
In the U.S., the average salary for a financial controller typically ranges from $95,000 to $135,000 per year, depending on location, company size, industry, and experience.
- Controllers at startups or nonprofits may earn closer to the $80K–$100K range.
- Controllers at midsize or venture-backed companies often fall between $110K–$140K.
- In high-cost metro areas or enterprise settings, salaries can exceed $150K, especially if bonuses or stock options are included.
Make sure to research regional benchmarks—and always include a transparent salary range in your job post to attract serious candidates.
While technical skills are a must, great financial controllers also bring strong soft skills, such as:
- Attention to detail – Precision matters when it comes to compliance and reporting.
- Integrity and trustworthiness – They’re often responsible for sensitive financial data.
- Communication skills – They need to explain financial information clearly to non-finance leaders.
- Strategic thinking – Great controllers think beyond spreadsheets—they anticipate challenges and help guide decision-making.
- Calm under pressure – Month-end deadlines, audits, and cash-flow issues are all part of the job.
Look for candidates who balance analytical rigor with emotional intelligence.
A CFO (Chief Financial Officer) focuses on strategy, fundraising, long-term planning, and investor relations. A financial controller, on the other hand, manages the day-to-day finance operations—accounting, reporting, budgeting, and compliance.
Think of the CFO as the architect, shaping financial direction.
The controller is the engineer, ensuring the structure is sound, stable, and well-documented.
In startups and small companies, these roles sometimes overlap—but as the business grows, they typically become distinct.
At minimum, most financial controllers hold a:
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field
- CPA certification (Certified Public Accountant) is highly preferred, though not always required
- 5+ years of experience in finance or accounting roles, including leadership experience
- Familiarity with financial tools and systems (e.g., QuickBooks, NetSuite, Excel, ERP platforms)
Also valuable are candidates with experience in your specific industry—like SaaS, e-commerce, healthcare, or nonprofit finance.
Here are a few common signals:
- Your books are getting messy or overly time-consuming
- You’re raising funding or being audited
- You’ve outgrown your bookkeeper or junior accountant
- You need better forecasting, budgeting, and financial visibility
- You’re scaling and need financial systems that can grow with you
If you’re asking, “Are we financially set up for what’s coming next?”—you’re likely ready for a controller.
Watch out for candidates who:
- Overemphasize technical skills but struggle to communicate clearly
- Can’t explain financial concepts in plain language
- Seem rigid or resistant to process change (especially in fast-growing companies)
- Focus only on historical reporting, not future planning
- Don’t ask thoughtful questions about your financial challenges
A strong controller should be proactive, not just reactive—and they should be as good with people as they are with numbers.
Yes—many companies now hire remote financial controllers, especially if strong systems and cloud-based tools are in place.
That said, for hands-on roles (especially in nonprofits, manufacturing, or organizations with physical operations), an on-site or hybrid setup may be more practical.
