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Steve Harris's headshot
Steve Harris President

Recommendations for a Controller training program?

Asked on Oct. 29, 2015

Financial Controller TrainingDoes anyone have a recommendation for a program (or other methods for that matter) for training an experienced business professional who is moving into a controller role as their first finance position? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

Answers

Ernie Humphrey CTP's headshot
Ernie Humphrey CTP VP, Thought Leadership • January 22, 2015

Steve, there are many great resources, and you should use more than one, but I would encourage you to take a look at what the Proformative learning platform (https://www.proformative.com/a/corporate-controllers-training-courses/14763?) has to offer. The on-demand courses are taught by seasoned subject matter experts, the content designed to develop and enhance specific skills, and interaction with instructors is encouraged after a course is taken. It it like having a team of on-demand finance trainers at your disposal.

Stuart Weigensberg's headshot
Stuart Weigensberg Director of Finance • January 23, 2015

There are a number of books that can be found online regarding the controllership function. Most of those books, or courses listed above walk you through the 'academia' part of the role- 'custodian of company assets', 'financial controls', and my favorite 'corporate governance'.

That said, like many jobs- the best training will be practical experience.

Good luck

Wayne Spivak's headshot
Wayne Spivak President & CFO • January 23, 2015

In addition to this forum, Ernie and Stuart's suggestions, might I add that this person meet (network) with other Controller's in the industry sector (i.e., distribution, oil and gas), not necessary competitors and develop this into mentor relationship.

Steve Harris's headshot
Steve Harris President • February 11, 2015

Ernie, Stuart, and Wayne - thanks for your thoughts......all helpful in different ways.

Steve

Charles McCormick's headshot
Charles McCormick CFO • February 13, 2015

Becoming an effective controller requires learning accounting processes and audit controls in the oversight of the accounting function - for your company books. Specifically, and even more important, be prepared to spend long hours reviewing the journal entries, account reconciliations, and validating source data.

Mark Matheny's headshot
Mark Matheny VP - FInancial Planning and Analysis • February 13, 2015

It also maybe helpful for the individual to shadow a person in the job today, if that is a possibility.

Jaime Campbell's headshot
Jaime Campbell Chief Financial Officer • February 13, 2015

Using technology as a Controller is a much different animal than using the same tech as an analyst, accountant, or other preparer. You want to look for technology courses specifically designed for the supervisory function.

Examples include your accounting software's audit trail and user permissions, as well as technique such as confirming that the source data used in an Excel pivot table is the complete database.

Frankly, I haven't seen a lot of courses like this. Courses are usually geared for beginner-intermediate-advanced, which has no relation to preparer-reviewer roles. You might want to have some custom training designed for you. It doesn't have to be pricey.

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