1.5 CPE This is the beginning of a series that will cover major aspects of the Controllership function.
Controllers are essential to the day-to-day accounting for organizations. Yet, the role is not often readily understood. In today’s world of acronyms such as CFO, CEO, COO, CAO, etc., the Controller function may get lost in the shuffle. However, they are a critical group of professionals who ensure the adequacy and transparency of accounting and financial reporting information.
A Controller is an individual who has responsibility for all accounting-related activities including high-level accounting, managerial counting, and finance activities within a company. The duties of a Controller include assisting with the preparation of the operating budgets, overseeing financial reporting, and performing essential duties relating to payroll. However, in today’s evolving world, the Controller function can provide much more in-depth value to their organizations.
This series is dedicated to exploring the traditional Controller role and stepping out of the box to identify areas where the Controller can add strategic value to their organizations.
In this first course we focus on the typical Controller function and begin to identify ways to elevate the function.
Learning Objectives
- Discover the Controller’s role and main job functions.
- Recognize the requirements for job qualifications.
- Explore where controllers spend their time.
- Identify the controllers changing role.
Last updated/reviewed: March 20, 2024
Included In Certifications
This course is included in the following Certification Programs:
22 CoursesThe Controllership Series Certification
- The Controllership Series: The Controller Function - Elevating the Role
- The Controllership Series: The Controller Function - Strategic and Annual Planning
- The Controllership Series: The Controllers Role in Financial Forecasting
- The Controllership Series: Future Role of the Controller – Part 1
- The Controllership Series: Future Role of the Controller – Part 2
- The Controllership Series: The Controller Function - Cash and Investments
- ASC 842 Accounting for Leases - Deep Dive
- The Controllership Series: The Controller Function - Inventory Part 1
- The Controllership Series: The Controller Function - Inventory Part 2 - Inventory Valuation, Physical Inventory Methods and Inventory fraud
- The Controllership Series: Overhead, Direct and Indirect Costs and Allocation Methods
- The Controllership Series: Financial Statement Preparation and Presentation
- The Controllership Series: The Controllers Role in the Procurement Function
- The Controllership Series: The Role of The Controller in ESG
- The Controllership Series: The Controllers Role in Pro Forma Financials
- The Controllership Series: The Controllers Role in Data Analytics and Big Data
- The Controllership Series: Introduction to the Financial Close Process
- The Controllership Series: Managerial Accounting Basics and Cost Principles
- The Controllership Series: Sales, Collections and Customer Credit
- The Controllership Series: Addressing Cash Flow and Forecasting Uncertainty
- The Controllership Series: The Controller’s Skillset
- The Controllership Series: The Controllers Role in Internal Controls
- Tools for The Controllership Series Certificate
106 Reviews (580 ratings)
Reviews
Janna Williams
( at ZOMALAB)
Good information for someone looking to step into a Controller role and thought provoking for someone who may have been in the role for a while.
Anonymous
()
Great overview for a controllership role and can help describe what this potential job opportunity would look like.
Anonymous
()
Good overview of the challenges a controller faces. The instructor was effective in the delivery of her message.
Anonymous
(CPA)
Good course regarding controller position and increasing responsibilities.
Jessica Ryner
(Senior Accountant at California Closets)
Really good information especially around AI and automation.
Kathleen Busk Varas
(Principal Financial Consultant at V Ventures Consulting)
logical, articulate and covers information at the appropriate level. enjoyed hearing definitions for some items that have noticed (as a strategically trained controller) such as the difference between a traditional controller, mixed and strategic as well as the different elements of what it takes to be a strategic controller and most of all, a realistic presentation of challenges to expanding the role of a traditional controller. thank you!
Anonymous
()
Great info. Seems to be geared towards someone who’s been in the controller role for some time and is trying to expand the role. Would be nice to have more geared towards someone new to the role or at the Accounting Manger/Assistant Controller level that aspires to be a Controller where the focus is on core responsibilities of the Controller and how best to execute/build out that function. Perhaps would be a separate course.
Lawrence Hirsch
(Controller at Builders design)
Lynn,
Thank you for the Controllership Series. It is an incredibly insightful program that has lead me to doing a deeper dive in my understanding the responsibility and challenges that we controllers have.
Thanks again for another super program that will help me to elevate my role :).
Larry
Anonymous
()
The content provided provided good insight and illustrations into the Controller role. However, the instructor basically just ready the slides with little added context. I would have also liked a section that covered typical compensation by industry/geography.
Anonymous
(Corporate Controller)
Great course, as the focus was not just on the basic responsibilities of a Controller, but also on how the role can expand, and compare to other executive roles as that of CFO & CAO. I also enjoyed the 3 case studies, that were so relevant and insightful.
Anonymous
(None)
This was a great course with respect to how it presented challenges and opportunities for Controllers. There was a lot on how technology can be leveraged. It also touched on how to influence management to achieve sufficient investment in resources.
Anonymous
(Finance & Accounting Consultant)
Overall I enjoyed this course on elevating the role of the Controller as it provided real-life examples of Controllers at both mid-size and larger companies. The case studies were key for me, sharing the action plans and outcomes.
Anonymous
(CPA)
This course was excellent in providing insights into how the role of the Controller can be elevated in a company, and common obstacles which prevent it from happening, with excellent examples of how these obstacles may be overcome.
Nicole Gordon
( at D&D Ingredients, LLC)
Really enjoyed this course. The Deloitte/IMA study was informative and made me evaluate what my answers would have been if I'd been involved in the study. Really enjoyed the case studies and thought they were beneficial.
Anonymous
(Director of Capital Accounting)
The course was informative in the guidance provided to move the Controllership position from a transaction processor to a strategic thinker in aligning with management and utilizing technology to drive efficiency.
D. Brett Allen
( at Montgomery County Hospital District)
This course provided real strategies you can use to elevate the controller position. Time management is a deliberate skill required to complete traditional tasks while allocating time to more strategic thought.
Anonymous
()
The course started at a basic level but the last sections were informative and provided good information on how to stand out and create a vision to achieve a more elevated role in the organization.
Anonymous
(Compass Consultant)
I learned a lot more about what comprises a Controllers day to day, along with the challenges faced on a daily basis. I feel as though I have a better understanding of what the role consists of.
Anonymous
(VP of Accounting)
Lynn did a good job covering
The Controller’s role and main job
functions
Requirements for job qualifications
Where controllers spend theirtime
The controllers changing role
Anonymous
(N/A)
I enjoyed the course. The information was conveyed in an organized manner and will be very helpful in enhancing my role as a controller. The case studies at the end were particularly helpful.
Anonymous
()
Excited about this controllership series. As a controller currently, this course hits home and touches on many of the things that are on my mind. Looking forward to continuing the series.
Anonymous
(Controller)
This was a very interesting start to the Controllership Series. A lot of good info as well as things to think about in my own role. I look forward to the future courses in this series.
Anonymous
(Church Controller Representative)
I appreciate the emphasis on looking to include learning about artificial intelligence and how it will impact the future of the accounting profession. We will need to be ready for it.
Anonymous
(Corporate Controller)
As always, Lynn's presentation are very well prepared and presented. Her examples are very relevant and easy to follow and visualize how they apply to current roles. Great class.
Anonymous
(business consultant)
enjoyed high level review of pertenent issues. instructor effectively presented material. videos were effective and right length. case studies were interesting and perhaps relevant
Anonymous
(Director Net Revenue)
Loved the case study that talked about when an organization isn't ready for an expansion of the Controller role - that was very relevant to my current company
Anonymous
(Accountant)
Good introductory class giving an overview of the future of the role of the controller. I am looking forward to the rest of the series with this professor.
Anonymous
(Accounting Controller)
A lot of this felt applicable to my current desire to elevate my role within my company. It gave me some practical to-dos that align with this objective.
Anonymous
(Controller)
This really gave a fantastic overview of what the Controller role should look like and brought things to mind that I never considered. Really excellent.
Anonymous
(Accountant)
Good introduction course to the controller series. Interested to see where it goes and how the things discussed in this lesson are further elaborated.
Sergio Perez
(Controller at Not Applicable)
Excellent introduction into the controller responsibilities and changing role. This certainly makes one think about the skills that are necessary.
Chere Bramer
(Consultant at CLBM Consulting, LLC)
Good idea for basic function of the controller. I liked the message about how to use technology to become a more strategic member of management.
Kristen Rebello
(Controller at Browne Consulting Group)
This was a great course that represents a shift in mindset of the Controller position and helps guide Controllers with their career aspirations.
Anonymous
(-)
This is a an overview of Controllership concepts. I found it to be basically accurate--the study information was the most helpful/new items.
Shane Hartnett-Beasley
(seeking opportunities at Seeking new opportunities)
I enjoyed the course and the concepts presented. Overall this is a useful step on the course which I intend to continue. Enjoyable for sure.
Sean Searley
( at Sean Searley)
The Controllership Series: The Controller Function - Elevating the Role is a great training and gets you thinking about the Controller role.
Anonymous
()
great introduction for the roles, responsibilities, and ambitions of the controller function in small and large organizations. thank you.
Anonymous
(Self Employed)
Interesting and informative course with relevant information to understand the controllership function. Easy to follow and understand.
Anonymous
()
Loved this learning. As a controller myself, I thought this was very thought-provoking and provided good subject matter for reflection.
Jared Slack
(VP Finance at Fortress Solutions)
A great introductory lesson for the controllership certificate program. I'll be completing more of these courses from this instructor.
Anonymous
()
Good overview of what a traditional controller is and how a controller might move into a more strategic role within their company
Anonymous
(Director for Temporal Affairs)
I thought that this course was interesting and provided good ideas for Controllers to elevate their role within the organization.
Jennifer Wergland Lyon
( at N/A)
Good introduction to the various roles of a controller & especially the changing responsibilities & challenges of controllers
Anonymous
(Controller)
This course provided good framework for the skills needed to perform the controller role and grow within the controller role.
Anonymous
(VP, Finance)
Great refreshing course to those in controllership or any other mid management roles within accounting & finance departments.
Anonymous
(CFO)
The instructor was very clear and concise. The content was well structured and organized. I would recommend this course.
Anonymous
()
I've dealt with controllers plenty but I'm not sure I could actually define what that role is. This course helped a lot!
Anonymous
(Accounting Director)
Great guidance on how to be a more valuable employee, by being strategic and a partner to key decision with management
Anonymous
(Financial controller)
Good overview of the position for new people. Slides captured the relevant points and the case studies were helpful.
Anonymous
(SVP)
This presenter's information is always well organized and clear. Course hit on the key points in a concise manner.
Sarah Atterbury
(Controller at Taylor Corp)
This is good for someone who is a few steps away from being a controller or doing research on what a controller does.
Anonymous
()
Excellent instructor, takes complex issues and boils them down in an understandable fashion. Gives great examples.
Ross Connor
( at HVAC Incorporated)
This instructor does a great job with her classes. The tests are actually based on the course and the material.
Anonymous
(None)
This course was very helpful. I enjoyed the content and presentation. I would recommend this class to others.
Eric Chapin
(Accounting Manager at Stephen Gould Corporation)
Great presentation as always. Lynn has interesting topics, provides insights, and keeps the material engaging.
Anonymous
()
Very informative! Great course for someone who wants to get on the controller path within the corporations.
Anonymous
()
It was a very informative session regarding the controller function and what a controller might need to do.
Anonymous
()
This gave good career advice on how to be effective in advancing into progressive roles of responsibility.
Eric Cuebas
(Controller at Nackard Pepsi)
I liked all the information related to the Controller job and how management most of the time see them.
Anonymous
(Finance Manager)
Informational and insightful material offered, along with real world case studies for further learning.
Abraham Minto
( at Abraham Minto LLC)
Lynn's course on elevating the Controller role was excellent. Great content, presentation, and examples
Anonymous
(Dash 8 First Officer)
Excellent overview of the controller role, associated responsibilities and prospects for development.
Anonymous
(Finance Consultant)
Interesting content highlighting how a controller can elevate and be seen as a strategist. Thanks
Paul Krieg
(Head of FP&A at Computershare)
Another in a great series from Ms. Fountain. Helpful and succinct summary of an important role
Anonymous
()
Great course to understand more about controllership, I would recommend this course to everyone
Anonymous
(Senior Accountant)
Enjoying the series, which provides a great introduction and overview of the Controller role!
Laticia Ladson
(Director Marketing Strategy at Comcast)
Good detail on what a controller is. Role and modern interpretations and research included.
Anonymous
(Assistant Controller)
The portions related to the role of a strategic controller were particularly interesting.
Anonymous
(Finance Manager)
Great refresher and will plan to take again. Learning plan was well developed and helpful.
Melissa Embry
( at TDI Fleet Services)
good course, well organized and well written, I enjoyed the course. very good information
Karem Ospino
(Founder at Ospino Consulting LLC)
Clear and easy to follow, the material is adequate and the facilitator does a great job.
Anonymous
(accountant)
The instructor is very clear with a clean structure and explanation and great examples.
Anonymous
(Reinsurance Accounting Manager)
Great information to identify areas of improvement and define a long-term career path.
Anonymous
(Managing Director)
It's a concise course to understand all of thigns related to a controller in a company.
Maxwell Hassenstein
( at NeoGenomics)
inspiring outlines of the skills and technologies to help evolve the Controller role.
Carrie Wagner
(Executive Director at GALS)
This was helpful in understanding how to keep growing beyond the controller position.
Amy Milder
( at Cascadia Pharmacy Group)
A very good overview of the controller position. I especially liked the case studies.
Anonymous
(Controller)
Got me thinking about career progression and being pro-active rather than reactive.
Anonymous
(Controller)
This course was informative and I appreciate statistics from Deloitte and the IMA.
Anonymous
(Managing Director)
This The Controllership Series: Controller Function Elevating Role class was good.
Anonymous
(Accounting Manager)
This course helped me to allocate the duties between controller and subordinates.
Anonymous
(Head of Internal Audit)
A very insightfull presention of controller position, its goals and challenges.
Inna Shmukler
(Controller at Fornetix LLC)
Good information, but a bit too generic. Some specifics would have been useful.
Anonymous
()
This course met its stated objectives and provided relevant useful information.
Anonymous
()
General overview to what a controller is and what they do/are responsible for.
Anonymous
(CPA)
The course was very informative and to the point, even though it was short.
Anonymous
(Accountant)
Great course, clear and concise, would recommend others to take this course
Anonymous
(Controller)
The case studies really helped emphasize the key elements within the class
Sean Flynn
(Accounting Manager at Rosemawr Management)
Good course on how to Elevate the Controller roll within an organization.
Anonymous
(Consultant)
Knocking out course to renew. Always fun to be under the gun with this.
Nanette Strennen
( at Certco, Inc.)
Great pointers on how a Controller can become more strategic focused.
Anonymous
(Advisor)
I really enjoyed the case studies as part of this course. Thank you!
Anonymous
()
This was a helpful review of controller job descriptions. Thank you
Anonymous
(Controller)
Good eye opener course. Comprehensive and simple in explanation
Anonymous
(Accounting Manager)
General overview, helpful information. Case studies were useful.
Anonymous
(CPA Controller CFO)
Confirms many things I have been thinking about Controllership.
Patty Holley
( at HOLLEY FINANCIAL)
learned some things. have to keep writing. have to write more
John Simpson
( at Curtiss-Wright)
Course was overall good. Great introduction to a larger series.
Anonymous
(Accountant)
Definitely interesting topic and applicable to my own career.
Anonymous
(Sr. Controller)
good overview of skills, requirements, duties of controller.
Anonymous
(Director)
good course about controllership no surprises. good length
Lorene Johnson
( at SeaOne Holdings)
The Controllership Series is a very good learning series.
Anonymous
(Controller)
This was an excellent introduction to the controller role.
Maya Walker
(Global Controller at Fourth Enterprises)
Helpful career advice with good case studies at the end.
Anonymous
(staff accountant)
easy to understand, slides were good form of study guide
Anonymous
(Senior Revenue Manager)
I enjoyed the course, and I found it very informative.
Prerequisites
Course Complexity: Foundational
No advanced preparation or prerequisites are required for this course.
It is recommended to take Other Segments of The Controllership Series courses by Lynn Fountain.
1. The Controllership Series: The Controller Function - Elevating the Role
2. The Controllership Series: The Controller Function - Strategic and Annual Planning
3. The Controllership Series: The Controller Function - Cash and Investments
4. The Controllership Series: The Controller Function - Inventory Part 1
5. The Controllership Series: The Controller Function - Inventory Part 2
6. The Controllership Series: Financial Statement Preparation and Presentation
Education Provider Information
Company:
Illumeo, Inc., 75 East Santa Clara St., Suite 1215, San Jose, CA
95113
Contact:
For more information regarding this course, including complaint and
cancellation policies, please contact our offices at (408) 400- 3993 or send an e-mail to
.
Lynn FountainCPA, CGMA, CRMA, MBA, cPIA, Consultant, Author, Trainer
About Illumeo
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