[cpaMD86]

How do you guys approach taking the leap in applying for managerial/controller type titles? I have six years of experience across AP, AR, Grants, Asset Management, GL, Financial Reporting, IC, etc….I’ve done a little bit of everything across many parts of the accounting function (fund accounting). I’ve also developed system skills.

I began looking at the market after recently completing my exams, more out of curiosity to see whats out there. I see many managerial and controller/asst controller positions available, but in my mind I always ask myself; “Are you ready for that?”. I am pretty much discounting myself. Although I have some experience across many areas…what constitutes it as enough? I am aware that you can never go into a position being 100% ready…but even then…I don’t know…I am a quick learner of details and systems, but I suppose it’s the fear of not being enough? Just something I’ve been pondering…hopefully it’ll help someone else!

FAR: 9/3

[Anonymous]

I've asked this question (or similar) several times. No one here knows or they will provide a generic response. My response is, it depends on the company and industry. As controller, your role is to manage the entire accounting system so you should be familiar with all functions of the accounting department to ensure accuracy and efficiency, and you should be familiar with proper recordkeeping tasks and dealing directly with vendors as well.

Try researching various job postings for controller and read the job descriptions. It kinda gives an idea of what to expect all around.

As far as obtaining the position and fulfilling the role, my best guess is when most people get the job, they wing it and hope for the best 🙂

[CPYay]

I've been mulling over the same situation. I'm a Senior Accountant right now, but I get the feeling I need another year or two before I make the leap to Manager/Controller levels.

My reasoning is…

There's a lot of stuff I need to learn or become more comfortable with. I want to learn purchase accounting (acquisitions), be more involved with our annual audit, understand the legal structure and compliance requirements for local/state/federal, and be able to answer other Accountants'/Seniors' questions quickly and confidently with the backing of my management.

Once I have a better understanding of the above, I'll feel more comfortable approaching the management level. Besides, I still have another year before I can complete all of the CPA requirements, so I'm in no rush.

[Anonymous]

If you really do know and understand everything you listed above, and you have your CPA and six years of experience, it seems to me like you're probably ready to take the leap. I may not search as much for controller positions, but it seems like you could be ready to jump into an assistant controller position that could eventually work it's way into being the controller.

You're never going to feel ready because the only way you are actually going to gain the experience is when you are already in the position. Maybe talk with a recruiter and review a lot of job descriptions to see if you think your experience and qualifications match up.

[mtaylo24]

Easy, sit back and watch your Controller scare away managers. My Controller used to go through Accounting Managers like shoes due to her persona and ego. Turnover made me an Accounting Manager (by default) before I even came close to passing an exam or working in public. Unfortunately I had enough after a year and a half of that title (over 4 yrs w/ the company) and decided to do something different. So internal promotion is my short answer, but I understand thats not possible for everyone out there.

AUD - 1st - 60 (12/12), 61 (2/13), 61 (8/13), 78! (11/15)
REG - 55 (2/16) 69 (5/16) Retake(8/16)
BEC - 71(5/16) Retake (9/16)
FAR - (8/16)

[cpaMD86]

All great points!

I am constantly seeking to learn, and am always jumping into new projects (and get volunteered into them). I've been in those roles and have a good understanding…now am I an expert? I don't think I can go that far, but like some of you said, no one can really know everything. It was just something I was pondering, and have seen others mention before as well. We'll see where it all goes…my organization recovering from a slight financial downturn due to some system implementations, so it's just have to be patient in terms of promotions. I have great support here, and there are few CPAs. I'll be the youngest one as well. Now that I am done with these darn tests I've turned my attention back to reading and leadership development. It's been nice getting away from studying..specially with the NBA Playoffs and MLB coming up!

I appreciate everyone's input.

FAR: 9/3

[Missy]

Just apply if you see a position you think you're qualified for. I moved from a senior accountant type role to a controller role because I had industry specific experience which was in high demand at the time. There really is no cut and dry answer, its highly subjective at every company. One thing that seemed to come up a lot in my experience trying to move to a management role is “have you supervised others” which I hadn't at the time. I did stress that I was often tasked with training peers either on software or tasks, and sometimes it helped bridge the gap between having no personal supervisory experience other times employers shrugged it off. The other thing I ran into is the size of company you have experience working for is a big determinant of whether you can be considered, its rare that you'd be considered for a management role in a 50m company if you've got experience working for a 4m company. So if you want to transition from where you are to a manager your best chance will be at a very similar company in size and industry.

The important thing is to see if your particular skill set aligns well with what is being requested in a job listing. You don't have to be an expert, you just have to be the best candidate. So for example if they're looking for someone with SAP experience and thats a software you've got a lot of experience with it puts you in a more favorable position than someone who's only ever worked with JD Edwards. Do make sure you're tweaking and adjusting your resume so that your skillset that aligns with the job listing are your first bullet points and do make sure your cover letter stresses that you understand the position they're looking to fill and believe you are a great fit.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Missy]

Also wanted to add, particularly controller roles are very broadly defined in industry and what one company might call a controller is nothing more than a glorified bookkeeper while in another company the same title has the job description of a CFO. Look past titles and at job descriptions.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Author]

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