Skills in Demand, Specialisations, and Career Opportunities
What different specialisations are there in controlling, and what are the current salary opportunities? Hannah Hermann, Finance Manager at Robert Walters in Hamburg, shares insights from her experience as a recruitment consultant and provides valuable tips for anyone considering a career in controlling. Discover what skills are in demand in controlling and what career opportunities await you. Find out whether this career path is right for you and how you can make the ideal start in the field of controlling.
Skills in Demand in Controlling
Before you venture into controlling, consider whether your skills meet the requirements of this field. Basic requirements include a high affinity for numbers and a strong understanding of financial interrelationships. Accuracy, structured work, and meeting deadlines are essential, as is the ability to prioritise efficiently during critical planning phases. High adaptability and quick comprehension are crucial, as is the ability to interpret reports confidently. Specialised skills that are increasingly important include using tools like Power BI, ERP systems such as SAP, and proficiency in programming languages like VBA. Fluency in English or other foreign languages and strong communication skills remain in demand. Experience in dynamic environments, such as private equity-driven companies, is particularly valuable.
Specialisations in Controlling
Misleading Job Titles Make the Search More Difficult
Different companies often use various job titles for positions with similar tasks. Hermann explains, "As recruitment consultants, our job is to talk more intensively with our clients to identify and define exactly which roles in the company still need to be filled. Job seekers should be aware of this. It is worth checking the job descriptions in job adverts carefully, as these can often differ from the common perception of the job title." In general, the following specialisations can be distinguished:
Financial Controller
Financial Controllers are the all-rounders in Controlling. In this position, you will mainly work operationally and closely with the accounting department. Your tasks include preparing reports, processing ad-hoc enquiries, and activities related to the annual financial statements. Therefore, profiles with a background in auditing are often in demand. In this role, you can typically expect a salary of €75,000 to €95,000 if you have several years of professional experience.
Business Controller
For those who want to take on more responsibility, the position of Business Controller is ideal. In this role, you will deal with strategic issues and always keep an eye on the "big picture." Your tasks include preparing analyses, implementing ERP systems, making recommendations for action, and acting as a sparring partner for the executive board or management. This position usually requires several years of professional experience. Experts in this field can expect an annual salary of €80,000 to €100,000.
Group Controller
A Group Controller, also known as an investment controller, is a key position within a group and often works internationally. In this role, you monitor and compare the various subsidiaries of the company. Hermann emphasises, "It is crucial to use language that is appropriate for the target group to ensure that information is communicated clearly, precisely, and comprehensibly." Knowledge of different system landscapes is also required, as the subsidiaries often use different systems. A willingness to travel is also important, as this position is an interface function and may therefore require occasional travel. With appropriate professional experience, you can expect a salary of €80,000 to €100,000 in this role.
Highly Specialised Controllers
In large companies and groups, there are also highly specialised controllers, as each department requires its own controlling department. Examples include sales controllers, marketing controllers, HR controllers, BI controllers, and purchasing controllers. Hermann explains, "When companies need such a specialist, they look specifically for people with experience in similar sectors and company sizes who already know the specific tasks. Managers from the relevant division are often also considered for these roles." These specialised professionals usually earn between €80,000 and €120,000 per year. Hermann explains, "Despite the lower demand, highly specialised controllers with relevant professional experience have a strong negotiating position. Compared to generalist controlling functions, they earn above average and are more often able to assert benefits such as working from home and flexible working time models."
Entry and Career Paths in Controlling
- Entry into controlling is usually through a traineeship or as a junior controller after graduation. A degree in controlling or business administration provides a solid foundation.
- Another classic route is to spend a few years in financial controlling at an auditing company, where you learn important soft skills such as time management and accuracy.
- Another entry option is to move from accounting to the role of financial controller. "There are also special courses for career changers, such as the Chamber of Industry and Commerce controller course, which is particularly suitable for specialists from other areas, such as tax consultancy," reports Hermann.
"Personally, I would recommend everyone to start as a generalist as possible and then look for their specialisation or preferred area. Those who start in a specialist role from the outset find it very difficult to get out of it. Early specialisation can therefore be limiting, unless you already have a clear passion for a certain area."
Controlling offers intensive insights into company processes, especially for career starters. You can see changes and actively influence the success of the company. "The path from controller to CFO is a realistic career option, as controllers work closely with various departments and develop a deep understanding of company processes," says Hermann.
Read here why financial controlling is a smart second step for Big 4 graduates.
Here you will find current vacancies in Accounting & Finance, and further salary data for controllers can be found in our global salary survey.
