.5 CPE The Controllership function is critical to the success of any organization. Some of the typical responsibilities include financial reporting and analysis, budgeting and forecasting, technical accounting, and operational support. Increasingly, Controllers are expected to be dynamic leaders and strategic partners with their business.
In this course, Matt Justice, an experienced Controller, provides some of his favorite best practices that have contributed to the success of several organizations.
Although not a comprehensive list, these best practices span across many of the different roles required of the Controller. Whether you are a brand new Controller or an experienced Controller just looking for some fresh ideas, your organization can benefit from the implementation of some of these proven best practices.
Learning Objectives
- Identify approaches to maximize performance in the Controllership function.
- Explore how to become a true business partner in your organization.
- Discover how to speed up your close and identify training gaps.
Last updated/reviewed: August 13, 2023
102 Reviews (379 ratings)
Reviews
Anonymous
(None)
Good, but high level. Basic principles were helpful. Maybe incorporate more about integrating technology. Not as helpful for small teams with outsourcing. I don’t know why I need to keep writing just to get credit. This is frustrating, as there isn’t much else to say. It says it’s optional but won’t let me skip it. Still waiting for this to allow me to mark it completed.
Anonymous
(Sr Accountant Lead)
Great practices for the Controller and everyone below that position. I really like the 'responsibility matrix' which can help management see who is overloaded and who can take on more responsibilities. Also, it can show proper segregation of duties or any conflicts and can be used to determine if additional headcount or resources are needed. Matt is a great speaker.
Joshua Bourquard
(Accounting Manager Financial Reporting a.. at TPx Communications)
Overall high level understanding of what a controllership position needs to understand and provide policies and develop within the company. Would have been nice to discuss each a bit more in depth from the experience stand point but good overall value as a start.
Anthony Ukena
(Internal Auditor at EBMUD)
Most of these best practices are pretty standard. That being said, Matt Justice was able to quickly provide sound supporting reasons why these best practices are essential. Enjoyed his quick but thorough illustrations, especially best practices #1 and #6.
Anonymous
(Accounting Director)
This was great advice that sometimes gets lost as one is stuck in the day to day grind of their job. Will be printing out the ten principles and hanging in my office to remind me to have these principles drive my allotment of time.
Anonymous
(Senior Accountant)
Many areas reviewed & very inclusive to enhance performance & expertise of controller. Many points good for all levels of accounting / finance professionals to incorporate into their job approach.
Anonymous
(Owner)
Best practices are always an evolving and/or changing process with any organization. Understanding current trends and business 'hot' topics is part of ensuring best practices remain a priority
Anonymous
(Controller)
Great best practices. Some of them are generally known and understood, but Matt's input and explanation of them are helpful in reinforcing and/or reminding of the necessity to follow them.
Anonymous
()
Helpful overview of the controller objectives. I like the quick bullet-point type best practices. It is a good starting point for anyone that is starting off in the controller position.
Anonymous
(Controller)
Insightful information to any controller and it puts the priorities in front of your eyes and gives a clear plan as to how the work should be approached by a successful controller.
Heidi Scott
(CFO at Graff Financial LLC)
Some great information and ideas! This was quick and easy to understand. It was a lot of information in a short period and he talks fast, but I used pause and rewind when needed.
Tyler Whitlock
( at Christensenarms)
Awesome half an hour course. It's really easy to fall into a rut and just do the day to day. This was a great reminder to keep focusing on the best practices and improvement.
Anonymous
(Consultant)
A good review of the basic 10 best practices of controllership. Reminders of what should be an ongoing tuneup of the close process and your knowledge of industry updates.
Anonymous
(Experienced Manager)
Training covered useful topics for both the individual controller and the department. Many of the bullet points provided I've highlighted for possible implementation.
Anonymous
(Accounting Manager)
Really enjoyed this presenter and the clear, concise best practices presented in this course. As a new manager, these tips will help guide me in the right direction.
Paige Jones
(Owner at AHF Consultants)
Great review of the responsibilities of an effective Controller. The Controller helps guide and often times makes critical decisions that effect the bottom line
Janine Korovesis
(Controller at Google)
I really, really liked this course - it's always helpful to have a shortlist for best practices when setting up a controllership, even if some are common sense.
Anonymous
(Accounting Manager)
The course was very "to the point" and high level. I thought the breakdown of each "Best Practice" was insightful and learned some things about controllership.
Mahira Sheikh
(Accounting Manager at DLC Group)
Quick refresher guide as many accountant want to get to the controller level. The best practices highlighted many aspects of life inside the accounting world.
David Weichert
(Director of Finance and Administration at Parking Authority of the City of Lancast..)
Good basic outline of a controller's soft skills responsibilities. This course contains the things to think about to turn an accountant into a controller.
Debbie Banks
( at Banks Accountancy LLC)
I liked that it was concise and to the point. Good insight, somewhat common sense for someone who has worked in accounting for a while, but good reminder.
Anonymous
()
Excellent instructor with several helpful suggestions to add value to your organization. I look forward to more in depth webinars from this instructor.
Anonymous
(VP of Finance and Accounting)
Short and sweet. Speaker moved quickly enough to stay interesting, got a lot of information out in a short time, and covered some really solid points.
Anonymous
(Accounting Manager)
basic overview of controllership's responsibilities, some of these things are good to know because they don't actually happen in my company right now.
Anonymous
(Senior Manager, Business Analytics)
Great, quick, and handy guide for finance managers to keep in mind regardless of role. First Illumeo PDF slide deck I've saved for the reminders.
Rodney Troyer
( at Wayne Garage Door)
Great little reminder course to focus controllers on what is really important. There were several tips that I need to implement in my daily work.
Anonymous
(solo)
Great course. Stated learning objectives were met. Program materials were relevant and contributed to the achievement of the learning objectives
Sharon King
(Contractor at Self employed)
The instructor provided a great recommendation for Balance Sheet reconciliations. This course is beneficial for new and seasoned Controllers.
Kendall Houk
(Chief Financial Officer at Famous Smoke Shop)
Interesting presentation - I would watch the lectures critically as the ideas are generically presented but may not apply to all situations.
Anonymous
()
This course was brief but had some good reminders on where to focus time as a Controller and some good practical tips on monthly value-adds.
Anonymous
(Controller)
I like that the course videos were broken out by each best practice. The best practices outlined are good keys for success as a Controller.
Rosie Herren
(Controller at Book and Street)
Some very good tips here. I'm a controller and I was not doing a responsibility matrix. Excellent suggestion I will be using from now on.
Lawrence Hirsch
(Controller at Builders design)
Short but sweet. Has common sense insights to incorpoarate into your controller's bag of knowledge. Thank for the great course.
Larry
Anonymous
(Controller)
Simple, but useful reminders and tips regarding the job. This is a great jumping off point for further instruction in future courses.
Anonymous
()
this course was an adequate presentation of fairly basic best practices relating to controllership. Would recommend as a CPE filler.
Jeremy Dunn
( at Colorado Enterprise Fund)
Liked the content. Would have liked more exam questions or more quizzes to facilitate deeper review of all ten best practice areas.
DEBORAH CAYLOR
(Accounting Manager at self)
Easy and short yet informative sticking to the core needs to make this role most effective and helpful while maintaining balance.
Anonymous
()
This course is a bit simplistic and only worth .5 CPEs but there are a few good ideas in it that you can flesh out on your own.
Anonymous
(Controller)
Great skills and tips here. This course is a great road map for the Controller that wants to up their game to the next level.
Anonymous
(Inventory Accounting Manager)
Even though this was a quick list. It made since and the presenter was interesting. He kept a fast pace and stay succinct.
Derek Ettinger
( at GP Fund Solutions, LLC)
Surprisingly detailed for a short course focusing on process improvement tips. Definitely felt the information was useful.
Anonymous
(Director Finance)
Good organization and refresher to keep a controller a true business partner and the need to understand the business.
Anonymous
(Treasury Manager)
Excellent list of best practices that helps understand the daily, weekly, monthly and annual objectives and or tasks.
Anonymous
(Sr. Accounting Manager)
very interesting and easy tips for controllership that can be applied to other roles within the organization also.
Christopher Hole
(Director of Internal Audit at Roseburg Forest Products)
Simple but valuable reminders to help keep you from getting bogged down in the details. Presented efficiently.
Jimmy Hall
( at Consultant)
This course was very effective at delivering the ideas needed to be a more effective leader, and professional.
Anonymous
(Adjunct Professor)
Good review of what makes a successful controller or manager of any function from someone who has been there.
Anonymous
(Associate Accountant)
This was an interesting course. I enjoyed in information. Good slides provided for the materials afterwards.
Anonymous
(CPA)
Helpful advice for controllers on how to become more productive and effective key players in the business.
Anonymous
(Tax Staff)
this is a good course to summarize the best practices that will make you most successful in your career.
Emily Tu
(Associate at RSM)
This course presented straightforward material. The best practices were explained clearly and concisely.
Anonymous
(Finance Consultant)
Great tips; always learn something from another professional's recap of best practices. Thanks for this.
Abraham Minto
( at Abraham Minto LLC)
Matt' couse on 10 Best Practice tips for controllers was excellent. Great ideas that can be actioned...
Anonymous
()
Good overview of best practices. And I appreciate smaller courses to supplement the larger courses.
Sherman Bamford
(Accountant at Carilion Clinic)
This course includes numerous helpful tips incorporated into a very brief format. Well worth taking,.
Anonymous
(CPA / Owner)
Brief overview of ways to add value to an organization, not just fulfilling the reporting function.
Anonymous
()
Good presentation and the explanation of skills that are beneficial to all within an organization.
Linda Jacobs
(acct at n/a)
Nice streamlined course for accounting management. Hope to see more courses from this instructor.
Michael Trollinger
( at Trollinger, CPA)
Well done, would recommend as a refresher for both existing controllers and aspiring controllers.
Anonymous
(Associate)
Quick and informative course. Great for when you don't have a ton of time. Very informative!
Anonymous
(Finance Director)
Concise and relevant. Brought up good points and ideas for all controllers to implement asap.
Paul Niebrugge
(Director of Capital Accounting at Charter Communications)
This is a good reminder of our function as Accountants and Leaders within our organizations.
Scott Anderton
(CFO at HCA)
Very valuable advice to new Controllers. I will be sharing these concepts with my Controller
Anonymous
(CFO)
Quick down and dirty checklist for the controller. Can lead to deeper questions and reviews.
Anonymous
(CFO)
These are some really good points. Some good ideas came from this to use in the workplace.
Anonymous
(Director of Finance)
One of the best short courses on Illumeo -- fast, to-the-point and very insightful tips.
Anonymous
(Controller)
Excellent, concise advice. Great reminders that we should all follow. Highly recommended
Anonymous
(Director of Finance)
This course offered some suggestions I expected, but also a couple that I had forgotten.
Anonymous
(Controller)
Love the quick and concise best practices presented in this course. A good refresher!
Anonymous
(Self employed)
love that this was concise and not repetitive - so many of the classes can streamline
Anonymous
(Consultant - Process Specialist)
Great course particularly for controllers! The speaker is very tenured on this topic.
Anonymous
(Corporate Controller)
Excellent advice and insights. I highly recommend for any finance/accounting leader.
David Ord
(VP of Finance at JMI Property Services)
Great review of some helpful best practices presented in an enjoyable concise way.
Anonymous
(Close & Consolidations Senior Manage..)
interesting to hear another perspective on the close process and controllership.
Anonymous
(-)
Nice overview of controller best practices. recommended for controllers and cfos
Michael Muchortow
(CPA at Muchortow & Associates)
Excellent and concise overview of how to be more successful as a controller.
Anonymous
(Corporate Controller)
Very well presented and good reminder on how one can improve their function.
Corey Masters
(Accountant, Internal Auditor, Risk Speci.. at Self)
A good review of Best Practices of Controllership. A lot of good insights.
Anonymous
(Regional Controller)
Good quick course with helpful reminders of areas to focus as a controller.
Andrew Kreher
(Sr. Manager, Fixed Assets at Charter Communications)
Good high level overview and reinforcement. Instructor clear and concise.
Mandy Sherman
(Assistant Controller at Frank Rimerman + Co. LLP)
This course was a bit generic, all useful tips but somewhat common sense.
ERICA CARPER
( at a)
For such a quick overview, he was able to highlight truly valuable tips.
Karen Hemminger
(Consultant at Arizona Public Service Company)
Very nice course with a great overview of best practices for controllers
Anonymous
(Chief Financial Officer)
I thought the presenter did an excellent job in presenting the material
Anonymous
(Consultant)
Points make sense and good reminder for managing the Accounting Dept.
Anonymous
(Maps and Chrome Controllership)
Valuable course to take as a refresher and reminder of best practices
Julie Hammeras CPA
(Sr. Manager, Transformation - ERP at Liberty Utilities)
Very succint, but with some great ideas I will implement right away.
Jennifer Wergland Lyon
( at N/A)
Good reminders with explanations on how to add value as a controller
Debra Lindquist
(controller at SafeRide Health)
Concise but helpful information. Instructor was easy to listen to.
Hannah Niman
( at Live Nation Entertainment)
quick and clear - would recommend for simple tips and guidance
Michelle Wagner
(Controller at Michelle Wagner Consulting)
This short course provided some great ideas and suggestions.
Anonymous
()
Good overview, good instruction, and we'll structured course.
Perry Byrd
( at Perry Byrd CPA)
good review and ideas for any manager. Thanks for the ideas
Anonymous
(Director Net Revenue)
Great high level key points - concise and easy to listen to
Alyssa Borenstein
(n/a at Casper)
Great insight into controllership. EASY and straightforward
Anonymous
()
Good thoughts on overall mindset of an effective Controller
Anonymous
()
Good, easy to follow suggestions, and clear steps to take
Joseph Long
(Internal Audit Manager at Sumitomo Rubber USA)
Possibly the best e-learning I have done in a long time!
Anonymous
(Accounting Manager)
There are lots of good ideas in this short presentation.
Anonymous
(Income Tax Senior)
good break out of ten best practices of controllership.
Cesare Gale
(Director Controller Novelis Europe at Novelis)
Very good training with very easy-to-adopt suggestions
Anonymous
()
Nice quick overview of key practices.
Thank you!
Prerequisites
Course Complexity: Foundational
No advanced preparation or prerequisites are required for this course.
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
.
Course Questions and Answers(3 Questions)
Matt JusticeController
About Illumeo
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- Email: info@illumeo.com
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Sir, Please upload more courses. We need more courses for "controllers" on this forum.
I definitely appreciate your interest in controllership. I am working on producing more courses. Thanks for the feedback!