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

  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 Controllers Role in Financial Forecasting
  4. The Controllership Series: Future Role of the Controller – Part 1
  5. The Controllership Series: Future Role of the Controller – Part 2
  6. The Controllership Series: The Controller Function - Cash and Investments
  7. ASC 842 Accounting for Leases - Deep Dive
  8. The Controllership Series: The Controller Function - Inventory Part 1
  9. The Controllership Series: The Controller Function - Inventory Part 2 - Inventory Valuation, Physical Inventory Methods and Inventory fraud
  10. The Controllership Series: Overhead, Direct and Indirect Costs and Allocation Methods
  11. The Controllership Series: Financial Statement Preparation and Presentation
  12. The Controllership Series: The Controllers Role in the Procurement Function
  13. The Controllership Series: The Role of The Controller in ESG
  14. The Controllership Series: The Controllers Role in Pro Forma Financials
  15. The Controllership Series: The Controllers Role in Data Analytics and Big Data
  16. The Controllership Series: Introduction to the Financial Close Process
  17. The Controllership Series: Managerial Accounting Basics and Cost Principles
  18. The Controllership Series: Sales, Collections and Customer Credit
  19. The Controllership Series: Addressing Cash Flow and Forecasting Uncertainty
  20. The Controllership Series: The Controller’s Skillset
  21. The Controllership Series: The Controllers Role in Internal Controls
  22. Tools for The Controllership Series Certificate
101 Reviews (568 ratings)

Reviews

5
Member's Profile
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!

5
Anonymous Author
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.

5
Member's Profile
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

3
Anonymous Author
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.

5
Anonymous Author
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.

5
Anonymous Author
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.

5
Anonymous Author
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.

5
Anonymous Author
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.

5
Member's Profile
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.

4
Anonymous Author
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.

5
Member's Profile
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.

5
Anonymous Author
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.

5
Anonymous Author
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.

5
Anonymous Author
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

5
Anonymous Author
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.

5
Anonymous Author
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.

5
Anonymous Author
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.

5
Anonymous Author
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.

5
Anonymous Author
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.

5
Anonymous Author
enjoyed high level review of pertenent issues. instructor effectively presented material. videos were effective and right length. case studies were interesting and perhaps relevant

5
Anonymous Author
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

4
Anonymous Author
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.

5
Anonymous Author
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.

5
Anonymous Author
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.

5
Anonymous Author
Good introduction course to the controller series. Interested to see where it goes and how the things discussed in this lesson are further elaborated.

5
Member's Profile
Excellent introduction into the controller responsibilities and changing role. This certainly makes one think about the skills that are necessary.

3
Member's Profile
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.

5
Member's Profile
This was a great course that represents a shift in mindset of the Controller position and helps guide Controllers with their career aspirations.

3
Anonymous Author
This is a an overview of Controllership concepts. I found it to be basically accurate--the study information was the most helpful/new items.

5
Member's Profile
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.

4
Member's Profile
The Controllership Series: The Controller Function - Elevating the Role is a great training and gets you thinking about the Controller role.

5
Anonymous Author
great introduction for the roles, responsibilities, and ambitions of the controller function in small and large organizations. thank you.

5
Anonymous Author
Interesting and informative course with relevant information to understand the controllership function. Easy to follow and understand.

5
Anonymous Author
Loved this learning. As a controller myself, I thought this was very thought-provoking and provided good subject matter for reflection.

5
Member's Profile
A great introductory lesson for the controllership certificate program. I'll be completing more of these courses from this instructor.

4
Anonymous Author
Good overview of what a traditional controller is and how a controller might move into a more strategic role within their company

4
Anonymous Author
I thought that this course was interesting and provided good ideas for Controllers to elevate their role within the organization.

4
Member's Profile
Good introduction to the various roles of a controller & especially the changing responsibilities & challenges of controllers

5
Anonymous Author
This course provided good framework for the skills needed to perform the controller role and grow within the controller role.

5
Anonymous Author
Great refreshing course to those in controllership or any other mid management roles within accounting & finance departments.

5
Anonymous Author
The instructor was very clear and concise. The content was well structured and organized. I would recommend this course.

5
Anonymous Author
I've dealt with controllers plenty but I'm not sure I could actually define what that role is. This course helped a lot!

5
Anonymous Author
Great guidance on how to be a more valuable employee, by being strategic and a partner to key decision with management

4
Anonymous Author
Good overview of the position for new people. Slides captured the relevant points and the case studies were helpful.

5
Anonymous Author
This presenter's information is always well organized and clear. Course hit on the key points in a concise manner.

4
Member's Profile
This is good for someone who is a few steps away from being a controller or doing research on what a controller does.

5
Anonymous Author
Excellent instructor, takes complex issues and boils them down in an understandable fashion. Gives great examples.

5
Member's Profile
This instructor does a great job with her classes. The tests are actually based on the course and the material.

5
Anonymous Author
This course was very helpful. I enjoyed the content and presentation. I would recommend this class to others.

5
Member's Profile
Great presentation as always. Lynn has interesting topics, provides insights, and keeps the material engaging.

5
Anonymous Author
Very informative! Great course for someone who wants to get on the controller path within the corporations.

5
Anonymous Author
It was a very informative session regarding the controller function and what a controller might need to do.

4
Anonymous Author
This gave good career advice on how to be effective in advancing into progressive roles of responsibility.

5
Member's Profile
I liked all the information related to the Controller job and how management most of the time see them.

5
Anonymous Author
Informational and insightful material offered, along with real world case studies for further learning.

5
Member's Profile
Lynn's course on elevating the Controller role was excellent. Great content, presentation, and examples

5
Anonymous Author
Excellent overview of the controller role, associated responsibilities and prospects for development.

4
Anonymous Author
Interesting content highlighting how a controller can elevate and be seen as a strategist. Thanks

5
Member's Profile
Another in a great series from Ms. Fountain. Helpful and succinct summary of an important role

5
Anonymous Author
Great course to understand more about controllership, I would recommend this course to everyone

4
Anonymous Author
Enjoying the series, which provides a great introduction and overview of the Controller role!

5
Member's Profile
Good detail on what a controller is. Role and modern interpretations and research included.

5
Anonymous Author
The portions related to the role of a strategic controller were particularly interesting.

5
Anonymous Author
Great refresher and will plan to take again. Learning plan was well developed and helpful.

5
Member's Profile
good course, well organized and well written, I enjoyed the course. very good information

5
Member's Profile
Clear and easy to follow, the material is adequate and the facilitator does a great job.

5
Anonymous Author
The instructor is very clear with a clean structure and explanation and great examples.

5
Anonymous Author
Great information to identify areas of improvement and define a long-term career path.

5
Anonymous Author
It's a concise course to understand all of thigns related to a controller in a company.

5
Member's Profile
inspiring outlines of the skills and technologies to help evolve the Controller role.

5
Member's Profile
This was helpful in understanding how to keep growing beyond the controller position.

5
Member's Profile
A very good overview of the controller position. I especially liked the case studies.

4
Anonymous Author
Got me thinking about career progression and being pro-active rather than reactive.

4
Anonymous Author
This course was informative and I appreciate statistics from Deloitte and the IMA.

5
Anonymous Author
This The Controllership Series: Controller Function Elevating Role class was good.

5
Anonymous Author
This course helped me to allocate the duties between controller and subordinates.

5
Anonymous Author
A very insightfull presention of controller position, its goals and challenges.

4
Member's Profile
Good information, but a bit too generic. Some specifics would have been useful.

5
Anonymous Author
This course met its stated objectives and provided relevant useful information.

5
Anonymous Author
General overview to what a controller is and what they do/are responsible for.

4
Anonymous Author
The course was very informative and to the point, even though it was short.

5
Anonymous Author
Great course, clear and concise, would recommend others to take this course

5
Anonymous Author
The case studies really helped emphasize the key elements within the class

5
Member's Profile
Good course on how to Elevate the Controller roll within an organization.

5
Anonymous Author
Knocking out course to renew. Always fun to be under the gun with this.

4
Member's Profile
Great pointers on how a Controller can become more strategic focused.

5
Anonymous Author
I really enjoyed the case studies as part of this course. Thank you!

5
Anonymous Author
This was a helpful review of controller job descriptions. Thank you

5
Anonymous Author
Good eye opener course. Comprehensive and simple in explanation

4
Anonymous Author
General overview, helpful information. Case studies were useful.

4
Anonymous Author
Confirms many things I have been thinking about Controllership.

4
Member's Profile
learned some things. have to keep writing. have to write more

4
Member's Profile
Course was overall good. Great introduction to a larger series.

5
Anonymous Author
Definitely interesting topic and applicable to my own career.

5
Anonymous Author
good overview of skills, requirements, duties of controller.

4
Anonymous Author
good course about controllership no surprises. good length

5
Member's Profile
The Controllership Series is a very good learning series.

5
Anonymous Author
This was an excellent introduction to the controller role.

5
Member's Profile
Helpful career advice with good case studies at the end.

5
Anonymous Author
easy to understand, slides were good form of study guide

5
Anonymous Author
I enjoyed the course, and I found it very informative.

Prerequisites
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 .
Instructor for this course
Course Syllabus
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
  Introduction to The Controller Function - Elevating the Role3:00
  What is a Controller?8:32
  Controllers Job Requirements4:22
  How do Controllers Spend Their Time5:24
  The Controllers Changing Role11:09
  The Controllers Changing Role Cont'd14:07
  Controllership Vision3:59
  Final Analysis5:12
  Introduction to Case Studies1:43
  Case Studies-Part 112:30
  Case Studies-Part 23:50
CONTINUOUS PLAY
  The Controller Function - Elevating the Role1:13:48
SUPPORTING MATERIAL
  Slides: The Controller Function - “Elevating the Role”PDF
  The Controller Function - “Elevating the Role” Glossary/ IndexPDF
REVIEW AND TEST
  REVIEW QUESTIONSquiz
 FINAL EXAMexam