This course corresponds to our Controllership series. Within this course, we specifically address the Controllers role and pro-active potentials in organization Strategic and Annual Planning. This series of courses 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.

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.

When it comes to the task of strategic planning, many feel this role is primarily the responsibility of the executive team and board. However, in this course, we delve into the various steps of the strategic plan and explore where the Controller can add strategic value through providing functional input and insight.

Strategic planning is a process used to identify goals, the strategies necessary to accomplish those goals, and the internal performance management system that will be used to monitor and evaluate progress. 

Below courses are currently available on the site:

  • The Controllership Series: The Controller Function - Elevating the Role
  • The Controllership Series: The Controller Function - Strategic and Annual Planning
  • The Controllership Series: The Controller Function - Cash and Investments
  • The Controllership Series: The Controller Function - Inventory Process Part 1
  • The Controllership Series: The Controller Function - Inventory Process Part 2
  • The Controllership Series: Financial Statement Preparation and Presentation
Learning Objectives
  • Defining strategic planning.
  • The controller’s challenges in the strategic planning process.
  • Risk Management and internal controls.
  • The controller role in strategic planning.
    • Step One - Determine your strategic position.
    • Step Two - Establishing prioritize objectives.
    • Step Three - Set the strategic plan.
    • Step Four - Execute and manage the plan.
    • Step Five - Review and revise the plan.
Last updated/reviewed: May 20, 2022

Included In Certifications

This course is included in the following Certification Programs:

18 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. GAAP Principles, Assumptions and Considerations
  4. The Treasury Function Part 1: Cash, Liquidity and Investments
  5. The Controllership Series: The Controller Function - Cash and Investments
  6. ASC 842 Accounting for Leases - Deep Dive
  7. Revenue Recognition (ASC Topic 606) Standard Overview
  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. Analyzing Financial Ratios - Leverage
  13. Analyzing Financial Ratios - Performance And Efficiency
  14. The Controllership Series: The Controllers Role in Data Analytics and Big Data
  15. The Controllership Series: The Financial Close Process
  16. The Controllership Series: Managerial Accounting Basics and Cost Principles
  17. The Controllership Series: Sales, Collections and Customer Credit
  18. Tools for The Controllership Series Certificate
23 Reviews (119 ratings)

Reviews

5
Member's Profile
I enjoyed learning about the role of the controller in Devising, Implementing and Reviewing the Strategic Plan. Made me think about what I could be doing in my current role.
5
Member's Profile
I'm a controller and this course is very relevant to the trends I am encountering today.
4
Anonymous Author
Good overview of strategic and annual planning for Controllers. Organizations vary, but this gave a very insightful view on how Controllers can get more involved and what areas to focus and add value.
4
Anonymous Author
The course provides an overview of the five steps taken to add more value. It would be better to provide sources where the controllers can go to look for guidance or examples.
5
Anonymous Author
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5
Anonymous Author
This course provided good framework for how Controllers can best contribute to the strategic planning process and monitor results during the year.
5
Anonymous Author
I found this content to be highly interesting and relevant to a successful fulfillment of the controller role within an organization. Thanks
4
Member's Profile
Useful breakdown of how to go about creating a strategic plan. This will be helpful when trying to get a seat at the decision-makers table.
4
Anonymous Author
Good examples as to how a controller elevates his or her role by being involved in the different steps of the strategic planning process.
5
Member's Profile
Thorough course on strategic planning of a company and how a controller can play a roll in making sure initiatives are followed through on.
4
Member's Profile
The first question about the length of a strategic plan has no correct answer. MS Fountain gave various answers from 10 years to 3 years.
4
Anonymous Author
This was a great course really enjoyed the presentation, materials, and coursework aligned with its continuing education series.
5
Anonymous Author
This was a great course that provides valuable skills the Controllers should keep in mind to enhance their role and contribution.
4
Anonymous Author
The course provided adequate education in the areas expected and fulfilled the objectives of learning in the subject area.
5
Anonymous Author
Definitely very helpful on ideas to improve the business and breaking down ways controllers can support the process
4
Anonymous Author
A good overview of the steps involved with a strategic plan. I will likely refer to the materials in the future.
3
Anonymous Author
This is pretty good content. Overall, it's not overly actionable but still a good theoretical view of the topic.
5
Member's Profile
another good course on roles and responsibilities of the controller function. thank you for the course.
5
Member's Profile
We have done it again thanks to you Lynn and a great course. learned tons. Thank you, Larry
4
Anonymous Author
Solid overview of strategic planning, from the perspective of a Controller - thanks!
5
Anonymous Author
I really like this course because it expanded my knowledge of Strategic Planning.
5
Member's Profile
Good as an overview. Some useful information, but seems somewhat too general.
5
Member's Profile
Always enjoy Lynn's courses. Very clearly presented.
show all reviews
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 .
Course Questions and Answers1 Question
There are no questions.         Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Member's Profile
Ada Ramirez
(Consultant at Robert Half) | Mar 18, 2023
Instructor for this course
  Course Overview CPE
Course Syllabus
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
  Introduction to The Controller Function - Strategic and Annual Planning4:12
  Strategic Plan11:59
  Understanding Challenges and The Expanding Role of the Controller5:04
  Risk Management and Internal Control12:46
  The Controllers Role in Strategic Planning11:55
  Develop and Prioritize your Objectives6:58
  Develop a Strategic Plan6:04
  Step Four-Execute and Manage your Plan4:38
  Review and Revise Plan3:47
  Summary0:48
CONTINUOUS PLAY
  The Controller Function - Strategic and Annual Planning1:08:11
SUPPORTING MATERIAL
  Slides: The Controller Function - Strategic and Annual PlanningPDF
  The Controller Function - Strategic and Annual Planning Glossary/ IndexPDF
REVIEW AND TEST
  REVIEW QUESTIONSquiz
 FINAL EXAMexam