The role of a Controller is pivotal in any organisation, acting as the financial backbone that ensures smooth operations, accurate reporting, and strategic decision-making. Controllers are responsible for overseeing all accounting functions, managing budgets, forecasting financial performance, and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements. In the UK, the average salary for a Controller ranges from £60,000 to £90,000 per annum, with senior-level professionals often exceeding £100,000, reflecting the importance and responsibility of this role. If you are aiming for a career in finance leadership, creating a strong Controller CV is the first step toward securing your dream position.
Why a Strong CV Matters
Your CV is your personal marketing tool. It showcases your skills, experience, and professional achievements to prospective employers. For a Controller position, a CV must reflect your technical expertise in financial management, your ability to lead a team, and your strategic insight. Hiring managers are often time-poor and need to immediately see that you have the qualifications, experience, and competencies to manage the company’s financial health. That’s why having a clear, concise, and well-structured CV can make the difference between landing an interview and being overlooked.
Understanding the Controller Job Description
A Controller’s responsibilities typically include:
Overseeing accounting operations, including accounts payable, receivable, payroll, and general ledger functions.
Preparing timely financial statements, budgets, and reports.
Developing financial strategies to improve business performance.
Ensuring compliance with statutory regulations and internal policies.
Leading and mentoring accounting teams to achieve operational excellence.
Collaborating with senior management to guide financial decisions and business strategy.
With such an extensive range of responsibilities, your CV must highlight both technical skills and leadership capabilities.
Controller CV Template Example – Key Sections
When creating your Controller CV template, consider including the following sections:
1. Professional Summary
This is your first impression. A concise paragraph summarising your experience, achievements, and unique value proposition is essential. Focus on:
Your years of experience in finance or accounting roles.
Key achievements such as cost-saving initiatives or successful audits.
Your ability to manage teams and improve processes.
Example:
“Accomplished financial Controller with over 10 years’ experience in multinational companies. Proven track record of implementing robust financial controls, leading accounting teams, and delivering strategic insights that drive business growth.”
2. Core Skills
Highlight your technical expertise and leadership competencies. For Controllers, include:
Financial reporting and analysis
Budgeting and forecasting
Regulatory compliance
Team leadership
ERP systems proficiency (e.g., SAP, Oracle)
Strategic financial planning
3. Professional Experience
Use a reverse chronological order to demonstrate career progression. Focus on achievements rather than duties:
Quantify results (e.g., “Reduced operational costs by 15% through process improvements”).
Highlight leadership roles and team management.
Include cross-functional collaboration where relevant.
4. Education and Professional Qualifications
For Controllers, relevant degrees and professional qualifications such as ACA, ACCA, or CIMA are essential. Include the institution, graduation date, and any honours or distinctions.
5. Additional Sections
Consider adding sections for professional memberships, awards, or technical certifications. Highlighting continuing professional development demonstrates commitment to growth.
Tips for Graduates Applying for a Controller Role
Starting your career as a graduate aiming for a Controller role may feel daunting, but a strong CV can make a significant difference.
Focus on internships, placements, or part-time roles that demonstrate finance experience.
Include transferable skills such as analytical thinking, attention to detail, and communication skills.
Highlight relevant coursework or projects.
Keep your CV concise (one to two pages) and visually clean.
Advice for Middle and Senior Management
For professionals at the middle or senior level, your CV should reflect strategic impact and leadership experience:
Emphasise achievements that drove financial performance or operational efficiency.
Demonstrate experience managing teams and leading cross-departmental projects.
Include metrics wherever possible, such as revenue growth, cost reduction, or audit success.
Tailor your CV for each application, focusing on the specific needs of the organisation.
Do’s and Don’ts of a Controller CV
Do:
Keep it concise and relevant.
Use metrics and quantifiable achievements.
Tailor your CV to each job application.
Include keywords like “financial reporting,” “budgeting,” “compliance,” and “team leadership” to optimise for applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Use a professional layout and clear headings.
Don’t:
Include irrelevant personal information or hobbies.
Use generic statements without proof of achievement.
Submit a CV with spelling or grammatical errors.
Overload with technical jargon that may confuse non-finance HR personnel.
Forget to update your LinkedIn profile to match your CV.
Creating a CV That Gets Noticed
A Controller CV should immediately communicate credibility, competence, and leadership. Remember, hiring managers look for professionals who can handle complexity and deliver results. Use action verbs such as “led,” “implemented,” “managed,” and “improved” to demonstrate proactive contribution. Align your CV content with the job description to maximise relevance and ensure your application passes both ATS filters and human review.
Structuring Your CV for Maximum Impact
Header: Name, contact details, LinkedIn profile.
Professional Summary: 3–4 lines highlighting your expertise and career achievements.
Core Skills: Bullet points of key competencies.
Professional Experience: Reverse chronological order with quantified achievements.
Education & Qualifications: Degrees, certifications, and professional memberships.
Additional Sections: Awards, technical skills, or projects relevant to the role.
Optimising for SEO and Visibility
Incorporate keywords naturally, for example: Controller CV template, Controller CV example, “financial leadership,” “budget management,” “team leadership,” and “strategic planning.” These terms will help your CV appear in online searches and catch the attention of both recruiters and hiring managers.
Final Encouragement and Expert Advice
Creating a CV is more than listing jobs and dates; it’s about telling your professional story in a way that inspires confidence. Whether you are a graduate starting out, a middle manager looking to move up, or a senior executive aiming for a strategic finance role, a well-crafted CV can open doors.
If you’re serious about landing a top Controller role, investing in professional guidance can make all the difference. With over 25 years of experience helping UK professionals secure their dream jobs, I can help you refine your CV and LinkedIn profile to showcase your strengths and achievements.
Book an Appointment Today
Take the first step towards your dream Controller role. Book an appointment with our expert team to have your CV and LinkedIn profile professionally improved and optimised for maximum impact. Start your journey here: Book an appointment.
Don’t leave your career to chance—let’s make your CV stand out, impress recruiters, and secure interviews for the roles you deserve.
