Controller Management Services
The Vital Link to a Sound Financial Future
Most businesses retain a bookkeeper to manage their day to day cash flow and at least consult with a CFO when they need strategic planning. But there is another essential function that companies often overlook: The Controller. Many misunderstand their function, and fewer still recognize their value. But when assessing “bang for your accounting buck,” Controller services are vital and cost effective. Read on to find out why.
Why a Controller? While a bookkeeper manages the ledgers and a CFO sets financial objectives and strategies, it is the Controller who performs the critical task of bridging the two functions. They are the “secret weapon” in organizing and managing your accounting function.
Controllers provide oversight of bookkeeping responsibilities, coordinate financial analyses and cash forecasting, develop meaningful metrics that provides ongoing insights and suggest best practices. Information flow is key, and the Controller is the conductor who keeps the train moving down the tracks.
Controllers are the link between the basics provided by the staff accountants and the higher-level data that CFOs and CEOs rely upon (KPI’s and top line financials). They review the accuracy of the numbers driving the KPI’s, while also managing key accounting functions including cash flow.
Controllers are up to date on accounting and business trends and can translate the books into useful information, allowing the CFO and CEO to easily make decisions. In addition, Controllers provide critical reports required by your CPA for year-end tax purposes. With technology and applications changing at warp speed, Controller know-how is critical.
Our Controllers are Top-Notch! As you have come to expect, The A Team Consulting, with our full composite of financial services, has excellent Controllers who provide valuable services to our Clients. For example, for one of our Clients, a $25mm service business, The A Team’s Controller manages all of the day to day financial details, from accounts payable to payroll, while also maintaining an accurate set of books. The Controller successfully manages a team of two staff accountants that enter day to day transactions and provides the CFO with key data enabling the CFO to handle the cash flow management for this Client. Our Client has confidence in its financials knowing that our Team, with the support of the Controller, is coordinating all levels of its financial needs.
Could Controller services be right for you? Reach out to our Solutions Manager, Beth Chernick at bchernick@ateamconsulting.
