what is a controller?
As a controller, you oversee the financial management of a company and advise the management team. In this important role, you gather all the essential information. You assess the company's performance through a comparison of planned versus actual figures. You work closely with the finance department. Essentially, you evaluate how economically all operations within the business are conducted. Based on your analyses, the management makes their decisions. This enables them to respond quickly to keep the company financially healthy. Depending on the size of the business, you may have extensive responsibilities. You are in high demand in the job market. Nearly all banks, authorities, and large organisations are looking for controllers. It’s up to you to decide which industry you want to work in.
controller jobsworking as a controller.
What exactly you do as a controller depends on the company and your position. Usually, you oversee the finances and advise management. Sometimes, you even lead the finance department. Are you feeling excited about starting your career as a controller? Then keep reading to find out what’s in store for you.
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your area of responsibility
- Planning and managing business processes: You set key performance indicators that align with the company's objectives. These form the foundation of your analysis. Here, you focus on the essentials. For example, if inventory costs are too high, you examine the turnover rate. If the company needs to meet its payment obligations, liquidity becomes your critical KPI.
- Create and monitor budgets: The management sets the company's objectives and, together with senior and middle management, determines the necessary measures. To do this, they need to allocate funds. The finance department prepares a budget, which you, as the controller, review. During this process, you also assess how cost effective the individual measures are.
- Analyze key figures and performance: You compare your actual figures against your planned targets. This is known as a variance analysis. It shows you the current state of the business. If there are significant deviations, you ensure that the relevant departments take corrective action. In large organisations, as a controller, you also conduct performance audits. These involve reviewing how efficient and cost-effective the company's processes are.
- Advice: From the analysis of key figures and performance, there is often potential for improvement. As a controller, you advise your colleagues in purchasing, logistics, production, and sales, as well as the management team. Quite a lot of responsibility for one role, isn’t it?
- Administrative tasks: As a controller, you support the management team with all financial matters. This includes preparing various documents such as cost centre and cost unit reports, as well as profit and loss statements. Additionally, you develop internal information systems and compile statistics. In this way, you become an indispensable part of the company.
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who are your colleagues?
You work closely with your computer every day, after all, it provides you with the tools you need for your reporting. This includes budgeting, break even analysis, contribution margin accounting, cost and performance accounting, as well as actual versus planned comparisons. However, you don’t hide behind your screen. Whether you work at a bank, a government agency, or a large company, you regularly engage with colleagues. Maintaining close contact with management is essential for this.
types of controllers.
As a controller, you can specialise in various areas. Look at the different types and decide which one appeals to you the most. The most well known are:
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Financial controller: In your role as financial controller, you handle numbers with ease. You prepare comprehensive reports containing financial information. Your reporting provides the management team with up to date insights. But that’s not all. You identify risks and contribute your ideas to the development of strategy. As a senior controller, you even lead a finance department.
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Business controller: You play a key role in the company as a business controller. You are a finance expert with a forward looking perspective. You are constantly seeking ways to reduce costs, increase revenues, and optimize processes. Additionally, you advise the management team on strategic decisions.
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Group controller: As group controller, you are a key figure within a corporation. You work closely with controllers and the Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) of the subsidiaries. Your main responsibility is to prepare the consolidated financial statements.
- Digital controller: Due to digitalisation in companies, a new professional role has emerged: the digital controller. You assess digital technologies and develop key performance indicators (KPIs) for digital projects. You visualise data using modern techniques and business intelligence (BI) tools. Robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) are well within your expertise.
salary as a controller.
Controlling is a key function within a company. No wonder you can earn a fantastic salary as a controller, even in smaller to medium sized businesses. The median salary you can expect depends on your education, your responsibilities, your skills, and your age.
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how much do i earn as a controller in a permanent position?
The median salary for controllers depends on various factors. These include education, industry, age, and the canton where you work. On average, with a 40 hour working week, your annual salary ranges between 93,000 and 155,000 CHF. This translates to a monthly income of between 7,750 and 12,900 CHF. Some companies also pay a 13th month’s salary and performance based bonuses. As a junior controller, you can expect a gross annual salary of around 96,000 CHF, while a senior controller typically earns about 106,000 CHF per year. Higher annual salaries are usually offered to heads of controlling.
They typically receive around 150,000 CHF annually in their account, not including bonuses. If you're interested in a high gross salary, it's best to look towards Schwyz and Schaffhausen. Salaries are significantly lower in Graubünden.
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in which industry do i earn the most as a controller?
Whether you work in industry, the service sector, or the pharmaceutical industry, you earn a good salary everywhere. Right after completing your training, as a junior controller, you can expect an average gross annual salary of around 90,000 CHF or approximately 7,500 CHF per month. The highest earners are senior controllers in the service sector and the pharmaceutical industry, with an average salary of about 120,000 CHF per year or roughly 10,000 CHF per month. In both sectors, controllers in managerial positions also earn top figures, with annual earnings between 145,000 and 155,000 CHF, which works out to between 12,000 and just over 13,000 CHF per month.
education and further training as a controller.
To find attractive positions as a controller, it is advisable to study Business Administration with a focus on Controlling or Accounting. If you are aiming for a career in a global corporation, you have good prospects with a degree in Economics and a Master's qualification in Controlling. You will work on an equal footing with middle and senior management and need to be able to communicate effectively. Without a degree, you lack the foundational knowledge and confidence. If you start as a junior controller in a company, you can also specialise professionally. Large organisations often offer internal trainee programmes to support your development. Alternatively, you can attend courses or seminars at the controller academy. Further training to become a Swiss certified Chartered Accountant is also an option.
positions as a controller.
As a controller, you are in demand across large companies in various industries. Typically, firms with their own finance departments look for well qualified specialists, ideally with several years of professional experience. However, you can also find exciting roles as a controller in consulting firms and auditing companies. Are you looking for a challenge with good prospects? Open positions for controllers can be found on this page.
jobs for career changers as controllers.
A controller is a profession with high demands. Nevertheless, there is also a demand for numerically skilled career changers. Good prospects are particularly available for specialists in finance and accounting with a federal diploma of competence, trustees, and financial planners. With a few years of professional experience, you can further qualify as a certified controller. Students of economics or business informatics are also valued applicants, especially if they have completed internships focused on controlling. Your chances improve if you have already gained some initial work experience.
career opportunities as a controller.
Your career typically begins after university as a junior controller. But that's just the start. As a controller, you have many opportunities for advancement. The more experience you gain and the more successful you are, the greater your responsibilities can become. Participating in trainee programmes offered by large corporations or pursuing specialised further training can be very beneficial. You can also become a senior controller through on the job training. In smaller companies, the CEO often takes on the controlling functions. With a degree in Business Administration specialising in Controlling, you have good prospects for progression. However, even in large organisations, you don't have to spend decades as a senior controller. If you prove yourself through your performance, a move up to Head of Controlling or CFO is quite achievable. Want to boost your career prospects? Feel free to check out our tests and tips.
competencies as a controller.
As a controller, you oversee the company's finances and advise management. For this important role, you need a solid professional foundation. But that's not enough on its own. Want to kickstart your career as a controller? The following qualities will help you do just that:
- Communication skills: As a numbers oriented controller, you are familiar with complex accounting. You can interpret figures and translate them for people who understand less about them than you do. controllers are therefore good communicators.
- Time management: In finance and accounting, everything is running according to plan. As a controller, you ensure that budgets, monthly closures, and reports are completed on time. Management relies on you for this.
- Problem solver: As a controller, you have a good grasp of finances. Through your constant comparison of planned versus actual figures, you identify any deviations. You advise management and senior colleagues on how to take corrective action. Thanks to your understanding of people and your tact, you know the best way to present your suggestions.
- Character: The role of a controller is responsible. Apart from the management team, you are familiar with all the company's figures. Confidentiality and loyalty are essential in this position. Of course, you are not listed in the central criminal register, and you have not committed any offences.
advantages of working as a controller at randstad.
There are many good reasons to work as a controller at Randstad.
✓ exciting jobs with well known companies
✓ a reliable point of contact whenever you need one, personalised advice matters
✓ attractive employment conditions and good social benefits
✓ further education courses and personal development opportunities
✓ clear information in the myRandstad app
✓ do you have a fixed term contract? Often, there’s the opportunity to secure a permanent position afterwards. Many well known companies also recruit their staff directly through Randstad.
your professional development budget as a controller at randstad.
If you work as a controller for Randstad, you have access to training courses. As part of the TempTrainings programme from swissstaffing, you can attend various training sessions. You will be reimbursed for the course fees later, provided you pass the course exam. Your consultant from Randstad is there to support you if you have any questions. This way, you can acquire additional language skills or job specific knowledge all during your working hours as a controller.
application tips for controllers at randstad.
Have you found your dream job as a controller? It’s not just qualifications and certificates that determine the success of your applications. Careful, error free, and personalised documents will help you in your job search. Here are a few useful tips to optimise your chances:
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1. find a position as a controller
Search through Randstad job vacancies. If you can't find a position that exactly suits you, you're still welcome to get in touch with us personally without any obligation or to create a Randstad profile.
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2. applying as a controller
The job advert continues to apply online, give us a call, or send us an email.
Make sure your documents are complete.✓ CV with photo
✓ employment references & diplomasYou don't have a CV yet or only an outdated version? Create a new layout using a free online template.
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3. preparing for a job interview as a controller
A good preparation will help you stay calm during the interview as a controller. Here are some tips for your job interview.
frequently asked questions.
Here you will find frequently asked questions about the role of a controller.
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what does a controller do?
As a Business Development Manager, you drive the company's growth forward. You identify new business opportunities or promote product innovations. In doing so, you work closely with the management team, as well as the marketing and sales departments. Satisfied customers and fully realised market potential are your motivation. Interested? Find out more about your responsibilities as a Business Development Manager here.
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how much do I earn as a business development manager?
As a controller, you oversee the company's finances and advise management. In this key role, you continuously analyse the company's performance. Based on your recommendations, the leadership team makes important decisions. What exactly you do depends on the industry, the company, and your specific role. Typically, you start your career as a junior controller and develop your skills over time. Find current vacancies for controllers on this page.
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how much do I earn as a controller?
Your average gross salary as a controller ranges between 93,000 and 155,000 CHF per year. That’s a monthly equivalent of approximately 7,750 to 12,900 CHF. The better qualified you are and the more experience you gain in the profession, the higher your salary will be. Additionally, the industry, the company, and the canton in which you work also influence your gross pay. Larger organisations often pay a 13th month’s salary and may offer bonuses for meeting targets. Everything you need to know about your gross salary as a controller is covered here.
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is being a controller a good profession?
If you enjoy working with numbers, have strong analytical skills, and are looking for an influential career, then becoming a controller could be the right choice for you. You advise management and ensure that the figures add up. This makes you indispensable. Many large companies are seeking controllers and equipping them with extensive authority. As a controller, you will have a secure and well paid job with a lot of responsibility. In return, companies expect a good education, professional experience, and personal competencies. Want to find out what the role of a controller involves? Read on this page.
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is the controller difficult?
A career as a controller is demanding. It all starts with your training. After completing a degree in business administration specialising in controlling, you've laid a solid foundation. Through on-the-job training, you'll continually learn and develop your skills. In this profession, you need to stay up-to-date with the latest regulations, tax law changes, and economic policy decisions. In return, you'll be rewarded with a varied and interesting role. If you want to find out what awaits you as a controller, read on.
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do you need experience to become a controller?
After completing your studies, you will gain work experience as a junior controller. However, most large companies prefer you to have at least completed an internship in controlling during your studies. For those switching careers, employers typically require several years of experience in related fields. The more practical knowledge you can demonstrate, the higher your earning potential as a controller. Additionally, work experience is a prerequisite for further training and development in this role. Find open positions on this page that are tailored to your profile.
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how do I apply for a vacant position as a controller?
Applying for a job as a controller is straightforward: you just need to create a profile on Randstad. In our job portal, you can browse through a wide range of vacancies. Simply filter the open positions to find those near you. Once you find a suitable role, the next step is to send us your application letter along with your CV and certificates. Need some help crafting a compelling application? Feel free to check out our tips on applying.
