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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Unit Controller

💰 $85,000 - $140,000

FinanceControllingAccountingOperations

🎯 Role Definition

The Unit Controller is responsible for overseeing financial planning, controlling, and performance management for a specific business unit or operational area. This role partners closely with unit leadership to ensure financial transparency, cost control, accurate reporting, and strategic decision support. Acting as a key finance business partner, the Unit Controller translates financial data into actionable insights that drive profitability, efficiency, and sustainable growth.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Financial Analyst
  • Cost Accountant
  • Junior Controller

Advancement To:

  • Senior Controller
  • Finance Manager
  • Head of Controlling / Finance Director

Lateral Moves:

  • Business Partner Finance
  • FP&A Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Act as the primary finance partner for the assigned business unit, supporting management with financial insights and recommendations.
  • Lead the budgeting, forecasting, and long-term planning processes for the unit.
  • Prepare and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, including variance analysis against budget and forecast.
  • Monitor unit-level P&L performance, identifying risks, opportunities, and corrective actions.
  • Ensure accurate cost allocation, cost center accounting, and product or project costing.
  • Analyze operational and financial KPIs to support performance management and decision-making.
  • Support pricing, margin analysis, and profitability assessments for products, services, or projects.
  • Coordinate the monthly closing process in collaboration with accounting and shared service teams.
  • Ensure compliance with internal financial policies, procedures, and control frameworks.
  • Support internal and external audits by preparing documentation and explaining financial results.
  • Develop and maintain financial models to support business cases, investments, and strategic initiatives.
  • Monitor capital expenditures (CAPEX) and operating expenses (OPEX) against approved budgets.
  • Identify process improvement opportunities to enhance financial transparency and efficiency.
  • Collaborate with operations, sales, and supply chain teams to understand cost drivers and operational performance.
  • Provide financial input into strategic planning, restructuring, and transformation initiatives.
  • Support management reporting packages and presentations for senior leadership.
  • Track savings initiatives, cost reduction programs, and productivity improvements.
  • Ensure data accuracy and consistency across financial systems and reporting tools.
  • Coach and support non-finance managers on financial topics and performance interpretation.
  • Stay informed on accounting standards, controlling best practices, and regulatory requirements impacting the unit.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc financial analysis and management reporting requests.
  • Contribute to the organization’s overall finance and controlling strategy.
  • Collaborate with IT and data teams to improve financial systems and reporting automation.
  • Participate in cross-functional projects, workshops, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Financial controlling and management accounting
  • Budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning
  • P&L analysis and cost center management
  • Variance analysis and performance reporting
  • Financial modeling and business case development
  • Strong Excel and financial systems (ERP, SAP, Oracle) proficiency
  • Knowledge of accounting principles and internal controls
  • KPI definition and performance measurement
  • Audit support and compliance management
  • Data analysis and reporting tools (BI, dashboards)

Soft Skills

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
  • Business partnering and stakeholder management skills
  • Clear and confident financial communication
  • Attention to detail with a high level of accuracy
  • Ability to challenge assumptions and influence decisions
  • Time management and ability to meet tight deadlines
  • Proactive mindset and ownership of results
  • Collaboration across finance and non-finance teams
  • Adaptability in dynamic and fast-paced environments
  • Integrity and professionalism in handling sensitive financial information

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:
Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field

Preferred Education:
Master’s Degree in Finance, Controlling, Business Administration, or CPA/CMA qualification

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Finance / Accounting
  • Economics or Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:
5–10 years of experience in controlling, finance, or management accounting roles

Preferred:

  • Experience supporting a specific business unit or operational function
  • Background in manufacturing, services, or project-based environments
  • Proven track record in budgeting, forecasting, and performance management
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