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Entry-Level Corporate Controller Resume
This resume example is effective for career changers and recent graduates as it demonstrates strong financial expertise and leadership skills, showcasing the ability to drive organizational success in a corporate environment.
Why this resume works:
A strong academic foundation shows the candidate is well-prepared to transition into this role.
Mid-Career Corporate Controller Resume
This resume example is ideal for corporate controllers with relevant experience seeking to elevate their career by showcasing their financial management skills and strategic contributions in a competitive environment.
Why this resume works:
The applicant highlights measurable achievements, like reducing costs by 15% and decreasing audit discrepancies by 30%.
Experienced Corporate Controller Resume
This corporate controller resume example is perfect for seasoned professionals looking to elevate their careers into senior leadership roles.
Why this resume works:
Leadership roles and advanced certifications underscore the ability to manage complex scenarios.
Looking for something else?
Create Your Standout Resume Today
Use our resume examples for inspiration on organization, color, and design—and learn how to effectively summarize your corporate controller skills and experience with confidence.
How to Write a Corporate Controller Resume
Learning how to write a resume is essential for a corporate controller, as it allows you to effectively showcase your unique value beyond just listing your qualifications. Your resume should reflect your expertise in financial management and strategic planning, making you stand out in a competitive field.
In the upcoming sections, we’ll guide you through the resume-writing process step by step, covering everything from formatting and key skills to showcasing your achievements. We'll also provide helpful resume tips to improve your overall presentation.
Start with your contact info
The contact information section ensures that potential employers can easily reach you. Start by placing your name at the top of your resume. Use a larger font size or bold styling to make it stand out.
Next, include essential contact details such as your email address, phone number, and general location; city and state will suffice. These components are important for communication and help applicant tracking systems (ATS) match job seekers with job openings based on their locality.
Additionally, consider adding links to relevant certifications or an online portfolio if these resources highlight your expertise in financial management or accounting practices. For a corporate controller position, showcasing such qualifications can demonstrate your commitment to the role's demands and responsibilities.
Write a strong professional summary
A professional summary, which sits just beneath your contact details, serves as an important introduction on your resume. This is the first piece of information hiring managers will see after your name.
In this section, you should highlight key qualifications and skills that align with the corporate controller role. Customizing this summary to reflect the specific job description demonstrates your understanding of the position and showcases your enthusiasm.
To craft a powerful summary, consider reviewing resume summary examples tailored for corporate controllers. These can provide insights into structure and content, helping you articulate your unique value effectively.
Strong vs weak corporate controller summary
Strong
"Results-driven corporate controller with over eight years of experience in financial management and reporting. Expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis that led to a 15% reduction in operational costs and improved financial accuracy. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with a strong background in compliance and regulatory standards. Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams to improve financial processes and drive strategic initiatives."
Why this example works: This summary effectively outlines the job seeker's extensive experience, highlights measurable achievements like cost reductions, showcases relevant skills such as budgeting and compliance, and incorporates key terms relevant to the corporate controller role.
Weak
"Corporate controller seeking a position to use my skills in finance and management. I have experience in accounting and enjoy collaborating with teams."
Why this example doesn't work: This professional summary is weak because it fails to highlight specific accomplishments, expertise, or relevant financial skills necessary for the role of a corporate controller.
Highlight interpersonal skills such as collaboration and adaptability on your corporate controller resume. Provide specific examples illustrating how these abilities improved team performance or streamlined processes, showcasing your capacity to foster strong workplace relationships.
Share your work history
The work experience section of your resume is important in showcasing your professional journey. By listing your roles in reverse-chronological order, you highlight your most recent experiences first, making it easier for employers to see your current capabilities. This format also reflects career progression and growth, which are important traits for a corporate controller.
When detailing each position, include:
- Job title and company name
- Dates of employment (month and year)
- Key responsibilities (What were your daily tasks?)
- Achievements and contributions (What impact did you have? Did you improve processes or save money?)
- Quantifiable results (Use data where applicable, such as "increased budget accuracy by 20%.")
Keep in mind that using action verbs can significantly improve the presentation of your work experience.
Strong vs weak corporate controller work history
Strong
Corporate Controller, ABC Corporation
2018–2023
- Oversaw a budget of $20 million, implementing cost-saving strategies that reduced expenses by 15% annually.
- Led the financial reporting process, ensuring compliance with GAAP and reducing report preparation time by 25%.
- Managed a team of five finance professionals, fostering a collaborative environment that improved team efficiency by 40%.
Why this example works: This example highlights specific achievements and responsibilities, such as reducing expenses by 15% annually. This demonstrates the candidate's impact on the organization and reflects both technical skills in finance and leadership qualities.
Weak
Corporate Controller
XYZ Corp
- Managed financial operations.
- Oversaw accounting tasks.
Why this example doesn't work: The example fails to specify the scope of financial operations managed or the type of accounting tasks overseen, making it difficult for employers to evaluate the job seeker's expertise and impact in their role.
Highlight your leadership skills on your resume by including examples like "Managed a finance team of 8 to improve budgeting accuracy" or "Streamlined reporting processes, improving efficiency by 20%." These accomplishments illustrate your ability to lead and drive financial performance in a corporate environment.
Highlight your key skills
The skills section of your resume is important for highlighting your strengths as a corporate controller. Here's a rundown of essential skills and their significance in demonstrating your qualifications:
- Soft skills are personal attributes that demonstrate how you collaborate with others, such as communication, problem-solving, and adaptability. For corporate controllers, skills like team leadership and strategic thinking are important because they drive effective decision-making and foster a productive work environment.
- Hard skills are specific financial competencies gained through education and experience. For a corporate controller, these may include advanced financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting, tax compliance, and skill in accounting software.
- Technical skills for a corporate controller include skills with financial software like SAP, Oracle, and QuickBooks. Mastery of these tools is essential for managing complex financial data and reporting.
For corporate controllers just starting out, position your skills section near the top of your resume to highlight strengths despite limited experience. For seasoned professionals, place it after your work history to showcase how that experience illustrates those abilities.
Top 15 skills for your corporate controller resume
When crafting your resume, it's essential to align your skills with what employers are seeking. Highlight a mix of soft, hard, and technical skills that showcase your expertise. Don't forget to include transferable skills, as these can be valuable in different roles within the finance sector.
To assist you in this process, here’s a list of the top 15 skills for corporate controllers based on insights from JobHero users. These skills reflect current trends and demands in the industry, ensuring you present yourself as a strong job seeker.
Build your education section
When crafting your resume, the education section's significance can vary based on your experience level and industry. Seasoned professionals with extensive work history may choose to emphasize their practical experience over educational qualifications. In such cases, consider placing the education section toward the bottom or omitting it altogether.
For those transitioning careers or entering fields where specific degrees are important, your education should be more prominent. Position this section near the top of your resume to highlight relevant degrees, certifications, or training that aligns with job requirements.
Recent graduates often have limited work experience, making their educational background a key asset. Therefore, it's beneficial to showcase your degree prominently along with any coursework or projects that demonstrate your skills and knowledge in the field you’re pursuing.
20 action verbs to add to your resume
Using action verbs on your resume significantly improves its strength. These dynamic words effectively communicate your experience and create a compelling tone that captures the attention of hiring managers.
For a corporate controller role, focus on action verbs that align with financial management and leadership skills highlighted in job descriptions.
- Oversaw
- Directed
- Analyzed
- Forecasted
- Streamlined
- Facilitated
- Guided
- Executed
- Improved
- Reviewed
- Allocated
- Integrated
- Presented
- Trained
- Orchestrated
- Validated
- Optimized
- Collaborated
- Synchronized
- Resolved
- Championed
Consider additional resume sections
While your core resume provides the most critical information, adding targeted sections can showcase your unique qualifications. These sections help hiring managers quickly identify your financial expertise, industry knowledge, and key accomplishments beyond standard resume sections.
Here are optional sections we tend to see on corporate controller resumes:
- Financial certifications: List any relevant certifications, such as CPA, CMA, or CFA, that highlight your professional credentials.
- Software skill: Detail your experience with accounting software and ERP systems (e.g., QuickBooks, SAP) to demonstrate technical skills.
- Cost-saving initiatives: Describe specific strategies you implemented that led to measurable cost reductions or efficiency improvements.
- Industry-specific knowledge: Include insights into particular sectors you've worked in (manufacturing, healthcare, etc.) that align with the job you're applying for.
5 Tips for Formatting Your Resume
Proper resume formatting is important for job seekers, as it improves professionalism and captures recruiters' attention. Using ATS-friendly resume templates can significantly boost your chances of passing automated filters, ensuring your qualifications are seen by hiring managers.
1. Ensure consistent line spacing and margins
Proper spacing helps your resume look clean and organized, making it easier for employers to read. Adequate spacing also highlights your professionalism and attention to detail.
- Set margins between 0.5″ and 1.0″ based on the content size.
- Use single-spacing within paragraphs and add bullet points for clarity.
- Increase spacing to 1.5″ or double-space between different sections for separation.
2. Use a professional font
The font you choose for your resume can affect readability and first impressions. Opt for one of these professional resume fonts:
- Helvetica
- Garamond
- Verdana
- Cambria
- Trebuchet MS
- Book Antiqua
To make your name pop at the top of your resume, consider using a slightly bolder or larger font style.
3. Organize your resume sections
Your resume should effectively convey your financial expertise as a corporate controller. Use bullet points to outline your key responsibilities and achievements. Start each bullet with a strong action verb such as "developed," "managed," or "optimized" to highlight your active role in improving financial processes.
Focus on measurable accomplishments that showcase your impact on the organization. For example, you might state, "Reduced annual budget variance by 15% through improved forecasting techniques." This type of detail not only illustrates your skills but also makes them more compelling.
Lastly, ensure that your resume is compatible with applicant tracking systems by using an ATS resume checker. This tool will verify that your formatting and keywords align with industry standards, increasing the chances of your resume being seen by hiring managers.
4. Use colors and design
Incorporating color and design elements into your resume can significantly improve its presentation. A well-structured resume not only conveys your qualifications but also reflects your professionalism.
Start by selecting from various pre-made templates to find one that aligns with the image you want to project. The combination resume format is ideal for highlighting your skills and work experience side by side, making it easy for potential employers to see what you bring to the table at a glance.
Next, choose a professional color scheme. Aim for colors that convey stability and trustworthiness, such as deep blues or greens. Using these colors in headers or section dividers can add elegance without overwhelming the content.
Be mindful of overly bright or flashy colors that may distract from your message. Additionally, steer clear of colors associated with competitors or those that could negatively impact how your resume is perceived. A thoughtful approach to color will help you stand out while maintaining a professional demeanor.
5. Keep your resume length to 1-2 pages
Resumes should aim for clarity and brevity, which is why one page is typically ideal. Recruiters spend minimal time on each resume, so it’s important to present your experience clearly and concisely. Focus on your most relevant roles and achievements, avoiding redundancy in descriptions.
In certain situations, such as applying for senior positions or roles demanding extensive experience, you may extend your resume to two pages. This allows you to highlight significant contributions over the years. Similarly, academic applicants might prefer a CV format that provides detailed insights into their research and publications.
Keep your content targeted and compelling to make a lasting impression.
FAQ
Do I need to include a cover letter with my resume?
Writing a cover letter is an essential part of your job application strategy, even when it isn't mandatory. It allows you to effectively convey your qualifications, experiences, and enthusiasm for the role, setting you apart from other job seekers.
If you're unsure where to start or need assistance, our library of cover letter examples offers inspiration tailored to various positions and industries.
Once you're ready to draft your letter, use our Cover Letter Builder for straightforward steps that will help you create a compelling narrative that showcases your strengths.
What is the best resume format?
The right resume format depends on your specific situation. The three main types are chronological, functional, and combination, each serving unique purposes for different job seekers.
The chronological format is ideal for those with extensive work history because it emphasizes past roles. The functional format showcases skills and education, making it suitable for entry-level applicants or those changing careers. Finally, the combination format works well for mid-career professionals by effectively mixing both experience and skill sets.
How long should my corporate controller resume be?
As a corporate controller, your resume should ideally be one page, especially if you have under 10 years of experience. Hiring managers in finance often sift through numerous resumes quickly, so a succinct format helps highlight your essential qualifications.
Emphasize your most relevant financial experience, certifications, and technical skills. Focus on recent roles that demonstrate your ability to manage budgets and oversee financial reporting. Remove outdated software proficiencies or excessive details from unrelated positions.
A two-page resume may be suitable if you are a senior corporate controller with extensive expertise or specialized knowledge in areas like tax compliance or mergers and acquisitions. In such cases, the added detail about your accomplishments can warrant the extra length.
What’s the difference between a resume and a CV?
A resume is usually a one-page document highlighting your most relevant skills and experiences, tailored specifically to the job you are applying for.
Conversely, a CV is more extensive, typically ranging from two to six pages, and is often used in academic or research settings. It provides a detailed account of your entire career, including education, work history, publications, presentations, and professional affiliations. Understanding how to write a CV can help ensure you include all necessary information.
If you need to prepare a CV, consider looking at CV examples to grasp the expected format and content in your field.
Build a custom resume in minutes with our professional templates and expert tips.
Gabriela Hernandez
CPRW, Career WriterGabriela is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches and has worked in the career industry for more than four years providing comprehensive guidance on resume writing and job search strategies for individuals across diverse career paths. She holds a bachelor's in journalism and is passionate about helping job seekers present their professional story effectively through well-crafted resumes and cover letters that demonstrate their value, skills, and experience to potential employers. Some of her work has been featured on JobHero’s resume examples career center.
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By Gabriela Barcenas | CPRW, Career Writer
By Gabriela Hernandez | CPRW, Career Writer
By Gabriela Barcenas | CPRW, Career Writer
By Gabriela Barcenas | CPRW, Career Writer
By Gabriela Barcenas | CPRW, Career Writer
