Controller Challenges in Changing Times: New Roles of Controller as Strategic Partner

The turbulent ever-changing and technology-driven business world requires changing and evolving roles for controllers. The focus is currently more on the soft side of business, rather than accounting and reporting. It is more about people pleasing, than pencil pushing. Studies have shown that controllers who want to rise in the ranks to CFO must learn to put down their pencils and master soft skills.

Controllers must become Strategic Partners, adding decision-makers, Providers of Solutions, and Managers of Change. It is more a matter of running the company with the numbers, rather than by the numbers.

This webinar looks at the changing role of controllers in the current turbulent business world. It bends the arch away from the recording and reporting of the past and looks to the future and the creating of relationships and effective leadership.

Our current business environment is chaotic and constantly changing due mainly to technology and other prevailing forces. Controllers are often too heavily focused on "numbers" and running the company by the numbers rather than with the numbers. Those seeking to become effective Controllers must move away from "pencil pushing" and focus more on relationships and "people pleasing".

This session focuses on the soft side of business and how Controllers can become effective as strategic partners rather than mere super accountants as many are elevated to Controller positions from lesser finance or accounting positions.

The major focus will be on the qualities of an effective controller:

• Analysis of information
• Ability to communicate
• Company and industry knowledge
• Leadership skills
• Ability to provide cost effective services
• Technical knowledge

• Controller’s expanded role in turbulent times
• Leadership tools & techniques
• How to become a trusted partner and an un-trusting official at the same time
• How to obsessively focus on customers, cost, and cash as key success factors
• How to manage and control the cash-to-cash cycle
• How to run the company with, and not by the numbers
• How to provide preferred financial information
• Key ratios and trends
• Use of rolling forecasts vs. traditional budgeting
• Essential elements of internal controls
• COVID-19 cares & concerns
• Coping with inflation in today’s turbulent environment
• New forecasting & budgeting techniques

The role of corporate controllers has transformed from traditional financial oversight to a strategic partnership. Originally focused on financial accuracy and compliance, controllers now face new internal pressures to leverage data, analytics, and automation, while external challenges demand agile responses to market changes and regulations. Modern controllers work closely with executives to support long-term strategy, advising on risks, resource allocation, and new initiatives. This shift requires expanded skills in strategy, leadership, and technology, positioning controllers as crucial contributors to organizational agility and resilience.