BeforeResponsible for month-end and year-end.
We’d askFor how many entities, and how fast?
AfterRan the month-end close for 3 entities in Ireland, the UK and the Netherlands, reporting to the board by working day 6
CV example
Financial controller CV example (UK and Ireland)
Every financial controller runs the close, the audit and a team, so listing those duties says nothing. Show the size of the business, how many entities you report on, and what you changed in the close, the controls and the team.
From vague to specific
Each stronger line comes from answering one question. The facts are the candidate’s, not invented.
BeforeManaged the finance team.
We’d askHow big is it, and what did you change?
AfterLed a team of 7 and moved accounts payable onto automated invoice matching, saving about 40 hours a month
BeforeLiaised with the auditors.
We’d askWhat was the outcome?
AfterManaged the year-end audit with no adjustments in 2 consecutive years, signing off 3 weeks before the filing deadline
What recruiters look for
- Reporting under UK or Irish GAAP or IFRS, the month-end close, internal controls, audits and running the finance team.
- Each employer's turnover, headcount and sector, which show the scale of the job.
- Achievements with numbers in process improvement, cost saving and business partnering.
- Your qualification with the year and how you trained, for example in audit at a practice firm.
Common mistakes
- A list of the duties every controller has. Say what you changed in the close, the controls or the team.
- Leaving out the size of the business and the number of entities you report on.
- Clichés such as “good team player” instead of what you did with your team.
Ciarán Walsh
Financial Controller, ACA
Cork, Ireland · name@example.com · 07700 900000
Profile
Financial controller in medical devices, responsible for reporting, the audit, controls and a team of 7 across 3 entities. ACA 2016, trained in audit.
Experience
Financial Controller, Lee Valley Medical2021 – Present
Medical devices manufacturer, €150m turnover, 520 employees, 3 entities
- Ran the month-end close for 3 entities in Ireland, the UK and the Netherlands, reporting to the board by working day 6
- Led a team of 7 and moved accounts payable onto automated invoice matching, saving about 40 hours a month
- Managed the year-end audit with no adjustments in 2 consecutive years, signing off 3 weeks before the filing deadline
- Led the move from Sage 200 to Dynamics 365 Business Central across all 3 entities, live in 7 months
Group Accountant, Blackwater Foods2018 – 2021
Irish food group, €300m turnover, 9 subsidiaries
- Prepared the group consolidation and intercompany eliminations for 9 subsidiaries each quarter
- Added dual approval for new supplier bank details after an attempted payment fraud
Audit Senior, Shandon & Co2013 – 2018
Irish accountancy firm
- Trained and qualified in audit, working on manufacturing and food clients
Qualifications
- ACA, Chartered Accountants Ireland, 2016, trained in audit
Education
- BComm, University College Cork, 2013, 2.1
Skills
IFRS · Irish GAAP (FRS 102) · Dynamics 365 Business Central · Sage 200 · Month-end close · Internal controls · Team leadership