ISC Paris ISC Paris

Management Controller - Career guide

Management controllers help companies stay on track financially by analyzing performance, managing budgets, and supporting strategic planning. As businesses seek greater control over costs and resources, the need for skilled management controllers continues to rise. Here’s what the role involves and how to get started.

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The key points

  • Entry requirements Post-baccalaureate degree in Finance, Management Control or Auditing.
  • Average salary Average starting annual salary (approximately €26,000 gross per year)
  • Miniature horloge Duties Performance analysis - Planning and budgeting - Management reports
  • Miniature discussion Skills Financial analysis - Proficiency in IT tools - Initiative - Project management - Communication
  • Miniature sacoche Career progression Senior Management Controller - Management Control Manager - Chief Financial Officer (CFO) - Management Consultant
  • Pictogramme campus ISC Paris courses Bachelor's in Banking and Finance - Master's in Expertise, Audit and Control - MSc in Finance and Risk Management

What does a Management Controller do?

The management controller is a professional whose role is divided into two main areas: financial management and business development strategy. This expert draws up provisional budgets and ensures they are adhered to. They also identify the causes of any difficulties, propose actions to resolve deviations and assist managers in making strategic decisions.

In short, the management controller’s goal is to improve the efficiency and profitability of the company. This professional must have skills in finance, data analysis and project management.

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What does the job of Management Controller involve?

The main tasks of a Management Controller

1. Performance analysis : The management controller analyses the company’s operational and financial performance in order to identify strengths and weaknesses in its management. They also monitor key performance indicators to assess the effectiveness of the company’s processes and strategies.

2. Planning and budgeting : The management controller is responsible for the company’s planning and budgeting. They draw up short- and medium-term budgets in close collaboration with the various departments of the company. They also use the results of these analyses to recommend corrective measures or strategies to improve the company’s performance.

3. Management reports : Management controllers produce management reports tailored to the different levels of the company’s hierarchy. They process financial and operational data to identify trends and prospects for the company, in order to facilitate decision-making and recommend corrective actions to be implemented. These reports enable managers to understand the company’s critical issues and adjust strategies accordingly.

Trainings proposed by ISC Paris

STUDY AT ISC PARIS…
with a MSC program Finance and risk management
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STUDY AT ISC PARIS…
With the Master in in Accounting and Auditing
STUDY AT ISC PARIS…
With the Bachelor Banking & Finance

What skills do you need to be a Management Controller?

Required skills

The role of management controller requires several technical skills, including:

  1. Financial analysis skills: analysing financial data, understanding trends and making forecasts to guide decision-making.
  2. Proficiency in IT tools: using software such as Excel, SAP or Oracle to manage and analyse data.
  3. Effective project management: coordinating projects, working with teams, ensuring that expected results are achieved within budget and on schedule.
  4. Initiative: proposing improvements to decision-making processes and contributing to the company’s continued growth. 

Required interpersonal skills

Behavioural skills are an integral part of the role of management controller. This professional must be a good listener and have strong communication and teaching skills with teams. They must also be highly organised, persuasive when presenting their findings and adaptable in the face of unexpected events.

How does a Management Controller develop?

There are many career prospects for management controllers. Over time, with experience and skills, these experts can move into different positions. Here are a few examples of possible career paths for a management controller:

HOW MUCH DOES A MANAGEMENT CONTROLLER EARN?
What is the salary of a junior management controller?
The average salary for a junior management controller is around €26,000 gross per year. This amount may vary depending on the company, geographical region or years of experience.
For example, a management controller in Paris earns 10 to 15% more than their counterparts in other parts of the country.
HOW MUCH DOES A MANAGEMENT CONTROLLER EARN?
What is the salary of a senior management controller?
In France, the salary of an experienced management controller varies between €40,000 and €80,000 gross per year.
This level of remuneration may be higher in large companies or highly competitive sectors. Some organisations offer higher salary scales for their management controllers, often depending on the responsibilities associated with the position. It should be noted that bonuses and fringe benefits can influence the annual salary.