a.k.a. Accounting Manager, Finance Manager
The Controller
Owns financial accuracy and controls across billing, payables, collections, and reporting.
The seat at a glance
Department
Finance
Works from
Office
Pay
$70k-120k
In the software
daily
Who they are
Where the controller runs the day from the desk.
Owns financial accuracy and controls across billing, payables, collections, and reporting.
Software relationship: daily
Goals · what “good” looks like
- ▸Financial statements within 10 business days of month-end
- ▸DSO below industry benchmark
- ▸Controlled financial processes with audit trail
Also called
Accounting ManagerFinance Manager
Setting
Office
behind a desk most daysWhat they own · where they slip
The job, frankly.
Core duties
what’s on their plate every week
✓
Oversee AR, AP, and monthly close
✓
Maintain general ledger hygiene
✓
Own cash visibility and forecasting
✓
Manage accounting systems and staff
✓
Ensure audit-ready records
Where they trip
watch for these, they’re common
✗Letting month-end close stretch past 15 days
✗Not reconciling job costing to the general ledger
✗Hoarding financial information
What makes them a champion
Real-time job profitability, AR aging, and cash position from one system.
what the controller says the first time the dashboard finally clicks.
Keep exploring
