From Staff Accountant to Controller: The Path to Advance Your Career

Many finance professionals begin their careers in entry-level roles like that of a staff accountant, gradually building the experience and skills needed to move into senior leadership positions. Over time, through a combination of experience, skill development, and strategic career moves, they may aspire to reach a leadership position such as financial controller. This career path offers tremendous growth opportunities but also demands a deep understanding of both technical and interpersonal competencies.

When first deciding that this is the path you are eager to pursue, it can be difficult to decide where to begin. Whether you’re just getting started or preparing to move into a controller role, this guide will walk you through the skills, experience, and career milestones you’ll need to navigate to succeed in this transition.

Understanding the Role of a Staff Accountant

Starting from the basics, it’s important to know the necessities behind each role, and where the gaps between the staff accountant job description and the controller. A staff accountant plays a critical role in maintaining the financial accuracy of a company. They are typically responsible for:

• Preparing journal entries and general ledger reconciliations

• Assisting with month-end and year-end close processes

• Managing accounts payable and receivable

• Supporting audits and tax preparation

• Monitoring budget performance and reporting financial data

Staff accountants often work under the supervision of senior accountants or accounting managers and are expected to apply strong hard skills in accounting software, data analysis, and compliance.

What Does a Financial Controller Do?

A financial controller, often referred to simply as a controller, is a senior-level position overseeing a company’s accounting operations. Employees that work in these roles tend to have more accounting experience and tenure to bring to the table. There day-to-day operations include:

• Managing internal controls and ensuring regulatory compliance

• Preparing and presenting financial reports to senior leadership

• Overseeing budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning

• Supervising accounting teams and mentoring staff

• Guiding financial strategy and long-term business decisions

Controllers play a strategic role in financial leadership, often serving as the right hand to the CFO. This role requires a blend of strong technical expertise and well-honed soft skills, including communication, leadership, and critical thinking.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Controller

To become a successful controller, you’ll need to develop and demonstrate a combination of hard skills and soft skills. Here’s a breakdown:

Hard Skills:

• Financial knowledge: In-depth understanding of GAAP, financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance.

• Analytical skills: Ability to analyze complex financial data and derive actionable insights.

• Technical skills: Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle), Excel, and accounting software.

Soft Skills:

• Logical reasoning: Ability to solve problems, identify trends, and support strategic decisions.

• Communication skills: Clearly present financial data to non-financial stakeholders and collaborate across departments.

• Interpersonal skills: Lead, mentor, and build relationships with your team and senior management.

A successful controller must bridge the gap between finance and operations, making both technical proficiency and emotional intelligence vital.

What Kind of Experience Is Needed to Become a Controller?

Most companies look for candidates with 7–10 years of progressive accounting experience when hiring for controller roles. Ideal candidates will have:

• A bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance (CPA or MBA is often preferred)

• Experience managing teams or leading projects

• Familiarity with audits, regulatory compliance, and internal controls

• Exposure to budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis

• A track record of improving financial processes or systems

In short, employers expect a controller to have both the depth and breadth of experience to oversee an organization’s financial infrastructure.

Career Progression Path in Accounting

Here’s a typical progression path in the accounting profession, from entry-level to leadership:

1. Staff Accountant

Your first role in accounting, building core knowledge and experience with financial processes. Typically right out of school or transitioning into an accounting role.

2. Senior Accountant

Greater responsibility for complex transactions and mentoring junior staff. In this position you may be asked to guide other team members through tasks and activities that you are now a master at.

3. Accounting Manager

Supervise a team and ensure accurate and timely month-end and year-end close. Manage a larger group of accountants that need guidance over a long period of time.

4. Assistant Controller

Support the controller by managing internal controls, compliance, and financial reporting.

5. Controller

Lead the accounting function and play a key role in financial strategy and business operations.

Each step builds on the last, and gaining visibility into broader financial functions is essential as you advance. It is beneficial to go through the process of each role rather than skipping over a position, so you build your strength of knowledge and managerial skills to lead to a very senior position.

Steps to Become a Controller

If you’re a staff accountant or senior accountant with your eyes set on the controller role, here are the steps to take:

1. Gain Diverse Financial Experience

Take on projects that expose you to budgeting, audit preparation, tax compliance, and reporting. Seek opportunities to work cross-functionally with finance and operations teams.

2. Move Into an Assistant Controller Role

The assistant controller position is a crucial stepping stone. In this role, you’ll learn the ropes of financial leadership, refine your management style, and prepare for the broader responsibilities of a controller.

3. Continue Developing Your Skills

Stay updated on changes in financial regulations and technology. Consider earning your CPA or an advanced degree. Take leadership training to strengthen your soft skills, especially in communication and team management.

Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Accounting Career?

Transitioning through the roles from staff accountant to controller is a rewarding journey that demands time, focus, and the right opportunities. Whether you’re looking to climb the ladder within your current organization or explore new job openings to broaden your experience, partnering with the right recruiter can make all the difference.

At Professional Alternatives, our specialized recruiters can help you identify the best career opportunities tailored to your goals and qualifications. We work with top employers across finance and accounting to match talented professionals—like you—with roles where they can thrive. Check out our currently open accounting positions or submit your resume to be automatically considered for roles that match your skillset and career goals.

Ready to make your move? Connect with one of our recruiters today to take the next step in your accounting career and unlock new opportunities for professional growth.