Financial Controller - job 1 of 4

As a Financial Controller at our company in Stamford, CT, your main responsibilities will include overseeing all financial operations and accounting functions. You'll ensure accuracy and compliance with GAAP by managing the general ledger and financial reporting processes. Additionally, you will prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and collaborate with project managers on budgeting and forecasting.

To become a Financial Controller at our Stamford location, you should hold a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. A CPA or CMA certification is preferred. We also require 8+ years of experience in accounting or finance, with at least 3 years in a controller role. Proficiency in NetSuite and advanced Excel skills are critical for success in this position.

The Financial Controller plays a significant role in project accounting by collaborating with project managers on budgeting, forecasting, and cost control. You will track project costs, assess budget variances, and analyze financial performance to ensure adherence to project accounting standards. Your insights will help enhance project profitability and financial health.

In the Financial Controller role, you will primarily utilize NetSuite for various financial operations, such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and project accounting. You will maintain and enhance the NetSuite configuration to optimize its use within accounting and financial reporting processes.

Success as a Financial Controller requires strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills. Additionally, the ability to influence and advise senior management, along with a deep understanding of financial practices and regulations, will empower you to navigate challenges effectively and contribute to the company's strategic goals.

In answering this question, provide specific instances where you've successfully managed financial reporting processes. Discuss the types of reports you've prepared, your understanding of GAAP compliance, and how your reports have supported executive decision-making.

Share your methodologies for conducting budget forecasts, including collaboration with department heads and the tools you utilize. Highlight how you've performed variance analysis and what corrective actions you took to realign budgets with actual performance.

Discuss your previous roles in project accounting, specifically how you've collaborated with project managers to oversee budgets and control costs. Provide examples of any significant challenges you faced and how you overcame them to ensure accurate project financials.

Explain your approach to compliance, detailing your experience working with external tax advisors and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of federal, state, and local tax laws. Discuss any audits you have overseen and how you prepared for them.

Illustrate your leadership style, focusing on how you mentor and develop your team. Talk about your approach to fostering a collaborative team culture, as well as examples of how you've encouraged professional growth among team members.

Discuss methods you have implemented to manage cash flow effectively, including forecasting techniques and how you communicate cash position updates to senior leadership. Share tools or models you have utilized in this process.

When responding, identify a specific challenge related to financial management or reporting. Outline the steps you took to address the issue, any analyses you performed, and the outcome of your actions.

Talk about your hands-on experience with NetSuite. Detail how you've leveraged its features to optimize financial operations, improve accuracy, and drive efficiency in workflows, citing specific integrations or automations you've implemented.

Describe the frameworks and policies you've established to maintain internal controls. Discuss any measures you've implemented to safeguard assets and ensure reliable financial data, including how you address potential discrepancies.

Emphasize your ability to translate complex financial data into understandable concepts. Discuss your strategies for ensuring effective communication, such as using visuals, simplifying terminologies, and engaging in regular discussions to enhance cross-departmental teamwork.