A real resume example showing how we transform financial leadership into proof employers trust
Being qualified isn't enough — you need to be the obvious choice.
We fix your resume with one conversation
A Controller resume must prove you can manage the entire financial health of an organization. Hiring managers scan for financial reporting expertise, internal controls implementation, team leadership, and CFO-level communication skills. This sample demonstrates progression from Assistant Controller with expanded HR and operational responsibilities.
Most controller resumes get rejected not because of ATS software, but because they don't prove you're better than the other 45.1 applicants. Generic bullets like "managed construction projects" don't differentiate you — quantified achievements do.
See how we transform generic statements into interview-winning proof:
Shows career advancement, dual responsibility (accounting + HR), and scope across multiple business units with different accounting systems.
Demonstrates technical capability beyond traditional accounting, showing ability to lead technology initiatives that improve efficiency.
Shows direct access to C-suite and VP leadership, demonstrating trust and communication skills required for controller-level positions.
Professional resume writers transform controller resumes by analyzing job postings for required keywords, extracting specific achievements through targeted questions, quantifying impact with dollar values and percentages, and positioning you as the solution to employer problems.
We identify exactly what hiring managers search for:
Our 1-on-1 interview uncovers:
We find the numbers that prove ROI:
Your resume proves you solve employer problems:
Hear how our writers extract achievements from financial leaders.
The controller resume you need depends on your career stage:
Achieved rapid progression with this renowned facilitator of conferences in the communications sector, becoming an all-encompassing business leader responsible for the oversight of all financial reporting and day-to-day accounting.
Fulfill this role both for the overarching business and for its consulting group, each with different accounting infrastructure. Hire, train and retain staff across the organization, as head of HR not only for accounting but for the entire enterprise.
Every bullet on this resume was created through this same process.
Schedule Your InterviewHave questions? 1-877-777-6805
See how our interview process uncovered achievements and turned them into interview-winning proof.
Get Your Resume Transformed
A complete controller resume is typically 1-2 pages and includes a professional summary, core competencies, detailed work experience with quantified achievements, education, and certifications. Here's an actual resume created through our interview process.
The controller resume you need depends on your career stage:
Your resume needs to prove readiness for full financial oversight and leadership responsibilities.
Your resume needs to differentiate you through strategic impact, technology implementation, and organizational leadership.
To write a controller resume that gets interviews, focus on four key sections: a professional summary with your project value range and specialty, a skills section matching your target job postings, work experience with quantified achievements using the Problem-Solution-Result format, and relevant certifications like PMP, OSHA 30, or LEED.
Most controller resume guides give you generic templates. We interview you to extract the specific achievements that prove your value - like managing dual business units with different accounting infrastructures or implementing enterprise-wide systems.
Your summary must signal strategic financial leadership, not just technical accounting capability.
Include years of experience, scope of financial oversight (revenue, entities), team size managed, and key standards expertise (GAAP, IFRS). Highlight any expanded leadership beyond accounting.
For those moving from Accounting Manager or Assistant Controller, emphasize readiness for full oversight.
For experienced Controllers, emphasize strategic impact and organizational leadership.
Skills must demonstrate both technical mastery and leadership capability.
Lead with financial reporting, internal controls, and GAAP compliance. Include leadership skills, technology expertise, and cross-functional collaboration.
Technical financial skills establish credibility for the controller role.
Leadership and strategic skills differentiate senior controllers.
Demonstrate strategic value creation, not just compliance management.
Lead with scope (revenue oversight, team size, entities managed). Show progression and highlight technology implementations, process improvements, and executive communication.
Show clear progression toward controller-level responsibility.
Demonstrate CFO-track readiness through strategic achievements.
Credentials combined with demonstrated leadership create credibility.
Include accounting or finance degrees, CPA or CMA certification, and relevant MBA. This sample shows BS in Accounting with extensive practical experience.
Relevant degrees and certifications support the transition to controller.
Executive education and advanced certifications signal CFO readiness.
Skip the guesswork — let our expert resume writers ask these questions for you.
Schedule Your Resume InterviewA professional resume interview extracts controller achievements by probing into specific projects, uncovering the goals you were trying to achieve, documenting the systems and processes you implemented, and surfacing challenges you overcame. This structured approach reveals accomplishments you'd never think to include.
Include projects that demonstrate scope, stakes, and significance. We probe to understand the project value, team size, and your specific role in making it successful.
Connect your work to business outcomes by documenting the company's objectives and how your contributions achieved them. We help you quantify that impact.
Document the specific systems, processes, and strategies you implemented. This is where your expertise becomes visible and differentiates you from other candidates.
Describe challenges you faced and how you solved them. Problem-solving examples prove you can handle the obstacles in your next role.
No cookie-cutter calls. Your interview length matches your career complexity. We ask the questions you can't ask yourself.
Controller jobs are moderately competitive, averaging 46.1 applicants per position. With most job seekers applying to 20+ roles, you're competing against approximately 922 candidates for the same jobs.
Data based on LinkedIn job postings, updated December 2025. View full job market data →
Here's the math most job seekers don't do:
Your resume needs to stand out against 922 other accounting professionals.
Most of them list the same projects. The same certifications. The same responsibilities.
What makes you different is the story behind the projects.
Accounting Professionals We've Helped Are Now Working At
From general contractors to specialty trades, our clients land roles at top accounting firms across North America.
80% of accounting positions are never advertised. Get your resume directly into the hands of recruiters filling confidential searches.
When you purchase our Resume Distribution service, your resume goes to 400+ recruiters specializing in accounting — included in Advanced & Ultimate packages.
Nationwide
Tampa, FL
| Agency | Location |
|---|---|
RH Robert Half |
Nationwide |
KF Kforce Finance |
Tampa, FL |
HR Hays Recruitment |
Nationwide |
RA Randstad |
Nationwide |
AD Adecco |
Nationwide |
A Controller resume should include financial oversight scope (revenue, budget size, team), internal controls expertise, ERP system experience, and executive communication examples. Highlight cross-functional leadership and any expanded responsibilities beyond traditional accounting.
Demonstrate strategic impact beyond daily accounting. Include executive stakeholder communication, technology implementations, process improvements with measurable ROI, and any expanded responsibilities (like this sample's HR oversight).
Controller positions average 28 applicants per job, lower than staff accountant roles but still competitive. Senior controller and VP Finance roles are particularly sought after, making differentiation through strategic achievements essential.
Most Controller resumes should be two pages to adequately showcase leadership scope, technical implementations, and career progression. This sample is one page due to focused experience, but expanded scope typically warrants two pages.
Include all relevant systems: QuickBooks, NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, and specialty tools like Certify, ADP Payroll Suite, or Crystal Reports. This sample showcases QuickBooks, Certify integration, and multiple payroll platforms.
Emphasize full financial oversight experience, executive communication, and strategic contributions. Show progression through increased responsibility, cross-functional collaboration, and any additional leadership roles (like HR, operations, or IT).
A resume interview uncovers hidden achievements by asking targeted questions about your projects, goals, systems, and challenges. Most professionals dismiss their best work as "just doing my job" — our writers probe to surface metrics you didn't track, impact you forgot, and value you delivered.
"Tell me about your progression from Assistant Controller to Controller. What expanded responsibilities did you take on?"
"I achieved rapid progression and became responsible for all financial reporting and day-to-day accounting. But it wasn't just accounting - I also became head of HR for the entire enterprise."
"So you manage both accounting and HR? What does that look like organizationally?"
Achieved rapid progression with this renowned facilitator of conferences in the communications sector, becoming an all-encompassing business leader responsible for the oversight of all financial reporting and day-to-day accounting.
Fulfill this role both for the overarching business and for its consulting group, each with different accounting infrastructure. Hire, train and retain staff across the organization, as head of HR not only for accounting but for the entire enterprise.
"You mentioned contributing to technical projects. What systems have you implemented?"
"I contributed to numerous projects including the rollout of Certify for expense management and its integration with QuickBooks. I also implemented an enrollment portal for new hires."
"What was the impact of these implementations?"
Contributed to numerous technical projects including rollout of Certify and its integration with QuickBooks, and implementation of an enrollment portal for new hires.
"How do you communicate financial information to leadership?"
"I connect regularly with the CFO and multiple VP-level stakeholders. I compile and present snapshots of the financial condition to senior management on a regular basis."
"What types of decisions does this reporting support?"
Connect regularly with the CFO and multiple VP-level stakeholders. Compile and present snapshots of the financial condition of the business to senior management on a regular basis.
With 11+ years of accounting experience, you have stories worth telling.
Our interview turns them into proof that gets you hired.
Book your interview and get your first draft in 3 business days.
Schedule Your Interview Starting at $199 • 90-day guaranteeTalk to an advisor who can recommend the right package for your situation.
Talk to an Advisor 1-877-777-6805
