Become a FP&A Controller

FP&A Controller roles can be a particularly interesting as well are providing excellent opportunities for career development.

Robert Walters provides information on what this position is likely to involve, the potential for development and the skills you’ll need to get ahead.

The market – the competition

As you will find, FP&A Controller positions can be a common next stage for analysts looking to progress in their careers. Given this, you will find the competition is likely to be high and employers can be unsurprisingly fussy when hiring for these positions.

The best way to stand out in the crowd is to step up to the challenge and prepare yourself for a business partner environment. Ensure you gain as much experience as possible detailing figures to stakeholders from a non-finance background. This will allow you to build on just some of the communication skills you will need to thrive in this demanding environment and prepare you for presenting to partners.

It’s often we find that junior candidates underestimate just how commercial FP&A roles are, assuming there is not much beyond providing the numbers required. In reality, controllers need to be very forward-thinking so that they can begin to prepare KPI’s, influence change, build product cases and construct 5 year plans. Similarly, FP&A controllers may also be involved in analysing the viability of expanding into new territories.

The best way to stand out in the crowd is to step up to the challenge and prepare yourself for a business partner environment.

Securing a job in the field

Given the competition associated with these positions, employers are not only looking to tick all the boxes, they are looking for the added extras.

To be offered a position, you will need to hold strong skills in planning and analysis as well as experience within a blue-chip environment. Personally, you will also have to sell your achievements with a focus specifically upon the value you have added to the business in the past and the specific duties you previously held in your role.

This is when bids and pitch exposure can be particularly handy to help you stand out from the crowd. Typically, our clients also look for particular systems experience, so if you can gain exposure within Excel, Cognos, Hyperion and SAP this will give you a clear advantage.

Great future prospects

For those who are fortunate enough to secure an FP&A role, future career prospects can be very appealing. If you are successful in the position, you can progress to becoming a FP&A Director within three to four years in the role. At this point, you could then look to manage a much larger P&L or progress to become a Finance Director.

If you would like more information on the accounting market, please contact:

Jean Karim Vandenberghe (Senior Consultant, Middle East)
jeankarim.vandenberghe@robertwalters.com
+971 4 8180 103