Head of Controlling: tasks, salary, qualifications and required strengths

The role of the Head of Controlling is central to the business management and strategic orientation of a company. This position goes far beyond the mere control of figures and plays an essential role in ensuring the financial stability and profitability of a company. If you have a sound knowledge of controlling, are conceptually and analytically strong and enjoy leading a team, then the position of Head of Controlling could be just right for you.

Tasks and responsibilities of a Head of Controlling

A Head of Controlling is responsible for leading the Controlling team and maintaining a strategic overview of all financial processes. The tasks include:

Leading and developing the Controlling team
- Organization and promotion of the team, including the development of team members to adapt them to current and future challenges.
- Motivating and managing employees in order to achieve the company's business objectives.

Strategic planning and forecasting
- Responsibility for budget planning, including the preparation of forecasts and long-term financial plans.
- Ensuring reliable monthly reporting for the management.

Operational and strategic controlling
- Implementation of operational controlling to support the company's direction and improve financial results.
- Establishment and further development of decision-oriented controlling.

Risk management and investment controlling
- Monitoring and control of corporate risk management.
- Carrying out investment appraisals and investment controlling projects.

Interdisciplinary cooperation
- Interface and point of contact for all management levels regarding controlling and management-related issues.
- Close cooperation with other departments and locations, especially at internationally active companies.

Salary of a Head of Controlling

The salary for the position of Head of Controlling varies depending on the size of the company, location, professional experience and area of responsibility. Here are some reference values for the annual gross income:

Small companies (up to 20 employees): approx. 55,000 EUR
Medium-sized companies (20-500 employees): approx. 75,000 EUR
Large companies and corporations: approx. 96,000 EUR

In addition, performance bonuses, company cars or other benefits are often offered. Top salaries of up to EUR 160,000 and more are possible with the right experience and expertise.

Important strengths and skills

As Head of Controlling, you should have the following strengths and skills:

Analytical skills and an affinity for numbers
The ability to evaluate complex data and derive meaningful key figures is a basic requirement.
Leadership and decision-making skills
Experience and talent in leading and motivating teams as well as the ability to make the right decisions under pressure.
Strong communication skills and persuasiveness
A Head of Controlling must be able to present results and analyses clearly and convincingly, often also to top management and other departments.
Self-motivation and resilience
A high degree of independence and stamina to successfully master the demanding and often time-critical tasks.
Systematic and structured way of working
The ability to deal systematically with processes and data and to achieve strategic goals efficiently.

Requirements and qualifications

The position of Head of Controlling requires a solid education and relevant experience. Typical requirements are:

Professional experience: several years of experience in controlling, ideally in a managerial position.
Degree or training: A degree with a focus on controlling, finance, business administration or comparable training.
Technical knowledge: Confident handling of MS Office, especially Excel, as well as common controlling tools and database systems.
Methodical knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of cost and performance accounting, group consolidation and investment accounting.
Language skills: Good knowledge of German and English, particularly advantageous in international companies.

The role of Head of Controlling offers exciting challenges and the opportunity to play an active role in shaping the company's development. Experienced professionals who want to use their knowledge in a management role and have an eye for financial strategies will find a position with great responsibility and an attractive career path.