Director of Financial Controls

Career Guide

A Director of Financial Controls leads the design and oversight of internal controls that protect company assets, ensure reliable financial reporting, and support compliance with financial rules and policies. The role partners closely with Accounting, Finance, Internal Audit, and business leaders to reduce risk, improve process discipline, and strengthen readiness for audits and public reporting.

Key Responsibilities

Set the financial controls strategy across key processes such as revenue, expenses, payroll, and close
Design and maintain internal control frameworks and control documentation
Oversee risk assessments and prioritize control improvements based on impact and likelihood
Lead testing of controls and coordinate remediation plans for control gaps
Partner with external auditors and internal audit teams to support audits and reduce findings
Ensure compliance with financial reporting requirements and company policies
Improve close and reporting processes to increase accuracy, speed, and consistency
Build and manage a controls team, including hiring, coaching, and performance management
Implement tools and workflows that standardize evidence collection and control monitoring
Report control health, key risks, and remediation progress to executive leadership and audit committees as needed

Top Skills for Success

Internal Controls

Financial Reporting

Risk Assessment

Audit Management

Policy Development

Process Improvement

Stakeholder Management

People Leadership

Project Management

Change Management

Finance Systems Knowledge

Governance

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Vice President of Finance

Vice President of Controllership

Chief Accounting Officer

Chief Financial Officer

Transition Opportunities

Director of Internal Audit

Director of Enterprise Risk Management

Director of Finance Operations

Director of Accounting

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Controls AutomationData AnalyticsSOX Program LeadershipERP ControlsEvidence StandardsCross Functional Influence

Development SuggestionsBuild a clear controls roadmap, strengthen controls testing discipline, and improve how control evidence is collected and reviewed. Gain hands-on experience with modern finance systems and controls automation. Practice executive-level reporting by translating control results into business risk and prioritized actions.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 140,000 to 175,000

Mid LevelUSD 175,000 to 220,000

Senior LevelUSD 220,000 to 300,000

Growth Trend

Demand is steady to growing, driven by tighter audit expectations, increased focus on risk management, and continued adoption of new finance systems.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

DeloittePwCEYKPMGAmazonMicrosoftAppleGoogleMetaJPMorgan ChaseBank of AmericaGoldman SachsUnitedHealth GroupJohnson and JohnsonWalmart

Industry Sectors

TechnologyFinancial ServicesHealthcareManufacturingRetailEnergyTelecommunicationsConsumer GoodsProfessional Services

Recommended Next Steps

Benchmark the current control environment and document the top ten risks with owners and timelines

Create a 12 month controls plan that aligns with audit timing and key business changes

Standardize control documentation and evidence requirements to reduce rework during audits

Pilot controls automation for one high volume process such as procure to pay or close

Build a reporting cadence that tracks open issues, remediation progress, and repeat findings

Strengthen partnerships with Accounting, FP&A, Legal, and IT to address root causes

Invest in leadership development focused on influencing senior stakeholders and leading change