Business Controlling
Business controlling is about supporting the business with analysis, forecasts, and decision-making tools that help the organization make better decisions and achieve its goals. Unlike financial controlling, which tends to be more backward-looking, business controlling is forward-looking and closely linked to the business side—a partner to management and operations rather than merely a number-cruncher.
What does a business controller do?
The role is business-oriented and analytical and typically involves:
- Decision Support: Prepares analyses and calculations to serve as a basis for strategic and operational decisions.
- Forecasts and Planning: Manages budgeting and forecasting, often with rolling forecast.
- Profitability Analysis: Analyzes profitability by product, customer, channel, or market.
- Business Partnerships: Serves as a sounding board for business leaders and challenges the organization with data.
The Difference from Financial Controlling
- Focus: Financial controlling ensures accurate accounting and reporting; business controlling supports business decisions.
- Time perspective: Financial controlling is more backward-looking, while business controlling is more forward-looking.
- Recipient: Financial controlling is geared toward external stakeholders and regulatory requirements; business controlling is geared toward internal management and operations.
- Connection to control: Business controlling is closely linked to internal control and how effectively decisions translate into results.
How an Interim Controller Can Strengthen the Business
An interim controller can be brought on board quickly to strengthen either business-oriented or financial controlling.
- Business-oriented analysis: One interim controller develops decision-support tools, forecasts, and profitability analyses.
- Financial security: One financial controller ensures accurate reporting and monitoring.
- Temporary Reinforcement: Fills vacancies, parental leave, or peak periods without a long-term commitment.
- Quick access: Interim Search's process ensures that you have the right talent in place within 48 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions About Business Controlling
What is the difference between a business controller and a financial controller?
A financial controller focuses on ensuring that accounting and financial reporting are accurate, often from an external and retrospective perspective. A business controller takes a more business-oriented and forward-looking approach and works with analyses, forecasts, and decision support to help the business make better decisions.
What qualities are required of a good business controller?
In addition to strong analytical skills and financial expertise, the role requires business acumen, communication skills, and the courage to challenge the organization. A skilled business controller translates numbers into insights and becomes a trusted partner to business leaders rather than merely a reporter.
When should you bring in an interim business controller?
Common situations include periods of rapid growth that require better decision support, the implementation of new analysis and forecasting processes, a vacancy in a key role, or when management needs temporary analytical capacity in preparation for a strategic decision or a transaction.
Do you need help? Contact us for a free discussion on how we can support you.