Controllers have a reputation for being stressed out, anti-social and negative. Some think it’s because they deal with numbers and a calculator all day, but it’s much more complicated than that! Consider what your Controller does (or should be doing) for your business before giving them a hard time:
1. One Department To Serve Many
Your Controller works with EVERY single department to ensure money is flowing in and out of the business with profitability. This means everyone from sales, production, marketing, human resources, and purchasing. It can be exhausting getting many different personalities to cooperate so you can present accurate financial statements. No wonder we can be seen as anti-social at the end of the day!
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2. Reports on the Rights and Wrongs
The numbers do not lie. Your Controller should tell you if your company is doing well or if there are issues with your money. But don’t shoot the messenger! It’s hard enough to give executives or partners bad news and experience the frustration. Stay positive and know that the sooner a problem is identified, the sooner it can be fixed. We are not negative, it’s our job to tell you if something is wrong…so you’re welcome.
3. Yes, It’s The Numbers
It takes a deliberate effort for your Controller to switch from working with numbers to working with people. They go back and forth between the two all day every day and it can be very stressful. Give them a second to adjust in order to translate what your numbers are telling you about the company. A little patience can alleviate a lot of unnecessary stress.
By Stacy Bring, Director of the WHH Controller Program
Stacy is a Fresno State educated MBA who has served in accounting, controller and CFO roles for several local businesses. Her unique talents and experience teach business owners to translate numbers into useful and forward-thinking business decisions.
