Master thesis : "The developing role of the financial controller. A contemporary study about evolving activities and personal characteristics in the controllership function."

Abstract

In the business world few jobs are more important than the job of the financial controller. Financial controllers are absolutely integral to on-going business success. However, the true content of their roles is not an exact science. They all share core responsibilities, but the specific nuances vary depending on the company, industry, management structure and person performing the role. Controllership has reached an inflection point as roles are changing, organizational influence is increasing, and operation models and technology are shifting at a rapid pace and professionals in the controllership function are being asked to navigate in a new direction. In addition to its traditional operator role, being responsible for running a tight finance operation that is efficient and effective, and a steward role, preserving the assets of the organization by minimizing risk and getting the accounting right, the FC’s are steered into strategist and catalyst roles, where they help shape the overall strategy and direction and instill a financial approach and mindset through the organization to help other parts of the business perform better. Balancing these roles makes a controller’s job more complex than ever. Therefore, through this master thesis I have tried to develop a deeper knowledge and understanding of the future role of the financial controller and reflect this to the “Vision 2025” currently under development within Medtronic’s global controllership function.