The profession of a Management Controller
The Management Controller is responsible for a company's financial health.
They ensure economic performance and maintain profitability.
The Management Controller safeguards a company's financial health, ensuring economic performance and maintaining profitability. This control specialist plays a significant role in strategic decision-making at the management level, as well as in production.
They contribute to the preparation of the forecast budget and help identify and understand monthly or quarterly variances. At Université Paris Dauphine – PSL, the Master’s in Control, Audit, Financial Reporting (Master CARF) and Accounting, Control, Audit (Master CCA) are excellent programs for becoming a Management Controller, preparing students for the DSCG (Diploma in Accounting and Management) with equivalences.
Words from our alumni
"My job involves overseeing the reporting of financial results"
What does the role of Director of Management Control involve on a daily basis?
Overseeing the reporting of financial results (actuals, budget, forecasts, analytical reviews, profitability studies…), managing various requests (shareholders, executive management, other departments…), improving existing processes (processes, analyses, implementation of management tools…), and supporting/managing my team.
What aspect of this job interests you the most?
The diversity of topics, operational proximity, team management, intellectual stimulation, and of course, the industry sector.
Why did you choose Université Paris Dauphine-PSL for your training?
The content of the Master’s in Control, Governance, and Strategies (202) I pursued perfectly matched my goals, and the quality and recognition of the university solidified my decision.
RAPHAEL SERVENS
DIRECTOR OF MANAGEMENT CONTROL - AEW
His background:
Master's in Control, Audit, Financial Reporting
Role and responsibilities of a Management Controller
The Management Controller is a key part of a company's financial management team. In a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME), management control is often complemented by other activities such as accounting, corporate finance, administration, and even IT.
Daily tasks
- Implement management and performance tracking tools for the company and each department
- Collect, analyze, and synthesize financial data
- Communicate data to senior management and relevant departments
- Participate in setting objectives, preparing the forecast budget, and developing 3 to 5-year financial statements
- Compare forecasted figures with actual results to highlight discrepancies
- Improve company performance by identifying necessary corrective actions
- Anticipate potential financial difficulties for the company
- Prepare reports on the organization's activities
Salaries and career progression
The median salary for a Management Controller who has graduated from university is around €40,000 gross per year at the start of their career. Salary variations exist depending on the controller's responsibilities and the sector (industry, banking, administration, etc.).
After about ten years of experience and increased responsibilities, a senior Management Controller's salary can reach €65,000 gross per year (excluding variable compensation).
Recent graduates typically begin their careers as management assistants, progressing to Management Controller and, for more experienced profiles, Director of Management Control. They may also move into roles such as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) or Director of Internal Audit.
Required skills
- Strong proficiency with IT tools (ERP - Enterprise Resource Planning, HRIS - Human Resources Information Systems, data visualization, modeling, dashboard creation, accounting software…)
- Excellent financial and accounting knowledge
- Strong interpersonal skills to communicate with stakeholders and gather information
- Analytical mindset to simplify decision-making
- Active monitoring of new standards and technologies in each industry sector
- High work capacity and stress management skills
- Rigor and organization to accurately report the financial state of the organization
What studies are required to become a Management Controller ?
While the role of management assistant is accessible with a bachelor's degree (Bac+3), a Master's degree (Bac+5) is required to become a Management Controller. A Master's in CARF (Control, Audit, Financial Reporting) or CCA (Accounting, Control, Audit) aligns perfectly with employer expectations and student needs, preparing them for accounting, financial challenges, and management methods.
Training to Become a Management Controller at Université Paris Dauphine – PSL
The Master's in Control, Audit, Financial Reporting and Accounting, Control, Audit at Université Paris Dauphine – PSL offers an excellent pathway for students aspiring to become Management Controllers. The theoretical courses, taught in both French and English, are supplemented by hands-on experience through professional periods: an optional gap year, work-study, or a mandatory internship during the initial training program.
Out of the seven exams required to obtain the DSCG (Diploma in Accounting and Management), the Master's in CCA at Dauphine-PSL grants equivalence for five of these exams. Graduates must complete the following two units: "Legal, Social, and Tax Management" and "Accounting and Audit." The DSCG is a key qualification, essential for beginning an accounting internship and eventually obtaining the DEC (Diploma of Chartered Accountancy).