Financial Controller Onboarding Checklist

Financial Controller Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Financial Controller starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Accounting onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Financial Controller, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Financial Controller onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Financial Controller Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to the company: The financial controller should be provided with a comprehensive introduction to the company, including its history, mission, values, organizational structure, and key stakeholders. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated onboarding specialist.

2. Familiarization with company policies and procedures: The financial controller should be given a detailed overview of the company’s policies and procedures, including those related to financial management, accounting practices, budgeting, and reporting. This task is usually performed by the finance or accounting department, with support from the HR department.

3. Review of financial systems and software: The financial controller should receive training on the company’s financial systems and software, such as ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems, accounting software, and reporting tools. This task is typically performed by the IT department or the finance team.

4. Understanding the chart of accounts: The financial controller should be provided with a thorough understanding of the company’s chart of accounts, including its structure, codes, and classifications. This task is usually performed by the finance team or a designated mentor.

5. Review of financial statements: The financial controller should be given the opportunity to review the company’s financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements. This task is typically performed by the finance team or a designated mentor.

6. Introduction to key financial processes: The financial controller should be introduced to key financial processes, such as month-end and year-end closing procedures, financial forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. This task is usually performed by the finance team or a designated mentor.

7. Understanding internal controls: The financial controller should receive training on the company’s internal control procedures, including segregation of duties, authorization processes, and risk management practices. This task is typically performed by the finance team or a designated mentor.

8. Meeting with key stakeholders: The financial controller should have the opportunity to meet with key stakeholders, such as the CFO, CEO, department heads, and external auditors, to understand their expectations and establish working relationships. This task is typically coordinated by the finance team or the HR department.

9. Review of regulatory compliance requirements: The financial controller should be provided with an overview of the regulatory compliance requirements relevant to the industry and the company, such as tax regulations, financial reporting standards, and industry-specific regulations. This task is typically performed by the finance team or a designated mentor.

10. Introduction to the budgeting process: The financial controller should be familiarized with the company’s budgeting process, including the timeline, key stakeholders involved, and the tools and templates used. This task is typically performed by the finance team or a designated mentor.

11. Training on company-specific financial policies: The financial controller should receive training on any company-specific financial policies, such as expense reimbursement policies, travel policies, or procurement procedures. This task is typically performed by the finance team or a designated mentor.

12. Shadowing experienced financial controllers: The financial controller should have the opportunity to shadow experienced financial controllers to gain practical insights into the role and responsibilities. This task is typically coordinated by the finance team or the HR department.

13. Introduction to the company’s strategic goals: The financial controller should be provided with an understanding of the company’s strategic goals and how the finance function contributes to achieving them. This task is typically performed by the finance team or the HR department.

14. Review of historical financial data: The financial controller should be given access to historical financial data to analyze trends, identify areas for improvement, and gain insights into the company’s financial performance. This task is typically performed by the finance team or a designated mentor.

15. Introduction to the company’s external stakeholders: The financial controller should be introduced to the company’s external stakeholders, such as banks, investors, auditors, and regulatory bodies, to understand their roles and expectations. This task is typically coordinated by the finance team or the HR department.

16. Ongoing professional development opportunities: The financial controller should be informed about ongoing professional development opportunities, such as industry conferences, seminars, and certifications, to enhance their skills and knowledge. This task is typically performed by the HR department or the finance team.

17. Performance expectations and goal setting: The financial controller should have a clear understanding of their performance expectations and be involved in setting their goals and objectives. This task is typically performed by the finance team or the HR department.

18. Introduction to the company’s culture and values: The financial controller should be introduced to the company’s culture and values, including its ethical standards, teamwork approach, and commitment to excellence. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated onboarding specialist.

19. Access to necessary resources and tools: The financial controller should be provided with access to all necessary resources and tools, such as financial reports, templates, industry research, and professional networks, to perform their role effectively. This task is typically coordinated by the finance team or the IT department.

20. Regular check-ins and feedback sessions: The financial controller should have regular check-ins and feedback sessions with their supervisor or mentor to discuss their progress, address any concerns, and provide ongoing support. This task is typically performed by the finance team or the HR department

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Financial Controller checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Financial Controller up to speed and working well in your Accounting team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.