In general, a corporate controller is the manager responsible for a firm’s accounting activities.

In most organizations, the controller is the top managerial and financial accountant. He or she supervises the accounting department and helps management interpret and use information provided by the department.

In a small business, the controller is responsible for many critical functions. He or she often is in charge of finance, accounting, bookkeeping, transaction processing, information management, information technology, human resources, tax planning, and administration of retirement plans and insurance.

And if the company has an internal bookkeeper or accountant, the controller supervises their activities while performing all other accounting-related functions. The controller also acts as a liaison with the company’s outside advisors, including its CPA, bankers, lawyers and other business professionals.