Hiring a controller in Central Florida: what to look for

The controller is often the most important finance hire a growing company makes. The person owns the close, the accuracy of the numbers, the audit, and usually the accounting team. Across Central Florida's mix of hospitality, healthcare, construction, and professional services companies, strong controllers are in demand, so a clear search process matters.

Define the job you actually have

Some companies need a hands-on controller who does the close themselves. Others need a manager who leads a team of accountants. Some need someone to prepare for an audit or a sale. Writing down the top three outcomes for the first year makes the search much clearer.

Test the work, not just the resume

Interviews reward people who interview well. A short working session, such as walking through a reconciliation, reviewing a set of financials for errors, or explaining a close they improved, shows how a candidate actually thinks.

Look for the right experience

• Multi-entity or multi-location experience if your business has it
• Audit experience if you're facing your first audit
• Experience with your accounting system
• Industry experience where accounting is specialized, such as construction or healthcare

Check references carefully

Ask former managers specific questions: how long the close took when the candidate started and when they left, how they handled a mistake, and whether the manager would hire them again.

Consider interim first

If the seat is empty and the close can't wait, an interim controller keeps the business running while you search, without rushing the permanent decision. Sometimes the interim controller becomes the permanent hire. Sometimes they help define the role and interview candidates. Either way, the search happens on your timeline.