en
Candidates

Together, we’ll map out career-defining, life-changing pathways to achieve your career ambitions. Browse our range of services, advice, and resources.

Learn more
Services

We understand that no two organisations are the same. Find out more about how we've customised our recruitment offerings to help clients across South East Asia meet their needs.

Read more
About Robert Walters Vietnam

Since our establishment in 2011, our belief remains the same: Building strong relationships with people is vital in a successful partnership.

Learn more

Work for us

Our people are the difference. Hear stories from our people to learn more about a career at Robert Walters Vietnam.

Learn more

Life as a financial controller

The financial controller position is a key component within financial services. All organisations and banks require a professional in this capacity.

It is a popular role amongst accounting and finance professionals, as these candidates often possess the relevant experience to be a successful financial controller.

The truth about the role

This position may come across as routine and process-driven due to its nature of having monthly and statutory reportings. However, it can still be challenging and interesting. Reporting is just a small part of the role and a financial controller can be responsible for treasury, tax, financial planning as well as growing commercial business partnerships.

Key responsibilities and progression

The core responsibilities of a financial controller include financial reporting, business budgeting and forecasting, business development projects, treasury management, risk evaluation and business analysis. Finance controllers often move on to become finance directors, CFOs, or even COOs. Overall, financial controllers remain highly sought-after in Vietnam. There will be abundant opportunities to grow in this career path.

Getting the job

Employers hiring financial controllers usually look for senior professionals with past experiences of managing a finance team. As a candidate, you are also required to have technical skills and sound knowledge of financial fundamentals. Knowledge of general ledger, budgeting, forecasting, accounting standards and compliance regulations are essential. You will have to demonstrate the ability to see both micro and macro side of various issues. Potential employees with a strong grasp of Vietnam’s regulations and GAAP requirements are also highly valued.

Getting ahead of competition

Given the competitive nature of the market, a classic accounting background with the Big Four companies and commercial finance experience are highly regarded and preferred by most employers. Three to four years’ auditing experience with the Big Four will give you a head start to moving into an all-rounded financial reporting role, and eventually, a financial controller role. Candidates without the necessary qualifications should consider acquiring accreditation from a professional body, or accumulate substantial experience in a related commercial environment.

For more career advice, and information on how to switch careers, contact us at hochiminh@robertwalters.com.vn

Share this article

Useful links

Explore new opportunities
Salary Survey
Career Advice
Get in touch

Find out more by contacting one of our specialist recruitment consultants

Related content

View All

Accounting & finance experts likely to receive average salary increments of 15-25%

With a continued strong flow of foreign investment in 2018, hiring activity is also expected to be positive, finds our latest Salary Survey 2018 A rise in the number of restructures and transformations in 2017 led to Vietnam becoming a more employer driven job market. Several firms downsized and rel

Read More

Be an investment banker

Getting a foot through the door of investment banking is proving to be harder than ever as banks have held back on hiring. The demand for professionals in Vietnam with outstanding track records, high performance and a driven nature is high. However few meet the stringent requirements set out by top

Read More

Becoming a tax specialist

While demand for talent in Vietnam is high, the niche role of a tax specialist remains an exclusive position which requires a good network to break into. Due to its highly-specialised nature, competition for jobs may not be as intense as other accounting and finance roles. It remains a profession wi

Read More

I'm Robert Walters Are you?

Come join our global team of creative thinkers, problem solvers and game changers. We offer accelerated career progression, a dynamic culture and expert training.