The Evolving Role of Financial Controllers: How Wiss Supports Their Transformation

May 16, 2025

By: Arnold Macalintal

Partner, Advisory

In today’s complex business landscape, the role of financial controllers is changing. No longer confined to the back-office functions of financial reporting, controllers are stepping into the spotlight as vital strategic partners. Embracing this transformation will help controllers ahead as the shift toward value creation and technological integration becomes not just an opportunity but a necessity.

This blog explores how controllers can reshape their roles to drive growth and innovation in their companies—and how Wiss can help them navigate these changes, even stepping in as a fractional controller to provide critical support.

Evolving Responsibilities

The transformation of the controller role is driven by the need to manage day-to-day accounting tasks and act as critical advisors to CFOs, influencing the strategic direction of their organizations. Wiss partners with controllers to help them adapt to these expanded responsibilities.

This support includes guidance on adopting new skills, navigating emerging technologies, and balancing operational duties with strategic initiatives. Wiss can provide fractional controller services, stepping in to ensure seamless operations and deliver high-level financial expertise during periods of change or growth.

Leveraging Technology

A significant aspect of this evolution is the use of advanced technologies. Controllers increasingly rely on artificial intelligence (AI) and other digital tools to enhance decision-making and value-creation capabilities. Wiss helps controllers integrate these technologies into their workflows, offering solutions that streamline operations and empower financial leaders to deliver timely, data-driven insights.

For instance, Wiss assists with setting up custom dashboards and analytics tools that provide real-time insights, allowing controllers to predict financial trends and make informed decisions. By automating routine tasks, controllers gain the bandwidth to focus on complex analyses, ultimately driving greater organizational value.

Fostering Strategic Relationships

Technology alone is not enough. Controllers must also foster robust relationships with CFOs and other business leaders to drive the value-creation agenda effectively. Wiss helps bridge these relationships by offering tools and processes that promote transparency and collaboration. Fractional controllers provided by Wiss can also act as liaisons, ensuring that financial insights are clearly communicated and integrated into strategic decision-making.

Wiss enables organizations to leverage their expertise in optimizing outcomes and guiding financial growth by involving controllers early in commercial decision-making processes.

Future Skills for Controllers

As the role of financial controllers expands, the skill set required evolves. Wiss supports controllers in developing strategic thinking, change management, and leadership competencies. Recognizing the increasing importance of soft skills, Wiss provides training and resources to help controllers articulate complex financial information persuasively, strengthening their ability to influence high-level decision-making.

Additionally, Wiss helps controllers stay ahead of global market trends, offering insights into economic shifts, regulatory changes, and technological advancements that could impact their industries.

Case Study: Wiss Helping Controllers Navigate Challenges

In one instance, Wiss supported a client’s controller who was facing significant operational challenges. The client struggled with implementing a new financial reporting standard under tight deadlines.

Wiss provided fractional controller support, alleviating the immediate burden and ensuring continuous financial oversight. Wiss also delivered customized training for the finance team, introduced a structured month-end close process, and revitalized a 13-week cash flow forecast to guide strategic decisions.

Through tailored reporting and a business insights snapshot, Wiss helped the organization gain clarity on key performance metrics and industry benchmarks. This comprehensive approach transformed a daunting compliance challenge into an opportunity for enhanced financial discipline and growth.

The Dual Pathway for Controllers

As financial leadership evolves, so does the career trajectory for controllers. Whether aiming for CFO roles or seeking to redefine the controller function, controllers benefit from deliberate development and succession planning. Wiss plays a vital role in this process, providing guidance, tools, and fractional support to prepare controllers for the next stage in their careers.

Empowering Financial Controllers to Drive Growth and Innovation

The evolving role of financial controllers represents a tremendous opportunity for organizations to drive growth and innovation. Wiss stands ready to help controllers navigate these changes, offering expertise, resources, and fractional services to support them every step of the way. By empowering controllers to embrace technology, build strategic relationships, and develop future-ready skills, Wiss ensures they are equipped to shape the financial future of their organizations.

With Wiss as a partner, controllers can confidently step into their expanded roles, driving sustainable growth and success.