Nature of work
The Budget Controller oversees the day to day activities of the finance team and ensures the companies Budget function is organized and efficient and produces accurate budget and management accounts.His/her responsibilities are as the following:
1- Interpret budget directives and establish policies for carrying out directives.
2- Compile and analyze accounting records and other data to determine the financial resources required to implement a program.
3- Testify before examining and fund-granting authorities, clarifying and promoting the proposed budgets..
4- Direct the preparation of regular and special budget reports.
5- Consult with managers to ensure that budget adjustments are made in accordance with program changes.
6- Summarize budgets and submit recommendations for the approval or disapproval of funds requests.
7- Seek new ways to improve efficiency and increase profits.
8- Perform cost-benefits analyses to compare operating programs, review financial requests, and explore alternative financing methods.
9- Match appropriations for specific programs with appropriations for broader programs, including items for emergency funds.
10- Provide advice and technical assistance with cost analysis, fiscal allocation, and budget preparation.
Environment of work
A budget controller works in an offices. He/she works in a variety of settings, including government agencies, universities, and companies. Although budget analyst usually works in offices, some may travel to get budget details firsthand or to verify funding allocations.If a candidate is unsociable person, he/she will able to manage his job because he/she will spends most of his/her time working independently, compiling and analyzing data and preparing budget proposals. In nonprofit and government organizations, a budget controller tries to find the most efficient way to distribute funds and other resources among various departments and programs. In private firms, a budget controller's main responsibility is to review the budget and seek new ways to improve efficiency and increase profits.
An employee might feel stress, for he/she needs to work full time, and overtime is sometimes required during final reviews of budgets. The pressures of deadlines and tight work schedules can be stressful.
Professional life
Employment of budget controller is expected to grow during next years in Syria, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Budget controller is getting more complex as more types of data and statistical techniques become available. Because of the greater complexity of the job and its expanding job duties, it is expected to create a need for more budget analysts.The starting monthly salary of budget controllers is 30000 SYP.
Getting the job
If a person wants to apply for this job, he/she should have at least a bachelor's degree. However, some employers may require candidates to have a master’s degree. Because developing a budget requires strong numerical and analytical skills, courses in statistics or accounting are helpful. Public sectors have varying requirements but usually require a bachelor's degree in one of many areas, such as accounting, finance, business, public administration, economics, statistics, political science, or sociology.No matter in case a candidate doesn't have formal education, for sometimes budget-related or finance-related work experience can be a substituted.
Certification provides an advantage in the job market because it shows professional competence in a specialized field of accounting and auditing. Accountants and auditors seek certifications from a variety of professional societies.
The Certifications are :
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
- Certified Financial Manager (CFM)
- Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
- Enrolled Agent (EA)
- Certified Financial Consultant (CFC)
Skills
Typical qualities of a successful Budget Controller include: Ability to work on modern ERP & IT systems
Good communicatior
Ability to challenge the status and drive through changes
Strong attention to detail
Up to date knowledge of accounting regulations.
Good understanding of business as well as financial issues
Sound decision making
Sources and references
If you need any further information on what is provided in this file, you can visit the following websites: www.budgetanalyst.com, a practical guide to the budget process.
Arab Standard Classification of Occupations, 2008, Ed. Arab Labor Organization