Finding controlling specialists: The right talent for the various disciplines in controlling

Finding controlling specialists by knowing the disciplines

We have summarized the individual disciplines and characteristics of controlling for you:

1. Operational controlling: The foundation of management

Operational controlling focuses on short- to medium-term planning, management and control. It forms the backbone of day-to-day business. An overview of the tasks:

• Budgeting, forecasts, cost planning
• Deviation analyses and target-actual comparisons
• Development and monitoring of key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Ongoing efficiency analyses at cost center or project level

Important for recruiters: Operational controllers need excellent Excel and ERP skills, a good head for figures and a structured way of working. They are indispensable sparring partners for operational management.

2. Strategic controlling: Setting the course for the future

In contrast to operational controlling, strategic controlling looks to the future. It supports management in sustainably aligning the company and provides a basis for decision-making based on long-term analyses.

Typical tasks include:

• Market and competition analyses
• Development and evaluation of business strategies
• Risk management and early warning systems
• Strategic target systems and balanced scorecards

This is where analytically minded individuals with business acumen and foresight are needed. Strategic controllers often work closely with management or as internal consultants.

The Institute of Management Accounting and Control at WHU offers in-depth insights into the role of strategic controlling and its significance for corporate management.   

3. Project controlling: Control over time

Projects – whether IT rollout, relocation or process optimization – are an integral part of every company today. Project controlling takes over the commercial management of temporary projects. This includes:

• Monitoring of time, cost and resource plans
• Profitability analyses and milestone controlling
• Interface management with project management and specialist departments

This controlling discipline plays a particularly important role in the recruitment of technical or interdisciplinary projects. Here, controllers are needed who not only have an affinity for numbers, but are also strong communicators and flexible in the project context.

4. Investment and financial controlling: Managing capital efficiently

A company's long-term stability depends largely on how investments are planned and financed. Investment and financial controlling is responsible for keeping an eye on potential returns and risks.

The main tasks include:

• Evaluating investment plans (e.g., net present value method)
• Cash flow and liquidity planning
• Analysis of the financing structure and capital commitment
• Support with financing decisions (e.g., debt vs. equity)

When filling these positions, companies pay particular attention to analytical depth, in-depth knowledge of balance sheets and experience in dealing with banks or investors. 

5. Sustainability controlling / ESG controlling: Reporting with a future

With growing pressure from regulations (CSRD, EU taxonomy) and societal expectations, sustainability controlling (also known as ESG controlling) has established itself as a new discipline.

This is where ecological, social and governance criteria are made measurable – and integrated into internal and external reporting. Tasks include:

• Developing ESG key figures and target systems
• Sustainability reports and data preparation for stakeholders
• Interface work with CSR, HR and legal

This role is particularly exciting for companies undergoing change – and a future field for recruiters. Candidates need expertise in controlling, but also a sense of sustainability and regulatory developments.

6. Sales and marketing controlling: The customer in focus 

How successful are our sales measures? Which marketing campaign really generates leads? Sales and marketing controlling is about making precisely that measurable. Typical tasks:

• Sales and revenue analyses by segment
• Contribution margin accounting and pricing strategies
• ROI calculations of campaigns
• Forecasts for sales pipeline and sales markets

Controllers in this area need not only business know-how but also an understanding of customer behavior, CRM systems and often digital marketing tools.

An overview of all controlling disciplines – from classic to specialized – can also be found in the IGC's controlling wiki, a freely accessible specialist platform for controlling practitioners.

Why an understanding of controlling disciplines is so important for recruiters

Those looking for specialists in controlling should be fully aware of the differences between the disciplines. This is because not every controller is suited to every task. While operational controllers work primarily internally and are number-oriented, strategic controllers often have an external focus and strong communication skills. Project controllers must be agile and resilient, while ESG controllers must be well-versed in regulatory matters and have a broad range of expertise.

Targeted matching saves time, reduces the risk of making the wrong hire, and strengthens the company's performance in the long term.

Conclusion: Controlling is a strategic success factor – in many forms

Not all controlling is the same. The disciplines are diverse, complex and have long been specialized in many companies. For business leaders, this means that the right organization of the controlling function is a strategic success factor. For recruiters, it means that only those who know the specific requirements can identify and inspire the right talent.

Whether it's budget, strategy, sustainability or projects – if you rely on the right specialists in controlling, you can navigate any challenge with more certainty.