Assignments for the Freelance Interim Financial

The Controller: Director of Financial Stewardship and Strategic Partner to the CFO

Every company today faces enormous challenges. Globalization, digitalization, inflation, changing regulations, and rising expectations from shareholders and stakeholders mean that organizations are constantly evolving. Growth and transformation bring opportunities but also risks.

In this landscape, the role of the controller is fundamental. Once viewed mainly as the custodian of financial figures, today’s controller is much more than that. Controllers act as the directors of financial stewardship, experts in data-driven decision-making, and indispensable bridges between operations, strategy, and leadership.

For over 25 years, Steens & Partners has worked alongside the best interim and freelance controllers. Through our exclusive network of professionals, we help organizations not only gain control of their numbers but, more importantly, build first-class, future-proof finance organizations.

What does a controller do?

The title “controller” suggests a role centered around control — and while true, it extends much further. Controllers collect, structure, and analyze data. They provide management with operational steering information and are responsible for developing cost and profit scenarios.

Controllers evaluate not only the efficiency and effectiveness of processes but also their alignment across the entire organization. They ensure CFOs and executives not only understand how the business stands today but also what opportunities lie ahead tomorrow.

This makes controlling a profession that requires both analytical depth and strategic vision.

Controllers and IT: digital process governance

No modern organization can function without IT. From ERP systems to automated invoicing, from BI dashboards to AI models: technology is the lifeblood of today’s operations.

Here, controllers play a crucial role. With digital process governance and a non-technical but financial and strategic perspective, they ensure automation projects create value instead of draining budgets.

Many IT implementations fail not because of faulty technology but due to poor project governance. Controllers connect the interests of different departments, keep business cases sharp, and monitor costs.

In doing so, they transform digitalization into continuous finance improvement programs that deliver tangible results.

Predictive analytics controlling: looking forward instead of backward

Where controlling once revolved around analyzing historical figures, the future now takes center stage. Predictive analytics controlling uses data science and algorithms to identify trends and patterns.

Instead of merely reporting on the past, controllers create financial future scenarios. These scenarios enable CFOs and executives to anticipate market fluctuations, shifts in demand, or geopolitical uncertainty.

The result: faster, better-informed decision-making. Controllers are increasingly becoming architects of the future rather than accountants of the past.

Value creation in finance

Today, controllers are not only concerned with cost management. Their role increasingly involves value creation in finance. By combining financial data with strategic insights, ESG indicators, and non-financial KPIs, controllers contribute to long-term sustainable growth.

This broader responsibility requires strategic decision-making support. Controllers help organizations balance short-term profitability with long-term value — a crucial theme for companies committed to sustainability and corporate responsibility.

Finance resilience: building strength in turbulent times

The past years have shown how vulnerable businesses can be to external shocks. Inflation, energy prices, geopolitical tensions, and new regulations such as CSRD all directly impact financial performance.

Controllers strengthen finance resilience: the robustness of the finance function. Through dynamic risk analysis and advanced performance monitoring, they ensure organizations are prepared for uncertainty and capable of swift adaptation.

The qualities of a strong controller

Controllers play a pivotal role within organizations. This requires a unique mix of qualities and skills:

• Analytical ability to quickly and accurately assess complex issues.

• Financial insight that goes beyond numbers alone.

• Commercial acumen to evaluate trends and market dynamics.

• Leadership to guide finance teams and influence executive decisions.

• Communication skills to make complex numbers understandable.

• Integrity, essential when dealing with sensitive and confidential information.

When does a company need a controller?

For small businesses, a bookkeeper may suffice. But as companies grow — entering new markets, opening multiple locations, or making complex investments — the need for deeper financial expertise arises.

A controller brings structure and clarity, providing insights that go beyond accounting. With KPI-driven steering and strategic business partnering, the controller becomes an indispensable member of the management team.

Develop internally or recruit externally?

The choice between developing an internal controller or recruiting externally depends on context. While talented finance staff may grow into the role, they often lack the broad expertise needed to fully perform it.

Many organizations therefore opt for external professionals. Interim and freelance controllers not only bring expertise but also fresh perspectives, cross-sector experience, and the ability to deliver immediate impact.

Steens & Partners provides access to an exclusive network of the best interim and freelance controllers. Whether you need a business controller for a transformation, a financial controller to deliver year-end accounts, or a project controller to oversee major investments, we connect organizations with professionals who deliver results.

The controller as a pillar of CFO support

CFOs today face increasingly broad agendas. Beyond financial leadership, they are responsible for digitalization, risk management, ESG compliance, and talent development.

Controllers provide essential CFO support, offering strategic decision-making support and enabling CFOs to focus on long-term direction.

The synergy between CFO and controller builds organizations that are both robust and agile — a powerful combination in today’s environment.

Steens & Partners: over 25 years of expertise

For more than 25 years, Steens & Partners has been a trusted partner in connecting organizations with top freelance and interim finance professionals. We are proud to be included multiple years in the MT1000 ranking, recognition of our quality, independence, and client focus.

We believe in the power of professionals who work independently yet always with commitment and substantive value. Together, we build organizations that are not only successful today but ready for tomorrow.

Conclusion

The modern controller is far more than a number-cruncher. They are directors of financial stewardship, architects of data-driven decision-making, experts in predictive analytics controlling, and indispensable sparring partners for CFOs.

Controllers drive value creation in finance, strengthen finance resilience, and help organizations achieve sustainable growth.

At Steens & Partners, we believe the strength of controllers lies in their ability to translate numbers into action, turn risks into opportunities, and help organizations build lasting value. This is why we collaborate with the best interim and freelance controllers in the market — professionals with proven track records who help organizations become stronger, more resilient, and more successful.