Financial controllers are experiencing a significant shift in their roles as they move beyond traditional responsibilities like regulatory compliance and incremental efficiencies. In the "Age of And," controllers are increasingly expected to balance short-term performance with long-term value creation, positioning themselves as key strategic advisors within their organizations. According to the 2024 Global EY DNA of the Financial Controller Report, 86% of controllers anticipate a major evolution in their role over the next five years. Nearly 40% of survey respondents believe that their focus will shift from value protection and optimization to value creation, driven by advancements in automation and artificial intelligence.
To thrive in this changing landscape, controllers must embrace emerging technologies such as AI and data analytics to unlock new business opportunities and support transformation efforts. The report emphasizes the need for controllers to develop new skills, apply future-ready technologies, and assume enterprise-level responsibilities. This paradigm shift will not only elevate their standing within organizations but also provide them with the tools to shape the future of the finance function. Whether aspiring to the CFO role or continuing in controllership, these evolving responsibilities present an opportunity for long-term career success in a dynamic business environment.
