The concept of corporate finance upskilling is by no means new. However, upskilling is no longer a strategy you turn to when faced with a challenge such as hiring freezers or talent shortages. The best organizations use upskilling proactively.
One of the best candidates for upskilling within the finance department is the controller. Today’s controllers need to be proficient and confident with AI and digital finance tools so they can embrace their new roles and deliver ongoing value for their organizations. Whether you are a controller who needs to acquire new AI skills or a CFO who wants to level up your team, this upskilling roadmap shows you how.
How the Controller’s Role Is Changing
Controllers are no longer just guardians of the ledger. They are now strategic advisors who interpret financial data to influence executive decision-making. This transformation demands new competencies beyond traditional finance.
Why Traditional Skills Aren’t Enough Anymore
General digital literacy is no longer a competitive edge. It’s expected. Controllers need deeper skills focused on areas like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data storytelling.
AI: A Game-Changer for Controllers
Artificial intelligence can change every aspect of your daily work. AI tools simplify forecasting, promote more accurate anomaly detection, and give you better insights earlier. Controllers must understand AI concepts like supervised learning and predictive analytics to guide adoption and tech investments.
Practical Ways to Learn Artificial Intelligence
Being able to differentiate between useful AI tools and irrelevant or overcomplicated ones is just the beginning. As a controller, you need to learn how to harness the power of AI. Start by taking short, focused courses on upskilling platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning.
Finance-specific webinars with an AI twist are also valuable. They can provide much-needed context and help you understand how artificial intelligence solutions fit into your day-to-day routine.
If your organization has already adopted AI technologies for finance, reach out to the IT department. Ask one of your senior IT members to provide a crash course on using the tools. Record the session or make notes so you can refer back to it later.
Data Storytelling Bridges Analysis and Action
Controllers are expected to transform numbers into digestible insights that the C-suite can understand and apply. However, simply distilling the information into easy-to-understand presentations is no longer enough.
With the right tools, you can tell a story that influences decisions, not just informs them. Data storytelling involves structuring insights into a narrative that resonates with your audience.
Building Better Visuals
Visualization tools like Power BI and Tableau are critical. As a controller, mastering these platforms enables you to design dashboards that condense mountains of data into clear, interactive insights. If your organization is already using one of these visualization tools, focus on sharpening your proficiency. If not, consider lobbying for the adoption of a business intelligence platform.
Using Automation Skills to Save Time and Get More Done
Knowing when and how to automate is now a core competency. Controllers should understand low-code tools and robotic process automation to streamline routine processes.
Take a moment to consider your day-to-day routine. How much time is wasted on redundant tasks? How much more could you achieve by automating the majority of that work?
Experimenting With No-Code Tools
Have you ever wished you could build a tool, application, or feature to support your daily work? The rise of no-code tools allows you to do just that. These drag-and-drop platforms make it possible to create powerful automations and features without the support of IT. Try simple projects like automated report distribution or invoice alerts to streamline your workflows.
Leaning Into Cloud-Based Finance
Cloud-based ERPs and budgeting tools are now the norm. If your organization is already using a cloud-based platform for finance, you should make it your mission to master it. While you don’t need IT-level expertise, you should be capable of evaluating integrations, data flows, and other key processes. Take advantage of vendor-provided training resources and invest in third-party learning courses to expand your skills.
Making Learning a Part of the Culture
Even the most motivated controllers need support to acquire new skills. The CFO and the rest of the C-suite need to make learning a major part of company culture. When controllers realize that the organization values and supports their upskilling journey, everyone wins. And don’t stop with controllers; ensure everyone has the opportunity to grow professionally and expand their skills.
Shifting From Tactical to Transformational
Everyone agrees that artificial intelligence is redefining work as we know it. However, the key to true transformation is to actively upskill controllers to integrate AI into every facet of their daily work. Deploying a single AI solution is tactical. Looking at all of your key responsibilities as opportunities to leverage artificial intelligence paves the way for transformative change.
