What Is a Controller? Role, Trends & Impact in 2025 Australia

In the fast-paced world of Australian business, robust financial management is more crucial than ever. Behind every successful organisation is a skilled financial controller—the person quietly orchestrating budgets, compliance, and financial strategy. But what exactly does a controller do in 2025, and why has this role become even more essential?

Understanding the Controller’s Core Responsibilities

The financial controller, often just called ‘controller’, sits at the heart of a company’s finance team. Traditionally, controllers have managed the nuts and bolts of accounting: overseeing ledgers, preparing financial statements, and ensuring compliance. In 2025, the scope has broadened. Controllers now act as strategic partners, driving business performance through data and technology.

• Financial reporting: Controllers ensure all statutory and management reports are accurate and timely—essential for ASX-listed companies and SMEs alike.

• Budgeting and forecasting: They lead annual budget cycles, track actuals versus forecasts, and recommend course corrections.

• Compliance and audit: Staying on top of ATO requirements and the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) updates is non-negotiable in 2025, especially with tighter scrutiny on ESG disclosures.

• Process improvement: Controllers deploy automation tools to streamline invoicing, payroll, and reconciliations, freeing up time for analysis.

• Team leadership: As finance teams go hybrid, controllers are responsible for upskilling staff and building collaborative, tech-savvy cultures.

How the Controller Role Is Evolving in 2025

The controller’s job is no longer limited to number crunching. Here’s how the role is transforming in response to recent trends and policy changes:

• Digital transformation: With the uptake of AI-driven finance tools and cloud-based ERPs, controllers are becoming technology champions, integrating data analytics into everyday decision-making.

• ESG reporting: The 2025 expansion of mandatory climate-related financial disclosures (in line with Australian Government sustainability reporting reforms) means controllers are now central to gathering, verifying, and reporting non-financial data.

• Risk management: Controllers are the first line of defence against fraud, cyber threats, and regulatory breaches. They establish internal controls and ensure readiness for evolving ASIC and ATO audits.

• Strategic influence: As CFOs focus more on external relations and big-picture strategy, controllers are stepping up as the operational backbone—translating strategy into actionable plans and measurable KPIs.

For example, a mid-sized Melbourne manufacturer recently appointed a controller to spearhead a digital migration project, resulting in a 30% reduction in manual processing errors and faster month-end closes. In the retail sector, controllers are leading the charge on real-time inventory and cash flow analytics, critical for navigating supply chain volatility.

Why Every Growing Australian Business Needs a Controller

Whether you’re scaling a startup, running an established family business, or managing a listed company, a skilled controller provides more than just compliance—they create value. Here’s how:

• Financial clarity: Controllers bring transparency to financial health, enabling better investment and expansion decisions.

• Stronger governance: With the Australian government tightening corporate governance standards and whistleblower protections in 2025, having a controller helps protect your business from reputational and legal risks.

• Operational efficiency: By automating routine tasks and optimising processes, controllers free up resources for growth initiatives.

• Data-driven insights: Controllers synthesise financial and operational data, equipping leadership teams with the insights needed to pivot quickly in uncertain markets.

Recruitment data for 2025 shows demand for controllers is rising across all sectors, with particular strength in fintech, health, and resources. Salaries reflect the expanding remit, with experienced controllers commanding upwards of $160,000 per annum, especially in Sydney and Brisbane.

The Bottom Line

In 2025, the controller’s desk is where financial discipline meets strategic agility. As Australian businesses grapple with digital disruption, regulatory shifts, and the push for sustainable growth, the controller is no longer just the gatekeeper of the books—they are a driver of transformation. If your business is ready to scale or adapt to new challenges, investing in a strong controller could be your smartest financial move this year.