Treasurers and Controllers are both financial managers, but they have different roles. Controllers usually concentrate on what has already happened inside a company. They prepare financial statements and other reports based on past activity. Treasurers focus outward and interact with the bankers, shareholders and potential investors who provide capital. In some small businesses, the owner, a controller and an outside accountant might share the financial duties. Controllers focus on the internal workings of organizations. They prepare budgets and supervise accounting and auditing work. They also generate the tax returns and financial statements required by regulators. Controllers monitor whether operational units are meeting deadlines and complying with regulations. Treasurers obtain loans and other credit from outside sources, maintain relationships with banks, raise equity capital, invest company funds and communicate with shareholders. In general, they manage the company's cash and ensure that the company meets the financial goals expressed in the budget. The working activities of Treasurers and Controllers includes to analyzing data or information, getting information, communicating with supervisors, peers, or subordinates, developing objectives and strategies, making decisions and solving problems. The duties of Treasurers and Controllers is to supervise employees performing financial reporting, accounting, billing, collections, payroll, and budgeting duties. They also coordinate and direct the financial planning, budgeting, procurement, or investment activities of all or part of an organization. Develop internal control policies, guidelines, and procedures for activities such as budget administration, cash and credit management, and accounting. Maintain current knowledge of organizational policies and procedures, federal and state policies and directives, and current accounting standards. Prepare or direct preparation of financial statements, business activity reports, financial position forecasts, annual budgets, or reports required by regulatory agencies.

Work Environment

• There are positions for Treasurers and Controllers in all sizes of companies except for the smallest, where owners and outside accountants often perform the necessary financial functions. Treasurers and controllers work in nonprofit organizations and government agencies as well as private sector businesses, especially banks and other financial businesses. Their day-to-day functions include accounting oversight mainly the concern of controllers analysis and reporting. Treasurers tend to specialize in cash management and risk management.