From Excel pro to controlling expert: how to optimize your career

Controllers are key players in companies, playing a central role in managing finances and strategic planning. However, many have found themselves in this position by chance or have transitioned from adjacent fields into controlling—often without formal certification or specific training. In this blog post, we will show you how to further professionalize yourself through targeted training, which certifications are worthwhile, and how to advance your career through continuous education.

Certificates and Training: Your Career Boosters

Many controllers have gained practical experience through “learning by doing,” but often lack formal proof of their competencies. A qualification as a “Certified Controller (IHK)” offers an excellent opportunity to acquire in-depth knowledge in areas such as cost accounting, corporate planning, and strategic controlling. This IHK qualification is not only a recognized credential but can also lead to salary increases and better career opportunities.

Specialized seminars provide additional chances to deepen expertise in specific topics, such as digitalization in controlling, data analytics, or business intelligence. These trainings are particularly helpful in closing specific knowledge gaps and qualifying for new tasks within the company.

Expert Recommendation: Many controllers primarily work with Excel to create budget plans and analyses. However, conventional methods quickly reach their limits, especially with increasing complexity and large data volumes.

This is where modern controlling software comes into play: With QVANTUM, reports can be automated and data from various sources integrated. This eliminates manual tasks, minimizes error sources, and frees up more time for strategic activities, such as developing financial strategies and supporting key business decisions. This makes controlling more efficient, positioning you as a central strategic partner within the company.

Part-time Study Programs: Another Option for Professionals in Controlling

For those who want to dive deeper into the subject, part-time study programs like “Finance & Controlling” or “Auditing” are ideal. These programs sharpen strategic and analytical skills without interrupting professional activity, as they are specifically designed for working professionals. In addition to technical training, these programs provide an excellent opportunity to network and exchange ideas with other professionals.

From Practice to Professional: Education Makes the Difference

Many controllers have acquired their knowledge on the job and are familiar with creating budget plans, variance analyses, and financial reports. However, the demands are constantly growing: tasks such as implementing complex financial models or utilizing business intelligence tools like Power BI or specialized controlling software such as SWOT Controlling require advanced expertise and strategic know-how.

A formal qualification like the “Certified Controller (IHK)” not only imparts solid knowledge in areas like strategic controlling but also increases the chances of ascending to higher positions. According to Half , graduates of such programs often have better career prospects and are in demand in the job market. They benefit from salary increases and gain access to strategic tasks that were previously reserved for senior controllers.

A participant in an IHK training program reports: “After my training as a certified controller, I was able to assert my salary expectations and take on strategic projects that I was previously not trusted with. These experiences show that a formal qualification not only serves as a career booster but also strengthens confidence in one’s abilities.

Specialized Training: Fit for Digitalization

As digitalization progresses, the demands in controlling are constantly changing. Training in new technologies like business intelligence, predictive analytics, and artificial intelligence are now core competencies of a modern controller. Software training, such as for ERP systems or reporting tools, is essential to automate processes and make routine tasks more efficient.

Good to Know: With QVANTUM, you are well-prepared for digital transformation. Our software seamlessly integrates data sources and automates report generation. QVANTUM meets the highest German data protection standards and offers preconfigured dashboards with Power BI that allow for ready-to-use analyses without tedious adjustments. This saves you valuable time and enhances the quality of your data-driven decisions.

Practical Experience and Networking: Learning from Others

In addition to formal education, networking with other professionals is an important component of career development. Networks like the International Controller Association (ICV) or platforms like LinkedIn offer valuable contacts and access to professional events to learn about new trends and best practices.

Conclusion: Education as the Key to Professional Development

For many controllers in companies, formal education or certification is a worthwhile investment. Whether through part-time study programs, certificate courses, or specialized training—there are many ways to deepen your knowledge and acquire new competencies.

Efficiency Advantage: With our modern solution, you can optimize your controlling processes and make data-driven decisions more efficiently. QVANTUM is not only state-of-the-art but also provides preconfigured Power BI Dashboards that significantly simplify data analysis.

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Already Successfully Working in Controlling with Tools Like Excel but Hitting Limits?

With QVANTUM, you can optimize your processes, automate reports, and improve data integration to move beyond conventional methods. Contact Us to find out how we can take your controlling to the next level.