CFO vs. Controller: Which to Hire First and When
Written by Harry Prabandham
Curated by Rubric Financial
Last updated
1 / 5
Two Different Jobs
- A controller is the top of your accounting function: backward-looking and internal. Their core question is 'are the numbers right?'
- A CFO is the top of your finance function: forward-looking and external. Their core question is 'what should we do next?'
- The controller owns the monthly close, GAAP accuracy, internal controls, compliance, and the accounting team.
- The CFO owns strategy, fundraising, forecasting, cash and runway management, and board and investor relations.
Go deeper on this topic: CFO vs. Controller: Which Does Your Startup Need First?→
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About the author
Harry PrabandhamFounder & CEO
Founder and CEO of StartupCFO. MBA from Wharton, MS in Computer Science, and decades of experience building and advising venture-backed startups.
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