How to hire a part-time driver

An experienced driver can provide considerable benefits for a company, but they often have a high salary range. If your business needs the financial guidance and support of a controller, but also needs to save money, a part-time controller is your answer. Hiring an outsourced controller or CFO for the first time can be difficult to navigate if you’re not sure what to look for in a controller. Read on for the best tips for hiring a part-time driver.

Understand the role of a controller

It is important to understand exactly what a driver can offer your business. When employed in a full-time role, a controller often leads the accounting or finance departments of a company. Both accounts payable and accounts receivable are under its jurisdiction. If your company has a CFO, the controller informs him directly.

When looking for a controller, freelance or full-time, there are certain credentials you must have. Limit your search to drivers with a degree in fields like accounting, business administration, or finance. They must also have a certification as a Certified Public Accountant or Certified Master Accountant. If your business needs an experienced financial advisor, look for professionals with ten or more years of experience. The level of responsibility the controller will have in your organization can help determine how much experience is needed for the position.

How does a controller contribute to the business?

A controller assumes many responsibilities in an organization within the finance and accounting departments. From financial planning and reporting to administrative tasks and financial management, a controller’s responsibilities will depend on your business needs. Common roles and functions include the following.

• Management responsibilities: If you haven’t had a controller or CFO in the past, a part-time controller can help establish the policies and procedures for your accounting team. A controller can select accounting software, establish financial benchmarks for the organization, and manage control systems. These management tasks can set your team up for success, even when the outsourced controller is not on the clock.
• Financial reports: A controller can manage financial statements and reports, including annual updates, reconciliation, budgets, and more. They can provide detailed reports to a board, executives, and investors. The controller can reportedly provide valuable information about the health and future of your organization.
• Company transactions: Accounts payable and accounts receivable are reported to the controller, and payroll is also part of their functions. If you have not had a controller in the past, your part-time controller can establish and maintain your company’s general ledger as well as a filing system.
• Compliance needs: If your company is publicly traded, you must complete filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A controller can submit these reports and ensure compliance on behalf of their organization or CFO. During the audit process, the controller manages the documentation.

Tips for hiring a standalone controller

If you are looking to save money without sacrificing experience, hire a freelance or part-time driver. You only pay for services when they are needed rather than committing to a full-time salary. Independent controllers also tend to have considerable experience in industries and types of businesses, from startups to large organizations.

Set clear expectations

The specific role and responsibilities of a part-time controller will depend on the needs of your organization. Small businesses and startups are often unable to afford the full-time services of a CFO, so a controller takes on that role. If a CFO is currently on staff, a controller can help manage the direction of the accounting department.

Before looking for a driver, determine your business needs. If your team consists of experienced accounting staff, you need a controller that can seamlessly integrate with your existing team. If your team is relatively small or inexperienced, a controller may need to occupy a leadership position.

We decide we have a budget

Outsourced controllers can work by the project or by the hour. When looking for a part-time driver, consider your budget and scope of work. These factors can help you narrow down your search considerably and provide potential candidates with relevant information. If you are hiring a controller for a specific project, an experienced controller can help you estimate the hours required to complete the job.

Look for relevant experience

Limit your search to drivers who have worked with companies within your industry. Industry experience means they are familiar with the policies and procedures necessary to run your business. They can also offer guidance for your finances based on the current state of the industry.

Your controller should also have experience with companies similar to the size and structure of yours. This experience will help them to blend seamlessly into your organization and better understand your needs. Financial best practices, benchmarks, and reporting will also be specific to the size of your company, and prior experience ensures that the controller is up-to-date when they join your team.

Align the software experience

If your business already has preferred accounting software, you should hire a controller who is trained with that software. Hiring based on this criteria can save time and money when it comes to training someone on your software and getting them up to speed. Standalone drivers can also provide valuable guidance on best practices for software and how to maximize your efforts with the resources you already have.

Consider the dynamics of the company

Your independent controller may not spend every day with your team, but it is important that they work well with your staff. Someone who adapts to your team can save time by avoiding unnecessary friction or communication breakdowns. When interviewing drivers, it can be beneficial to introduce them to your team or ask for your team’s opinion on various candidates.

Trust a recruitment service

Professional driver agencies can provide top-notch driver services that meet the needs of your business. With several experienced controllers on staff, agencies likely have consultants who already know their industry and work with similar companies. An agency, like K-38 Consulting, can meet your business needs with the right independent controller.