How to Hire a Part Time Driver

An experienced controller can provide considerable benefits to a company, but often comes with 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 a first-time outsourced controller or CFO 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.

Understanding the role of a controller

It’s important to understand exactly what a controller can offer your business. When employed in a full-time role, a controller often heads a company’s accounting or finance departments. Both accounts payable and accounts receivable fall under its jurisdiction. If your company has a CFO, the controller reports directly to him.

When looking for a driver, freelance or full-time, there are certain credentials you must have. Narrow your search to drivers with a degree in areas 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 the needs of your business. 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 you set your accounting team’s policies and procedures. A controller can select accounting software, set financial benchmarks for the organization, and manage control systems. These management duties can set your team up for success, even when the outsourced controller isn’t working.
• Financial reports– A controller can manage financial statements and reports, including annual updates, reconciliations, budgets, and more. They can provide detailed reports to a board, executives, and investors. The controller can reportedly provide valuable insight into the health and future of your organization.
• company transactions: Report accounts payable and accounts receivable to the controller, and payroll also falls within its functions. If you have not had a controller in the past, your part-time controller can establish and maintain your company’s general ledger and filing system.
• compliance needs: If your company is publicly traded, you must complete filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A controller can file these reports and ensure compliance on behalf of your organization or CFO. During the audit process, the controller manages the documentation.

Tips for hiring a freelance driver

If you’re looking to save money without sacrificing experience, hire a freelance or part-time driver. You only pay for services when they are needed instead of committing to a full-time salary. Independent controllers also tend to have considerable experience in all industries and types of businesses, from start-ups 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 often cannot 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 controller, determine your business needs. If your team is made up of experienced accounting staff members, you need a controller that can seamlessly fit in with your existing equipment. If your team is relatively small or inexperienced, a controller may need to take a leadership position.

Decide on a budget

Outsourced drivers can work by project or by the hour. When looking for a part-time driver, keep your budget and scope of work in mind. These factors can help you narrow your search considerably and provide relevant information to potential candidates. If you’re hiring a controller for a specific project, an experienced controller can help you estimate the hours needed to complete the job.

Search 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 your size and structure. This experience will help them fit seamlessly into your organization and better understand your needs. Financial best practices, benchmarks, and reports will also be specific to the size of your company, and prior experience ensures the controller is up to speed when they join your team.

Align the software experience

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

Consider company dynamics

Your freelance controller may not spend every day with your team, but it’s important that they work well with your staff. Someone who fits in with your team can save time by avoiding unnecessary friction or miscommunication. When interviewing controllers, it may be beneficial to introduce them to your team or ask your team’s opinion on various candidates.

Trust a recruitment service

Professional driver agencies can provide top-notch driver services that meet your business needs. With multiple experienced controllers on staff, agencies are likely to 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.