Management Controller – Budget monitoring

I’m currently a management controller at Crédit Agricole Consumer Finance, where I monitor the budgets of the various departments of the France business unit. I contribute to the process that consists in making sure that the company does not spend more than what it is entitled to spend. In this capacity, I’m therefore not only the guardian of the temple, but also the advisor to directors and business managers whom I help to optimise the use of their budget.

My job is very horizontal: if there is no dialogue with the management of the business lines, it is difficult to understand the reasons for their expenditure and the economic explanations. The team that I assist is made up of five men and three women from very diverse backgrounds.

How would you describe your position?

My job consists in leading the budget construction process and analysing the “budget/actual” variance each month in conjunction with the business line managers. These tasks are combined with a reporting activity for the group. Even if gender parity is not fully observed in my team, the management control activity is fairly mixed across the France BU. I would say that this is also the case on the market. Each person brings his or her own experience and touch to the way we carry out our missions.

What are the peak periods of your job during the year?

The tempo of the management controller’s job is modelled on that of accounting closing periods and is very fast-paced. The budget construction period is the peak period of activity. Like all my colleagues, I adapt my working hours to my workload and family organisation.

Can you describe your typical day?

My typical day starts with the reading and processing of emails, and then in general, the members of my team meet around a coffee to “kick off the day”. Each person then alternates between work meetings to gather and share the information required for activity monitoring and the preparation of reporting material.

The lunch break is a moment of respite, a time to get together with members of one or more management teams before getting back to work. Depending on your tastes, the programme includes jogging, singing, gym, brisk walking, shopping or simply lunch. My typical day usually ends with an update of the things to do the next day or to be scheduled. I organise myself so I get home in time for my children’s dinner and share a bedtime story.

What career path is required to reach your position and what are the possibilities for development?

After studying management and working for an audit firm, I joined Crédit Agricole Consumer Finance in management control, first in the Financial Studies team and then in the Budget Monitoring team. Through the various assignments carried out, I have consolidated my theoretical knowledge and developed a cross-functional approach which has enabled me to discover a very wide range of professions in the company.

I think that my experience will enable me to move on to other finance jobs or other functions, probably initially in a support role in other departments. As a father of two, I try to strike a balance between my personal and professional life.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of taking up a similar position?

Anyone who likes numbers, gap analysis, working on a variety of subjects, does not shy away from a well-filled Excel file and appreciates exchanges with different departments may be interested in management control. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a man or a woman: your experience, interpersonal skills and ability to analyse an economic situation are your assets in this job!

How do you see the company’s progress in terms of diversity?

I feel a real commitment to entrench gender diversity as a factor of value for teams and the company. There is, however, still work to be done to change mentalities, to fight against prejudices and/or stereotypes. That is why I joined a group of men and women who want to set up a gender equality network.