The function of the corporate controller has come a long way from its beginning, when controllers were charged simply with the recording of business transactions. Today's controller must be equal parts accountant, manager, computer expert, and detective and must fulfill these roles with resources reduced to match the lean and mean tenor of the times. Yet few if any books on the subject go beyond the standard accounting functions to offer advice on the management of these diverse responsibilities. The Controller's Function provides guidance and advice on every aspect of the position and pays special attention to those areas not generally addressed in the literature. A strong emphasis is placed on recent technological developments that can increase the speed, accuracy, and efficiency with which specific tasks are completed. Controllers will learn how to:Institute quick-closing procedures and supply last-period results more quicklyEstablish an on-line perpetual inventory system that reduces the need for a year-end physical inventorySelect the optimal accounting software for the job at handMake the most of activity-based costing, manufacturing cells, and electronic data interchangeOther topics of special importance include an overview of internal control and business planning functions; spotting and preventing fraud; designing control systems; developing business plans, long-range financial plans, and annual budgets; installing and maintaining accounting, data collection, and internal control software; disaster recovery planning; and more. Easy-to-use tables and checklists help organize tasks, streamline activities, and monitor progress.For company controllers, assistant controllers, and financial executives, The Controller's Function is both an important source of useful, innovative ideas and a handy quick reference for day-to-day use. It is also an indispensable guide for financial analysts, internal auditors, public accountants, and anyone concerned with company financial and accounting operations.Finally, a book that goes beyond the purely technical aspects of the job and examines the controller's duties and responsibilities in a variety of areas:Internal control and auditingStrategic planningAnnual and long-range financial planningSales and distribution expensesDirect labor, material, and overhead cost analysisResearch and developmentGeneral and administrative expensesCash and investmentsReceivables and inventoryClosing proceduresPerformance measurements and trendsTaxes and insuranceComputer hardware and software trends and selectionAnd much more