Goldman Sachs Controllers Finance

Controllers Finance at Goldman Sachs plays a vital role in ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and transparency of the firm’s financial reporting and regulatory compliance. It functions as the financial guardians, responsible for the firm’s internal and external financial information.

The core responsibilities encompass a wide range of activities, including:

• Financial Reporting: Preparing and analyzing financial statements in accordance with US GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) and SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) regulations. This involves consolidating financial data from various business units, ensuring accuracy, and providing insightful analysis to management and external stakeholders. They also manage the preparation of the firm’s annual report.
• Regulatory Reporting: Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements imposed by bodies such as the Federal Reserve and other global regulatory authorities. This necessitates the preparation and submission of numerous regulatory reports, demanding a deep understanding of complex regulations and the ability to adapt to evolving requirements.
• Control Environment: Maintaining and improving the firm’s internal control framework to safeguard assets and prevent fraud. This includes designing and testing internal controls, ensuring adherence to policies and procedures, and identifying and mitigating potential risks.
• Product Control: Providing independent oversight of the firm’s trading activities, ensuring accurate valuation of financial instruments and preventing unauthorized trading. They are responsible for daily profit and loss (P&L) reporting, risk monitoring, and ensuring adherence to regulatory guidelines related to trading activities.
• Tax Compliance and Planning: Managing the firm’s tax obligations, including preparing tax returns, complying with tax laws, and implementing tax-efficient strategies. This requires a thorough understanding of both domestic and international tax regulations.
• Finance Transformation: Actively participate in initiatives to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and scalability of financial processes through automation, standardization, and technology implementation. This can involve system upgrades, process re-engineering, and the adoption of new technologies.

Controllers Finance is staffed by professionals with diverse backgrounds, including Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), Chartered Accountants, and individuals with advanced degrees in finance, accounting, or related fields. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of financial regulations are essential for success in this area.

Working in Controllers Finance at Goldman Sachs provides opportunities for significant professional development. Employees gain exposure to a wide range of financial activities, interact with senior management, and develop expertise in various areas of finance and accounting. The environment is challenging but rewarding, offering a platform for career growth and leadership development within the firm.

The department continually adapts to changes in the financial industry and regulatory landscape. This requires a commitment to continuous learning and a willingness to embrace new technologies and approaches to financial management.