I’ve been a Controller for 12 years.

Anonymous

September 9,2022 at 5:38PM UTC

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I’ve been a Controller for 12 years. At least that was my title. In my role while managing the accounting team, I also handled HR, rallied the management team, handled all business contract negotiation, insurance negotiation, and business finances as well as the owners finances. After Covid I was burnt out. I gave notice and decided to stay home for awhile. Now I’m trying to figure out my next career move.

I want to take a step back and narrow down my job duties. I don’t want to manage people and I don’t want to handle HR. I’d like to have a position where I can work a few days a week from home.

I’m interested in what the feeling is if I do not put my job title on my résumé…? I’m concerned this will pigeonhole me into another controller position when I really want to do is more financial analysis and/or project work.

Thoughts?

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AnonymousSeptember 9,2022 at 6:58PM UTC
I'd match the job title on new resumes you send out to mirror the positions you're applying for. Your past experience doesn't need to dictate what you do in the future, even if you list it. Above your resume's experience section, include a skills section, focusing on those that you'd like to continue using. For past roles, despite the job title, highlight those same skills. I'd once noted, "Art Director (functioning as Creative Director)" on a particular past role on my resume to make the full scope of my role clear. That past boss wouldn't promote my title, despite increasing my responsibilities to include those higher-level tasks for years. So you can qualify a past role/title to explain various or additional duties, even if they're not typical of that role. Different companies often have different definitions or responsibilities for job titles, anyway, so you're free to define what your roles were and what you're now looking for.
AnonymousSeptember 9,2022 at 10:54PM UTC
You were the company's General Manager. Use that or similar title. It's more descriptive of your role.