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Treasurers and Controllers might sound like shipmates who guard the loot on a ship at sea, but in reality they are much more prudent. Treasurers and controllers direct financial planning, procurement, and investment strategies that keep businesses not just running, but growing. As a treasurer or controller, you are responsible for managing your organization’s budget, and for developing policies that promote accurate financial documentation, efficient cash and credit management, and ethical investments. You must be aware of federal and state rules, and current accounting standards. These jobs are all about documentation. Financial statements, business activity reports, financial position forecasts, and annual budgets are just a few of the regular, critical methods of recording financial activity that a treasurer must master. Strong writing and math skills are needed to communicate with the regulatory agencies within and outside of your organization. A job as a treasurer or controller demands the specialization of a master’s degree or higher, often in accounting or financial management. Five years of experience in financial management is a typical prerequisite. Treasurers and controllers may not get to work with chests full of gold and rubies, but the organizations that rely on their careful planning and direction are very thankful for the work they do.