Boolean search string for controller
To find a controller, start with (Controller OR "Financial Controller" OR "Corporate Controller") AND "financial reporting" AND close AND ("internal controls" OR GAAP) and adjust it to the job's required skills.
Accounting terms reduce results about game or industrial controllers; verify team leadership and control ownership.
Edit the pre-filled string
These are starting terms, not a claim that every person in this role must have every listed skill. Search syntax and limits vary by platform and account.
Your Boolean string
Copy into a supported Boolean search field; inspect the results before narrowing further.
Three variations
| Variation | String | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Skills only | "financial reporting" AND close AND ("internal controls" OR GAAP) | Use when the platform has a separate title filter. |
| With location | (Controller OR "Financial Controller" OR "Corporate Controller") AND "financial reporting" AND close AND ("internal controls" OR GAAP) AND Chicago | Chicago is an example. Replace it with the required location or use a location filter. |
| With exclusions | (Controller OR "Financial Controller" OR "Corporate Controller") AND "financial reporting" AND close AND ("internal controls" OR GAAP) NOT game NOT recruiter | Use only after checking false positives. Exclusions can also remove useful profiles. |
Turn a match into a useful pre-screen
Review a sample of profiles for the responsibilities the job actually requires. Add one missing term at a time; record which change improves relevance. A keyword hit is a sourcing lead, not evidence that the person can do the work.
Ask: Describe a close-process or control weakness you identified and how you corrected it. Listen for the candidate's own contribution, the constraints, the result and what remains unverified. Do not paste confidential candidate details into search strings.
Data last reviewed: .
Frequently asked questions
Which title variations should I include?
Start with Controller, Financial Controller, Corporate Controller; inspect a sample of results and keep the titles that match the actual responsibilities.
How do I broaden this search?
Remove the internal controls / GAAP group first, then test one required skill at a time. Keep truly required skills in the screening rubric even if you broaden sourcing.
Does this search establish candidate fit?
No. The string finds profiles containing terms. Verify role-specific evidence in the resume and ask: Describe a close-process or control weakness you identified and how you corrected it.
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