DID YOU KNOW?
In the current CHE University Ranking 2023/24, Munich Business School mainly achieves above-average ratings in all ranking categories.
Controlling is a business management term that encompasses various measures and activities aimed at ensuring the planning, management and control of company processes. The aim of controlling is to achieve corporate goals efficiently, make optimum use of resources and ensure profitability. It acts as an instrument for monitoring and controlling operational processes in order to support successful corporate management.
What are the most important tasks of controlling? What are the tasks of the controller?
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Controlling can comprise various sub-areas, such as cost controlling, financial controlling, quality controlling or project controlling. Large companies often have their own controlling department, while in smaller companies these functions can also be performed by other departments.
It is important to emphasize that controlling is not limited to financial aspects, but also includes operational and strategic aspects to enable comprehensive corporate management.
DID YOU KNOW?
The MBS blog offers more information, some interviews and testimonials from alumni who are now working as controllers in large and well-known companies.
E.G.: MBS Alumna Martina Essler Shares Insights Into »Sustainable Product Controlling @ AUDI«
A degree in controlling forms the basis for a successful career in the business management of companies. In order to study this subject successfully, certain prerequisites and personal qualities are of crucial importance. The following lists outline the necessary formal requirements that students should bring with them, as well as the essential qualities and skills that are important for a successful controlling degree.
The following diagram shows that International Business Management and Development is the No. 1 focus of the MBS Bachelor International Business program, with the best career opportunities.
In Germany, there are a large number of degree courses in controlling or related subjects. Here are some of the most popular courses:
It is important to check the exact curricula and content of the respective universities to ensure that the chosen course covers the desired focus in the area of controlling. In addition, part-time or dual study programs also offer the opportunity to combine theory and practice.
At Munich Business School, you can study International Business in the Bachelor's program with a focus on Controlling. This gives you the perfect mix of Business Studies knowledge and experience in corporate management, planning and controlling to shape your future according to your own ideas. These are the most important facts about studying at MBS:
6 Semesters + Bachelor Thesis
Bachelor of Arts, 210 ECTS
Annually in February and September
Bachelor International Business
German/English
Spring Intake 25: 995 EUR per Month
Fall Intake 25: 1.030 EUR per Month
In presence at the campus in Munich
Semester Abroad, Business Project & selectable Specializations
6 Focal Points including International Governance and Business Development
What you will learn in
Controlling Studies
| Financial Management | Analysis and interpretation of financial data, preparation of budgets, cash flow management. |
|---|---|
| Cost Accounting | Application of cost accounting methods to determine and analyze cost structures. |
| Corporate Planning and Control | Development of corporate goals, planning of measures to achieve goals, strategic orientation. |
| Controlling Instruments | Use of controlling instruments such as key figures, balanced scorecard, SWOT analysis. |
| Process Optimization | Identification and optimization of business processes to increase efficiency. |
| Risk Management | Analysis, evaluation and management of risks in the corporate context. |
| IT Controlling | Use of information technology to support controlling processes, implementation of controlling systems. |
| Business Ethics and Compliance | Consideration of ethical aspects and legal guidelines in the context of controlling. |
| Project Management | Application of project management methods in the context of controlling projects. |
| Soft Skills | Development of key skills such as communication, teamwork and presentation techniques. |
When studying Controlling, students acquire a broad range of knowledge and skills aimed at efficiently planning, managing and controlling business processes. The exact course content can vary depending on the university and degree program. This content is intended to ensure that graduates of a controlling degree course have the necessary qualifications to operate successfully as controlling experts in various sectors.
A Business Studies degree with a focus on controlling offers a broader and more comprehensive apprenticeship that takes into account the versatility of business management contexts. Students who choose to study Business Studies not only gain specific expertise in the field of controlling, but also a solid foundation in other business disciplines. This holistic perspective enables graduates to be better able to understand the complex interactions between different business areas.
A Business Studies degree also offers the flexibility to prepare for different career paths. While a specialized controlling degree focuses on the specific techniques and methods of controlling, it may neglect the broader business aspects. A Business Studies degree with a Controlling focus enables students to succeed not only as Controlling specialists, but also in other areas of business management, such as Financial Management, Marketing or Human Resources.
In addition, the combination of Business Studies and Controlling provides a solid basis for management positions. Managers and executives in the corporate environment often need to have a comprehensive understanding of the overall business situation in order to make well-founded decisions. A Business Studies degree with a focus on controlling provides both the necessary technical knowledge in controlling as well as the strategic and analytical skills required for a successful management level.
Munich Business School not only offers you a degree in Business Studies, but also focuses on international business. This provides you with the perfect prerequisite for practicing your chosen profession anywhere in the world after graduation. The Bachelor International Business at MBS offers many highlights such as semesters abroad, business projects, internships, networking opportunities and much more. At Munich Business School, you can expect small study groups, dedicated teachers and award-winning programs. But more importantly, we value you as a person. Here, you are not an anonymous member, but the driving force that motivates us every morning. We take time to listen to your concerns and offer you a tailor-made study experience thanks to our status as a small, private university. Our lecturers have extensive practical experience and teach you skills that really count. In addition to in-depth business knowledge, we also promote values and skills that will give you an understanding of sustainability and social responsibility as a future controller and prepare you perfectly for a wide range of professions.
MBS offers many advantages that are only possible thanks to its status as a private University of Applied Sciences. You will benefit from the following advantages during your studies at MBS:
Small class sizes & further educational opportunities such as the Pre-Bachelor Program
Professors with Experience in Business & Specialists as Guest Lecturers
Finance and Economics in an International Context
Broad Business Studies & specialized Knowledge through focal points
Worldwide Career Opportunities through International Studies
A controlling degree is a business administration course that aims to qualify students in the areas of planning, management and control of business processes. The typical course of study in controlling can vary depending on the university and degree program, but basic elements are usually included.
At the end of the course, students usually receive a Bachelor's degree, e.g. "Bachelor of Science" (B.Sc.) or "Bachelor of Arts" (B.A.), depending on the specific course guidelines. For a more in-depth qualification or an academic career, graduates can also pursue a subsequent Master's degree, such as a Master of Science (M.Sc.) or Master of Arts (M.A.).
The International Business Bachelor program at MBS is not only much more than just learning specialist knowledge, but also a forward-looking program. If you want to look at international business in a holistic context, then you've come to the right place. During your Bachelor of Arts in International Business, our lecturers will support you in becoming a responsible business person who not only has professional competence, but also essential soft skills, a broad cultural understanding and a strong personality.
We firmly believe that success will only be achieved by those who see international business and management in a holistic context, taking into account social developments, political, historical and global contexts.
Our Bachelor in International Business is characterized by its compact structure. It comprises six to seven semesters of study and concludes with a Bachelor's thesis. During your studies, you will complete at least three internships both in Germany and abroad and spend one or two semesters abroad to put your theoretical knowledge into practice and expand your international network.
You can study this program either bilingually in the Bilingual Track (70% German/30% English) or completely in English in the English Track (100% English) to prepare you for global challenges.
The studies at MBS focus on the international market. A large part of the course content is taught in English and MBS students come from all over the world.
Internationality is also expressed through the semester abroad. Students spend the last semester at one of our more than 60 partner universities around the world.
Students work on a business project for a real company. In doing so, they apply the theoretical knowledge gained during their studies in practical applications.
The following diagram shows all the specializations you can choose in the Bachelor International Business program at Munich Business School. This includes Controlling, which is called International Governance and Business Development.
The focus of this specialization is the investigation of a comprehensive, integrated approach to entrepreneurial activity. This includes the management and monitoring of corporate processes as well as the management of risks and the design of target, monitoring and control systems. The focus includes the analysis of business processes, audits and revisions in companies, taking into account not only corporate groups but also the specific challenges of corporate management in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and hidden champions.
This choice of focus opens up a wide range of career prospects in an increasingly complex corporate environment:
Expertise in corporate management and development is particularly valuable in times of rapid corporate decisions and complex risk assessments and offers excellent opportunities for entry and further development in corporations, SMEs as well as in business consultants and auditing and tax consulting firms.
If you have any further questions or need more information, please feel free to contact our student advisory service.
Application
In order to qualify for admission to the business administration and bachelor studies at Munich Business School, you must first meet certain requirements regarding previous schooling and language skills. MBS offers several application rounds and recommends that you submit your application early as the number of places is limited.
There are three admission pathways to the Bachelor’s program at Munich Business School:
Munich Business School also offers a Pre-Bachelor program in International Business as the ideal preparation for bachelor’s-level study.
English Proficiency
Applicants for the Bilingual Track must proof their English language skills by passing one of the following language tests:
Note: If the test is also used to apply for a visa, please check the requirements of the respective embassy in advance.
Test results can only be accepted if achieved within the last two years. If you are unable to obtain your test results before handing in your MBS application, please advise us of your planned test date.
The English proficiency test can be waived by applicants having completed their schooling in English (i.e. US High School Diploma, IB Diploma).
English Proficiency
If you apply for the English Track, you must proof your English language skills by passing one of the following language tests:
Note: If the test is also used to apply for a visa, please check the requirements of the respective embassy in advance.
Test results can only be accepted if achieved within the last two years. If you are unable to obtain your test results before handing in your MBS application, please advise us of your planned test date.
The English proficiency test can be waived by applicants having completed their schooling in English (i.e. US High School Diploma, IB Diploma).
You would like to change university and continue your studies at Munich Business School? We offer Bachelor students the possibility of a transfer to the 2nd or 3rd semester. Previous knowledge in the fields of business administration and management, business law, accounting, mathematics and economics is required. Equivalent study and examination achievements, which have been acquired in an economics program in the basic studies, are counted towards the first two semesters of the bachelor's program at MBS up to a total of 60 ECTS.
Pre-Check of your academic achievements
For a non-binding pre-check of your academic achievements, please submit your curriculum vitae, an official grade confirmation as well as the official module descriptions of the courses you have already completed (with details on ECTS number per course, learning content, number of hours, type of final achievement and learning outcomes). The administrative fee for the Pre-Check is 60 euros. In case of a subsequent application to MBS, the application fee is waived.
Admission requirements
Application deadlines for transfer students
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact our student advisory service.
Application Documents
Online Application
Application Fee
Please transfer the application fee of 60 Euro to:
Munich Business School GmbH
Account 1020132229
Deutsche Kreditbank (Bank Code 120 300 00)
BIC: BYLADEM1001
IBAN: DE23120300001020132229
or via PayPal: paypal@munich-business-school.de
Application Rounds
Upon receipt of the application fee, the Admission Office checks your documents and invites you to a personal interview. You will receive your feedback within three days. Since the number of study places is limited, we recommend an early application. Your application is possible up to one year in advance. You will then submit your school leaving certificate and proof of English language skills by the start of your studies at the latest.
Scholarships
MBS offers partial scholarships to committed prospective students. In order to apply for one of the limited scholarships, please submit a personal statement with your application for a study place. In this statement you convincingly justify your interest in the scholarship program. You can find further information at Scholarships and Financing.
MBS offers application rounds on a monthly basis. You pick one round for your application.
The next application deadlines for a program start in 2025:
Round November: application deadline 15.11. with personal interview in Nov/Dec
Round December: Application deadline 15.12. with personal interview in Dec/Jan
Round January: Application deadline 15.01. with personal interview in Jan/Feb
Round February: Application deadline 15.02. with personal interview in Feb/March – Early Bird Deadline Discount!
Round March: Application deadline 15.03. with personal interview in March/April
The personal interview (approx. 45 minutes) consists of three parts:
You will receive the results of the interview within one week. If you are accepted, the Admission Office will send you your personal study contract. The place of study is then reserved for three weeks. To secure your place of study, you return your signed contract to MBS by e-mail or mail and make a deposit.
Upon acceptance of the study place, you will be required to pay an enrollment fee of 690 Euro (for international students: 1,490 Euro) and a deposit of 1,990 Euro. The latter is offset against the payment installment of your semester fee.
If you are a Non-EU national, you are required to apply for a student visa in order to start your studies in Germany. To obtain a visa invitation letter from Munich Business School, please take the following steps:
1. Hand in your signed study contract and a copy of your passport details page.
2. Transfer the one-time enrollment fee and the deposit of 1,990 Euro. The deposit will be deducted from the first semester tuition installment.
Munich Business School offers attractive scholarships. These are 10 - 50% for the 1st and 2nd Bachelor semester. The application for one of the scholarships is made together with the application for a study place. Further information can be found under "Scholarships and financing".
The program is also aimed at pre-bachelor students.
"I think that anyone who is planning to study Business Studies should consider coming to MBS. You learn in a much more practice-oriented way and are also taught a lot about real processes in companies and the skills you need for them."
Joshua on StudyCHECK
Salaries in controlling can vary greatly and are influenced by a number of factors, including experience, qualifications, company size, industry and geographical location. Here are some rough average figures for Germany:
It is important to note that these figures are averages and that individual salaries can vary greatly. Furthermore, additional benefits such as bonus payments, additional company benefits or performance bonuses can influence the total salary. Industry-specific differences can also have an influence, as salaries tend to be higher in the financial sector than in other sectors, for example. It is advisable to consult current salary studies and market developments on controller salaries to obtain more precise information.
The Munich Business School in Numbers
There are a variety of professions and career opportunities in the field of controlling, as controlling plays a central role in corporate management. The following professions can be found in companies of different sizes and in various industries, such as financial services, manufacturing, retail, healthcare or consulting. The exact title and tasks may vary depending on the company. Here are some professions that can be performed in the field of controlling:
| Controller | Responsible for planning, controlling and monitoring company processes, financial analyses and budgeting. |
|---|---|
| Financial Analyst | Analyzes financial data, prepares reports, forecasts and recommendations for financial decision-making. |
| Cost Accountant | Specialized in cost accounting, determination of production costs and support in pricing. |
| Risk Manager | Identification, evaluation and management of risks in the company in order to minimize financial losses. |
| Business Intelligence Analyst | Analyzes company data to identify trends, patterns and support strategic decisions. |
| Treasury Manager | Responsible for liquidity management, financing and capital procurement. |
| Internal Auditor | Review and monitor internal business processes to ensure compliance with company policies and standards. |
| Controlling Manager | Management and coordination of the controlling department, strategic orientation of controlling in the company. |
| Project Controller | Specialized in the management and monitoring of projects, including cost management and budget control. |
| Controller in Business Consultancy | Advising companies on controlling issues, implementing effective controlling structures and processes. |
In the world of corporate management, controlling tasks play a decisive role by contributing significantly to the strategic orientation, financial stability and sustainable development of companies. The following three professions are not only fascinating, but also essential for effective corporate management. They offer exciting challenges, opportunities for professional development and a contribution to the strategic direction and stability of a company. Let's take a closer look at the controlling tasks involved in these positions and what makes them interesting.
Tasks: The tasks include the development and implementation of controlling instruments, the analysis of key financial figures, the preparation of budgets and the derivation of recommendations for action. The aim is to ensure that the company effectively achieves its financial targets.
Why it's interesting: The activities are extremely varied, from operational analysis to strategic planning. You have the opportunity to actively contribute to the optimization of business processes through analyses and recommendations. The work has a direct influence on the strategic direction of the company and its long-term success.
Tasks: This profession identifies and assesses business risks, develops and implements risk management strategies and monitors and reports risk parameters. They advise management on decisions that take risks into account and help to ensure that the company operates in a stable manner and recognizes opportunities at an early stage.
Why it's interesting: They help companies to manage their risks effectively and act in a stable manner in the long term. Analyzing various risk factors requires a broad perspective and leads to varied activities. By identifying risks, opportunities can be recognized in order to move the company forward.
Tasks: A Junior Controller supports the preparation of financial reports, data preparation and analysis, as well as cost optimization and process improvement projects. They help to ensure that management is provided with sound information in order to make strategic decisions.
Why it's interesting: As a junior controller, you can gain initial experience in controlling and gradually familiarize yourself with the tasks of a controller. The position offers the opportunity to learn from experienced experts and to develop continuously. Even in this position, you can contribute to making the company more efficient and competitive.
DID YOU KNOW?
After an MBS Bachelor's or Master's degree, you can also take up all these professions abroad without any problems.
No, accounting and controlling are not the same thing, although they are related. Accounting, also known as bookkeeping, focuses mainly on recording, documenting and analyzing financial transactions. It includes the preparation of annual financial statements and financial reports. In contrast, controlling refers to the planning, management and monitoring of company processes. It includes strategic aspects such as goal setting, cost management and performance analysis, but goes beyond purely financial accounting by also influencing operational and strategic decision-making processes.
A controlling study program is an educational program that focuses on training students in the planning, management and control of business processes. It offers a comprehensive apprenticeship in Financial Management, Cost Accounting and Strategic Controlling. Students acquire the knowledge and skills to help companies achieve their goals effectively, use resources efficiently, and make well-founded decisions at an operational and strategic level. The study program imparts practical skills that are essential for a career as a controlling expert in various industries.
For a career in controlling, a study in Business Studies or a related course is usually required. Typical degree programs that provide a solid foundation for controlling include Business Studies with a focus on Controlling, Business Information Systems, Corporate Management or Finance. A Bachelor's degree is often sufficient, while some positions may prefer a Master's degree. It is important that the chosen study program covers relevant modules in the field of controlling to ensure a comprehensive apprenticeship in this field.
At Munich Business School, you can study International Business in the Bachelor's and Master's degree programs with corresponding specializations. Munich Business School will also be offering the new Master International Business | Finance program from 2024.
In Financial Management Studies, students acquire sound knowledge of Financial Management, Cost Accounting, Corporate Planning and Control. Students learn to analyze financial data, draw up budgets and apply methods of performance and success evaluation. The study program also teaches skills in using controlling tools and systems. In addition to financial aspects, strategic planning, decision-making and operational management are also covered. Practice-oriented approaches enable students to successfully master complex business management challenges in the field of controlling.
The duration of a Controlling study program can vary depending on the degree chosen. A Bachelor's Program in Controlling usually takes around three to four years. If you are aiming for a Master's degree, you can plan for an additional one to two years of study after completing your Bachelor's degree. The exact duration also depends on the respective study guidelines of the college or university. It is important to note that some students also choose part-time or part-time programs, which can extend the duration of study.
