Product Controller Roles in Financial Services

SPECIALISMS
SPECIALISMS

If you are looking for a route into front office support in investment banking and trading environments, then a Product Controller role may be for you. These roles ensure accurate P&L reporting, risk control, and valuation of complex financial products and can be ideal for more technically minded ACA graduates.

Key Insights

Product Control is a niche but in-demand area that requires a high degree of technical accuracy and a strong analytical mindset. Roles are usually based in investment banks and trading houses.

£55k–£75k

Typical salary for newly qualified product controllers.

Role Responsibilities

Product Controllers act as the link between traders, finance, and risk teams. They bring together large amounts of information and monitor and report trading desk performance, analyse daily Profit & Loss (P&L), reconcile positions, and ensure adherence to valuation policies.

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Qualifications and Skills

Along with an ACA qualification, Product Controller roles also require:
  • Strong Excel and systems (e.g. VBA, SQL)


  • Understanding of financial products (derivatives, FX, etc.)

  • Communication skills to manage front-office relationships

  • Attention to detail

Where This Role Can Take You

Product control roles often lead to VP-level finance positions, trading desk advisory, or roles within risk and treasury. They are also a strong platform for transitioning into front-office roles for those with the right commercial drive.
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Career Resources

Explore advice and insights tailored to ACA professionals building a career in Product Control roles.
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Product Controller Roles in Industry & Commerce

SPECIALISMS
SPECIALISMS

Product Controller roles in Industry & Commerce offer ACA-qualified professionals the opportunity to support commercial decision-making through product profitability analysis, cost allocation, and performance tracking. These positions bridge finance and operations in manufacturing, technology, and consumer goods companies.

Key Insights

While traditionally associated with financial services, Product Controller roles are emerging in commercial sectors where complex product portfolios require specialised financial oversight and analysis.

£55k–£75k

Typical salary for newly qualified product controllers in commercial sectors.

Growth Sectors

Include technology companies, manufacturing businesses with diverse product lines, and consumer goods firms.

Increasing Importance

As businesses focus on granular product-level profitability and performance metrics.

Role Responsibilities

Product Controllers in Industry & Commerce track product profitability, develop cost allocation methodologies, support pricing decisions, and provide financial insights to product development teams.

They work closely with operations, marketing, and product management to ensure financial visibility and control across the product lifecycle.

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Qualifications and Skills

In addition to an ACA qualification, commercial Product Controller roles require:
  • Strong cost accounting knowledge

  • Experience with product lifecycle analysis

  • Advanced Excel and data analysis skills

  • Understanding of manufacturing or technology product development processes

  • Ability to communicate financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders

Where This Role Can Take You

Product control in Industry & Commerce can lead to roles in commercial finance leadership, product strategy, or operational finance. These positions provide valuable exposure to both financial control and commercial decision-making, creating pathways to Finance Business Partner or commercial leadership roles.
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Career Resources

Explore advice and insights tailored to ACA professionals building a career in Product Control roles.
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Financial Accountant Roles
in Financial Services

SPECIALISMS
SPECIALISMS

Financial accounting roles, including Group Accountants and Financial Reporting Accountants, are a key entry point for ACA-qualified professionals moving into Financial Services.

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