Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Posting • Audit Trail • Bank Feed

Control Account

Term from Bookkeeping industry explained for recruiters

A Control Account is a summary account in bookkeeping that helps track and verify financial records. Think of it like a master checklist that bookkeepers use to make sure all the detailed transactions match up with the big picture. Common examples include Accounts Receivable Control Account (tracking money owed by customers) and Accounts Payable Control Account (tracking money owed to suppliers). It's similar to having a checking account statement that summarizes all your transactions, which you can compare against individual receipts to make sure everything matches.

Examples in Resumes

Managed Control Account reconciliations for accounts payable and receivable

Implemented new Control Account procedures that improved accuracy by 40%

Supervised monthly Control Account balancing for multiple departments

Typical job title: "Bookkeepers"

Also try searching for:

Bookkeeper Accounting Clerk Accounts Assistant Finance Assistant Accounting Specialist Junior Accountant Accounts Administrator

Where to Find Bookkeepers

Professional Organizations

Online Communities

Job Boards

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle a situation where the control account doesn't match the subsidiary ledger?

Expected Answer: A senior bookkeeper should explain the systematic approach to finding discrepancies, including checking for timing differences, missing entries, and incorrect postings. They should also mention documenting the reconciliation process and implementing preventive measures.

Q: Can you explain your experience in training others on control account management?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate experience in creating procedures, training materials, and mentoring junior staff on proper control account maintenance and reconciliation techniques.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What control accounts do you typically work with and how often do you reconcile them?

Expected Answer: Should mention common control accounts like Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and Inventory, and explain monthly reconciliation processes and importance of regular checking.

Q: How do you ensure accuracy in control account reconciliations?

Expected Answer: Should discuss double-checking entries, using reconciliation worksheets, maintaining proper documentation, and regular review of subsidiary ledgers.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is the purpose of a control account?

Expected Answer: Should explain that a control account provides a summary of related subsidiary accounts and helps verify accuracy of accounting records.

Q: How do you post entries to a control account?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate basic understanding of recording total amounts from journals to control accounts and maintaining subsidiary ledgers for details.