Question 1

How is modern controlling evolving in the context of digital transformation?

Accepted Answer

Modern controlling is undergoing a profound transformation in the context of digital transformation, fundamentally changing both methods and the role and self-conception of controlling.📊 From Data Supplier to Business Partner• Evolution of the controller role from pure reporter to strategic advisor• Time allocation: reduction of data preparation from 70% to under 30% of working time• Shift in focus toward analysis, interpretation, and proactive advisory• Expanded competency profile: combination of business understanding, technology competence, and communication skills• Increasing involvement in strategic decision-making processes (in 65% of leading companies)💻 Technological Drivers and Enablers• Advanced analytics and big data for unlocking large, unstructured data volumes• Process mining for transparent end-to-end process analysis and optimization• Artificial intelligence for forecasting models and anomaly detection• Robotic process automation for automating repetitive controlling tasks• In-memory computing for real-time analyses of complex data sets🔄 Methodological Evolution• From rigid annual planning to flexible rolling forecasts (reduction of planning effort by 30–50%)• Agile management methods with shorter control cycles and adaptive planning• Predictive and prescriptive analytics instead of pure reporting of historical data• Self-service BI for democratizing data analysis within the organization• Integrated planning instead of isolated departmental planning (increases planning accuracy by 25–35%)🔭 Future Perspectives and Transformation Challenges• Ethical dimension: responsible handling of algorithm-based decisions• Skills gaps: building data science and digital capabilities within the controlling team• Organizational adaptation: establishing centers of excellence for advanced analytics• Technological integration: harmonizing legacy systems with modern tools• Change management: overcoming resistance to data-driven decision-making

Question 2

What are the most important KPIs for effective corporate controlling?

Accepted Answer

Selecting appropriate KPIs is critical to effective controlling, with the specific composition varying depending on industry, business model, and strategic orientation.

💰 Financial Performance Indicators

• EBITDA margin: core metric for operational profitability (benchmark: industry-dependent, typically 10–25%)

• Cash Conversion Cycle (CCC): efficiency of working capital management

• Return on Invested Capital (ROIC): capital return relative to cost of capital (WACC)

• Free cash flow: available funds after investments for debt repayment or distributions

• Economic Value Added (EVA): actual value creation after accounting for cost of capital

🏭 Operational Performance Indicators

• Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE): total plant effectiveness (world-class level: >85%)

• Perfect Order Rate: error-free order processing from placement to delivery

• Capacity Utilization: utilization rate of available capacities

• Order-to-Cash Cycle Time: throughput time from order receipt to payment receipt

• Cost per Unit: unit costs as a basis for pricing and margin calculation

👥 Customer and Market Perspective

• Customer Lifetime Value (CLV): long-term value contribution of a customer

• Net Promoter Score (NPS): willingness to recommend (excellence: >50)

• Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC): investment required to acquire a new customer

• Market Share: share of the relevant total market and its development

• Churn Rate: customer attrition and its financial impact (target value typically <5%)

🔄 Forward-Looking and Strategic Indicators

• Innovation Rate: revenue share from products introduced in the last 2–

3 years

• Time-to-Market: duration from product idea to market launch

• Digital Adoption Rate: usage rate of digital channels and offerings

• Employee Engagement Score: employee engagement as a leading indicator of business success

• Sustainability Metrics: ESG metrics with increasing influence on company valuation

Question 3

What are the best practices for implementing an integrated planning system?

Accepted Answer

Implementing an integrated planning system requires a comprehensive approach that addresses not only technical aspects but also organizational and cultural factors.🏗️ Conceptual Foundations and Architecture• Top-down and bottom-up integration: harmonization of strategic objectives with operational planning• Driver-based planning: focus on key value drivers rather than detailed individual line items (reduces planning complexity by 30–50%)• Shared data model for all planning areas with consistent definitions• Modular structure with flexible planning levels and horizons• Scenario capability with consistent recalculation of changes across all planning modules⚙️ Technological Implementation• Central planning platform with consistent data management and authorization concept• Workflow management for structured planning processes and approvals• Version control for traceability of different planning versions• Simulation engine for what-if analyses and sensitivity assessments• Self-service functionalities for business units with user-friendly interfaces👥 Organizational Integration and Change Management• Clear process responsibilities and timelines for the planning cycle• Involvement of all relevant stakeholders from business units and management• Intensive training and ongoing support for planners and users• Phased rollout with quick wins at the start of the implementation process• Cultural shift from isolated Excel solutions to a collaborative planning philosophy🔄 Continuous Improvement and Success Measurement• Regular plan-actual comparisons to improve planning accuracy• Systematic post-planning reviews for process optimization• Metrics for measuring planning efficiency (e.g., planning duration, resource usage)• Adjustment of planning parameters based on market changes and business dynamics• Continuous expansion and refinement of the planning model

Question 4

How can controlling contribute to the execution of corporate strategy?

Accepted Answer

Controlling plays a key role in operationalizing and managing the execution of corporate strategy, bridging the gap between strategic vision and operational reality.🎯 Strategic Alignment and Target System• Translation of corporate strategy into measurable objectives and metrics• Development of a strategy map with cause-and-effect relationships between strategic goals• Cascading of strategic objectives across different organizational levels• Creating transparency about strategic priorities throughout the organization• Alignment of functional strategies with the overall corporate strategy (improves strategy execution by 40–60%)📊 Monitoring and Performance Management• Development of a strategic KPI system (e.g., Balanced Scorecard)• Regular tracking of leading and lagging indicators• Early warning system for deviations from strategic target paths• Performance dialogues for constructive discussion of strategic progress• Systematic management of strategic initiatives and measures💰 Resource Allocation and Prioritization• Strategy-aligned capital allocation through strategic investment screening• Linking budgeting and strategy (strategy-aligned budgeting)• Portfolio management for strategic initiatives based on value contribution and strategic fit• Opportunity cost analyses for competing resource requirements• Strategic value contribution analyses for business units and product lines🔄 Strategic Learning and Adaptation• Systematic analysis of plan variances and strategic assumptions• Facilitation of strategic review meetings with fact-based input• Identification of new strategic opportunities and risks• Development of scenarios for strategic adjustments• Implementation of a structured strategic learning cycle

Question 5

What role does controlling play in a company's risk management?

Accepted Answer

Controlling plays a central role in the risk management process by bringing quantitative methods, systematic processes, and an integrated view of opportunities and risks into corporate management.🔍 Risk Identification and Analysis• Development of a structured risk inventory and risk classification• Quantitative risk assessment with probabilities of occurrence and loss potentials• Scenario analyses to examine risk interdependencies• Monte Carlo simulations for complex risk modeling• Risk aggregation at various organizational levels (reduces risk exposure by 25–35%)📈 Integration into Planning and Management Processes• Risk consideration in strategic and operational planning• Development of risk-adjusted metrics (e.g., risk-adjusted return on capital)• Incorporation of risk indicators into management dashboards• Risk-oriented resource allocation and investment evaluation• Implementation of stress tests and sensitivity analyses for planning🛡️ Risk Mitigation Strategies and Measures• Cost-benefit analyses of risk mitigation measures• Development of a balanced portfolio of risk mitigation strategies• Controlling of risk transfer (insurance, derivatives, contract design)• Monitoring of the implementation and effectiveness of risk controls• Management of the residual risk profile after risk mitigation measures📋 Risk Reporting and Governance• Development of integrated risk reports for different stakeholders• Establishment of an early warning system with leading risk indicators• Support in fulfilling regulatory risk management requirements• Analysis of risk culture and risk awareness within the organization• Ensuring consistency between internal and external risk reporting

Question 6

How can controlling contribute to ESG integration (Environmental, Social, Governance) in corporate management?

Accepted Answer

Controlling plays a key role in the systematic integration of ESG factors into corporate management by providing methods for quantifying, managing, and reporting on sustainability aspects.📊 Measurement and Data Foundation• Development of an ESG KPI system with clear definitions and measurement procedures• Integration of ESG data into existing data architectures (reduces reporting effort by 30–40%)• Implementation of systematic data collection processes for ESG indicators• Quality assurance and validation of sustainability-related data• Establishment of a single source of truth for ESG reporting (prevents inconsistencies in 85% of companies)🔄 Integration into Planning and Management Processes• Incorporation of ESG objectives into strategic and operational planning• Development of sustainability budgets and investment programs• Integration of ESG factors into investment evaluations and business cases• Implementation of ESG-related scenario analyses and stress tests• Extension of performance management systems to include ESG dimensions📑 Reporting and Compliance• Implementation of regulatory reporting requirements (EU Taxonomy, CSRD, TCFD)• Design of integrated internal and external ESG reporting• Development of ESG dashboards for management and operational units• Ensuring double materiality in reporting• Support in external validation and audit processes💼 Business Case and Value Creation Perspective• Quantification of the ROI of sustainability initiatives• Identification of ESG-related cost reduction potential (typically 10–15% for energy and resources)• Analysis of sustainability risks and their financial implications• Assessment of ESG opportunities and new business models• Measurement of the impact of ESG performance on financing costs and capital markets

Question 7

What role does cost and performance accounting play in modern controlling?

Accepted Answer

Cost and performance accounting remains a central instrument of controlling in the digital age, but is undergoing significant evolution in terms of methodology, technology, and strategic orientation.🏗️ Methodological Foundations and Evolution• Further development of classical full-cost accounting toward flexible marginal cost approaches (marginal planned cost accounting, contribution margin accounting)• Process-oriented cost accounting for more causation-appropriate cost allocation• Time-driven activity-based costing for complex business models with variable process flows• Resource consumption accounting as an integration of resource and capacity management• Target costing and life cycle costing for long-term product economics (improves product profitability by 15–25%)📈 Strategic Decision Support• Make-or-buy analyses based on differentiated cost assessments• Product portfolio optimization through multi-dimensional contribution margin accounting• Pricing and pricing strategies based on sound cost analyses• Variant management and complexity cost analyses• Margin simulations and minimum price calculations under capacity constraints🔄 Operational Performance Management• Real-time variance analyses for proactive countermeasures• Flexible budget adjustment mechanisms under changing conditions• Value stream analyses for continuous process optimization• Capacity planning and management models for optimal resource utilization• Integrated cost-benefit analyses for efficiency programs and investments💻 Technological Transformation• Automated cost capture and allocation through IoT and sensor technologies• Predictive costing for forward-looking cost forecasts using AI algorithms• In-memory technologies for multidimensional cost analyses in real time• Digital twins for process and cost simulations prior to physical implementation• API-based cost management systems with integration into operational systems

Question 8

How can companies implement an effective rolling forecast system?

Accepted Answer

An effective rolling forecast system requires more than just a methodological change in the planning horizon — it encompasses far-reaching changes in processes, technologies, and not least the planning culture.

🎯 Conceptual Design and Architecture

• Definition of the optimal forecast horizon (typically 4–

6 quarters on a rolling basis)

• Determination of appropriate update frequencies (usually monthly or quarterly)

• Determination of granularity levels (detailed for near periods, more aggregated for distant time frames)

• Establishment of a driver-based forecasting model instead of detailed bottom-up planning

• Determination of appropriate aggregation levels based on relevance and management logic (reduces planning effort by 40–60%)

🔄 Process Design and Governance

• Streamlining of planning processes with clear responsibilities and timelines

• Integration of forecast, planning, and budgeting processes

• Implementation of an efficient approval and review process

• Development of escalation and decision mechanisms for target deviations

• Agreement on clear rules for forecast adjustments and target compliance

💻 Technological Implementation and System Integration

• Implementation of a flexible planning platform with rolling forecast functionality

• Integration of financial data and operational performance indicators on a single platform

• Automated data updates from relevant source systems (reduces manual entries by 70–80%)

• Simulation of various scenarios with what-if analysis functions

• Self-service dashboard for continuous performance monitoring

🧠 Cultural Change and Change Management

• Transition from an annual budget mentality to a continuous management philosophy

• Focus on performance improvement rather than budget compliance at any cost

• Development of an error and learning culture for continuous forecast improvement

• Training and coaching of participants in the new planning approach

• Adaptation of incentive systems and performance evaluation to rolling forecast logic

Question 9

What are the areas of application for process controlling and how is it implemented?

Accepted Answer

Process controlling is a key element of modern corporate management that creates transparency over operations, identifies optimization potential, and continuously improves the efficiency and effectiveness of business processes.🔍 Analysis and Transparency• Process documentation and modeling as the foundation for transparency• Identification of process owners and responsibilities• Implementation of process mining for data-based process analysis• Conducting process assessments and maturity level analyses• Value stream mapping to visualize value chains and waste (typically identifies 20–30% non-value-adding activities)📊 Metrics and Performance Measurement• Development of process-specific KPIs (throughput time, error rate, cost per process unit)• Implementation of end-to-end process metrics across functional boundaries• Development of a process dashboard for continuous monitoring• Definition of process SLAs for internal and external service processes• Benchmarking of process KPIs (internally between units and externally against competitors)💰 Cost Analysis and Economic Viability• Process-oriented cost accounting for causation-appropriate cost allocation• Time-driven activity-based costing for complex, variant-rich processes• Capacity analyses to identify bottlenecks and overcapacities• Process cost comparisons of different process variants• Return-on-process-investment for process optimization initiatives (typical ROIs: 200–300%)🔄 Management and Continuous Improvement• Implementation of process governance structures• Integration of process objectives into management systems and incentives• Establishment of a continuous process improvement cycle (PDCA)• Establishment of process performance reviews at management level• Process innovation through systematic technology evaluation and adoption

Question 10

How is artificial intelligence changing controlling and which use cases are particularly relevant?

Accepted Answer

Artificial intelligence is fundamentally transforming controlling by automating operational processes and opening up new possibilities for analysis, forecasting, and decision support.🔍 Predictive Analytics and Forecasting• AI-based revenue and earnings forecasts with higher accuracy (typically 25–40% more precise than traditional methods)• Anomaly detection in financial data for early identification of deviations• Cash flow forecasts incorporating external factors and seasonality• Churn prediction for early detection of customer attrition risks• Simulation of market scenarios with multivariate modeling🤖 Process Automation and Efficiency Gains• Automated data capture and validation using NLP and computer vision• Intelligent document processing with automatic posting and approval processes• Automated creation of standard reports and analyses (saves 70–80% of manual preparation time)• Dynamic resource allocation based on AI algorithms• Continuous close instead of traditional periodic closings💡 Prescriptive Analytics and Decision Support• Automated root cause analyses for plan variances• Optimization algorithms for complex trade-off decisions• Decision support systems with AI components for investment decisions• Algorithmic price optimization considering multiple variables• ML-based portfolio optimization for products, projects, and investments📱 Advanced User Experience and Interaction• Natural language interfaces for intuitive data queries ("conversational analytics")• Automated report commentary and interpretation of metrics• Personalized dashboards with adaptive information presentation• Augmented analytics with automatic detection and visualization of relevant insights• Virtual assistants for controllers with context-sensitive support functions⚠️ Implementation Challenges and Success Factors• Data quality and availability as critical success factors• Need for interdisciplinary teams from controlling, data science, and IT• Ethical framework conditions for algorithmic decisions• Integration into existing controlling processes and systems• Continuous learning approach for ongoing model improvement

Question 11

How do you design effective project controlling?

Accepted Answer

Effective project controlling is a central success factor for the timely, on-budget, and high-quality execution of projects of all types and sizes.🏗️ Organizational Anchoring and Governance• Clear definition of project controlling roles (project controller, PMO, project manager)• Establishment of formalized escalation paths for target deviations• Establishment of a regular project review process with decision-makers• Integration of project controlling into the project governance structure• Ensuring the independence of project controlling from operational project management📊 Metrics and Measurement Systems• Implementation of earned value management for integrated performance, schedule, and cost control• Establishment of forward-looking KPIs (Schedule Performance Index, Cost Performance Index)• Development of project-type-specific KPI systems (IT, construction, R&D, etc.)• Use of milestone trend analyses for early detection of schedule risks• Implementation of resource utilization metrics for capacity-critical resources🔄 Management Processes and Cycles• Establishment of a tiered reporting system (daily/weekly/monthly reports)• Implementation of a systematic forecast process with regular updates• Development of a structured change management process (change request process)• Establishment of stage-gate processes with defined decision points• Integration of risk and opportunity management into project management💻 Tools and Technologies• Implementation of suitable project controlling software with dashboarding functionality• Integration of project management and ERP systems for a consistent data foundation• Automation of standard analyses and reports to increase efficiency• Use of collaboration platforms for transparent information exchange• Use of predictive analytics for forward-looking project forecasts (increases forecast accuracy by 30–40%)

Question 12

How can you build effective investment controlling?

Accepted Answer

Effective investment controlling ensures that capital allocations are made in line with strategy, investment decisions are based on sound analyses, and expected returns are actually realized.📋 Strategic Alignment and Prioritization• Development of a strategy-driven investment portfolio management approach• Implementation of a multi-stage screening process for investment requests• Establishment of clear prioritization criteria (strategic fit, return, risk, resource availability)• Definition of investment categories with differentiated decision processes• Integration of ESG criteria into the investment evaluation process (increasingly critical to success)💰 Valuation Methods and Decision-Making• Combination of financial and non-financial evaluation criteria• Application of risk-adjusted net present value methods (risk-adjusted NPV, RADR)• Implementation of Monte Carlo simulations for sensitivity analyses• Consideration of real options for investments with flexibility value• Development of industry-specific valuation models with relevant KPIs (improves investment returns by 15–25%)🔍 Monitoring and Tracking• Development of a systematic post-implementation review process• Implementation of regular target-actual comparisons of investment returns• Development of early warning indicators for at-risk investments• Establishment of a structured lessons-learned process• Continuous tracking of strategic benefits beyond financial ROI🏢 Organizational Anchoring• Establishment of an investment committee with C-level participation• Clear definition of decision-making authorities and approval thresholds• Integration into budgeting and strategy processes• Establishment of investment controllers as an independent function• Development of an investment governance framework with transparent rules and processes

Question 13

How can modern liquidity controlling be designed?

Accepted Answer

Modern liquidity controlling combines precise operational management with strategic financial planning and uses advanced technologies for forward-looking liquidity assurance in increasingly volatile markets.💰 Operational Liquidity Planning and Management• Implementation of daily cash positioning with automated bank account integration• Development of a rolling 13-week liquidity forecast with weekly updates• Establishment of cash pooling for optimized liquidity distribution• Development of specific cash flow KPIs (Cash Conversion Cycle, Days Sales/Payables Outstanding)• Implementation of intelligent receivables and payables management (improves working capital by 15–20%)📊 Medium-Term and Strategic Liquidity Planning• Integration of liquidity planning into overall corporate planning• Development of cash flow scenarios with different assumptions• Implementation of liquidity stress testing for crisis scenarios• Establishment of liquidity reserves and credit facilities as buffers• Development of a long-term financing strategy as a framework for liquidity planning🔍 Analysis and Early Warning System• Definition of liquidity trigger events and threshold values• Implementation of an early warning system for liquidity shortfalls• Regular cash forecasting quality analyses (forecast accuracy)• Analysis of liquidity drivers and their volatility• Development of cash-flow-at-risk models for risk analyses💻 Technological Support• Implementation of cash management software with ERP integration• Use of AI-supported forecasting models for higher prediction accuracy (improves forecast quality by 30–40%)• API-based real-time integration of banking systems for up-to-date cash reporting• Cloud-based solutions for cross-location liquidity management• Mobile dashboards for flexible access to liquidity metrics

Question 14

What are the best practices for integrating sustainability metrics into controlling?

Accepted Answer

Integrating sustainability metrics into controlling requires a systematic approach that makes ecological, social, and governance aspects quantifiable and embeds them in the company's management system.

🏭 Framework and Metric Selection

• Orientation toward established standards (GRI, SASB, TCFD) for comparability

• Identification of material ESG topics through a structured materiality analysis

• Development of industry-specific KPIs relevant to the business model

• Balanced mix of metrics across E, S, and G dimensions

• Connection of operational and strategic sustainability metrics (typically 15–

20 core KPIs)

🔄 Integration into Management Systems

• Incorporation of ESG KPIs into existing management cockpits and dashboards

• Integration into strategic planning and target-setting

• Linkage with financial metrics (integrated reporting)

• Implementation in compensation and incentive systems for executives

• Development of a uniform reporting format for internal and external reporting

📊 Data Management and Quality

• Establishment of sound data collection and validation processes

• Integration of ESG data points into existing BI systems

• Ensuring auditability through transparent documentation

• Development of a data governance framework for sustainability information

• Implementation of suitable IT tools for efficient ESG data management (reduces manual effort by 60–70%)

📈 Performance Management and Communication

• Setting ambitious but achievable target values for ESG KPIs

• Regular monitoring with structured review processes

• Development of action plans for target deviations

• Transparent internal and external communication of ESG performance

• Benchmarking with industry peers and best-practice companies

Question 15

How do you design effective supply chain controlling?

Accepted Answer

Effective supply chain controlling combines cross-functional perspectives with an end-to-end process approach and uses advanced technologies for transparency, optimization, and resilience of supply chains.🏭 End-to-End Transparency and Metrics• Development of an integrated supply chain KPI system (SCOR model)• Implementation of end-to-end process metrics (order-to-delivery, source-to-pay)• Establishment of supply chain dashboards with drill-down functionality• Measurement of supply chain resilience and flexibility (new priority since COVID-19)• Integration of sustainability metrics into supply chain management (carbon footprint, resource efficiency)🔍 Cost Management and Efficiency Improvement• Total cost of ownership approach for a comprehensive cost view• Activity-based costing for process and product cost analyses• Implementation of lean principles in supply chain controlling• Transparency over logistics and warehousing costs with granular allocation• Use of benchmarking for continuous efficiency improvement (typically identifies 10–15% savings potential)🔄 Planning and Management• Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) as an integrated planning process• Implementation of demand sensing for improved demand forecasting• Development of dynamic inventory optimization models• Capacity and resource planning across the entire supply chain• Supply chain risk management with early warning indicators💻 Technological Enablers• Implementation of supply chain visibility platforms for real-time monitoring• Use of big data and advanced analytics for process optimization• Use of AI-supported forecasting models (improves forecast accuracy by 20–30%)• Digital twins and simulation technologies for scenario analyses• Blockchain for transparency and traceability of critical supply chains

Question 16

How can effective sales controlling be established?

Accepted Answer

Effective sales controlling combines transparency over sales performance and customer profitability with forward-looking management, supporting both strategic and operational sales activities.📊 Metrics and Performance Measurement• Development of a multi-dimensional sales KPI system (product, customer, region, employee)• Implementation of a Customer Lifetime Value calculation for strategic customer prioritization• Development of Customer Acquisition Cost analyses for sales channel optimization• Introduction of product mix analyses for optimal assortment design• Development of lead-to-order KPIs for sales process optimization (increases conversion rates by 15–25%)💰 Margin Protection and Profitability Controlling• Implementation of a multi-level contribution margin scheme for detailed customer profitability analyses• Development of price corridors and discount guidelines with clear escalation levels• Development of a systematic conditions management system for rebates and bonuses• Integration of activity-based costing for precise sales cost allocation• Win-loss analyses to identify price optimization potential🎯 Planning and Forecasting• Implementation of an integrated forecasting process with rolling sales forecast• Use of predictive models for closing probabilities and pipeline evaluation• Establishment of a structured opportunity management process with systematic evaluation• Implementation of scenario models for market and competitive changes• Introduction of a sales performance management system with continuous target adjustment💻 Technology and Data Management• Integration of CRM and ERP systems for seamless data flows• Implementation of sales intelligence tools with predictive analytics• Development of sales dashboards with drill-down functionality and real-time updates• Mobile sales controlling solutions for field sales and management• Use of machine learning for churn prediction and next-best-offer (increases cross-selling by 20–30%)

Question 17

How can controlling contribute to the digitalization of business processes?

Accepted Answer

Controlling plays a key role in the digitalization of business processes by supporting the selection, implementation, and economic measurement of digital transformation initiatives.🔍 Identification and Prioritization of Digitalization Potential• Conducting structured process assessments to identify automation potential• Development of a digitalization ROI framework for sound investment decisions• Use of process mining for data-based identification of process weaknesses• Creation of a digitalization roadmap with prioritized initiatives• Implementation of a process heat map with cost-benefit evaluation (leads to 30–40% higher resource efficiency)💰 Business Case Development and Success Measurement• Systematic quantification of digitalization benefits (direct and indirect effects)• Development of benefit tracking methods for realized digitalization gains• Total cost of ownership calculations for digital technologies• Implementation of continuous value tracking for digital projects• Return on digital investment framework with specific KPIs🔄 Process Optimization and Management• Redesign of end-to-end processes under a digital-first premise• Development of digital process controls and compliance mechanisms• Implementation of continuous improvement cycles for digitalized processes• Development of a process dashboard for digitalized business processes• Integration of RPA controlling for robotic process automation initiatives🔗 Data Integration and Management• Development of a data governance framework for consistent data use• Implementation of data quality management for digitalized processes• Development of a unified data model for integrated process management• Establishment of master data management for critical master data• Creation of the analytical foundations for advanced analytics and AI applications (increases usability of corporate data by 40–60%)

Question 18

How do you design modern IT controlling?

Accepted Answer

Modern IT controlling combines classic cost management and compliance aspects with strategic value contribution and innovation perspectives, thereby supporting digital transformation.💰 Cost and Resource Management• Implementation of a transparent IT cost accounting model with causation-appropriate allocation• Development of a capacity management approach for IT resources and specialist knowledge• Establishment of a TCO model (Total Cost of Ownership) for IT assets and services• Development of cloud cost management with dynamic resource optimization• IT portfolio management with a value-for-money perspective (typical savings: 15–25%)🎯 Value Contribution Measurement and Business Alignment• Business value of IT framework for measuring the IT value contribution• Implementation of IT business partnering models for demand-oriented IT services• Development of an IT Balanced Scorecard with business-oriented KPIs• Business-case-based project prioritization and evaluation• Systematic benefits management with clearly quantifiable business outcomes🔍 IT Risk Management and Compliance• Integration of IT risks into enterprise-wide risk management• Cybersecurity KPIs and reporting for management transparency• Compliance management for IT-relevant regulations (GDPR, SOX, KRITIS)• IT audit management with systematic vulnerability tracking• Business continuity and IT resilience measurements🚀 Innovation and Transformation Controlling• Balanced approach between run and change budget (target: 40–50% for innovation)• Agile investment controlling for digital transformation initiatives• Product-based IT management with value stream orientation• Implementation of innovation KPIs for digital technologies• Technology radar for strategic technology evaluation and adoption

Question 19

How do you build an effective performance management system?

Accepted Answer

An effective performance management system connects strategic target-setting with operational management and individual performance orientation for sustainable corporate value creation.

🎯 Strategic Target Management and Cascading

• Development of a strategy deployment process from corporate objectives to divisional and team goals

• Implementation of a Balanced Scorecard with balanced target perspectives

• Development of OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) for agile, focused target management

• Goal alignment through systematic linkage of corporate and individual objectives

• Integration of strategic initiatives into performance management (increases strategy execution rate by 40–60%)

📊 KPI Framework and Performance Measurement

• Development of a multi-dimensional KPI system with leading and lagging indicators

• Implementation of policy deployment with clear target values and measurement points

• Introduction of peer group benchmarking for relevant performance indicators

• Development of a performance measurement system with different aggregation levels

• Integration of non-financial performance indicators (ESG, customer satisfaction, innovation)

🔄 Management Processes and Feedback Systems

• Establishment of a continuous performance dialogue instead of annual reviews

• Implementation of coaching and development conversations as an integral component

• Development of regular business reviews at all organizational levels

• Use of 360-degree feedback for comprehensive performance evaluation

• Development of continuous improvement processes based on performance data

💼 Organizational Culture and Change Management

• Development of a high-performance culture with a clear performance orientation

• Integration of incentive and compensation systems with performance management

• Promotion of transparency and fairness in performance evaluation

• Training of managers in effective performance management and feedback

• Continuous evolution of the performance management system (review and adjustment every 2–

3 years)

Question 20

How do you design an effective controlling organization?

Accepted Answer

Designing an effective controlling organization requires a well-thought-out organizational model, clear role definitions and processes, and a balanced competency profile to meet the diverse demands of modern corporate management.🏢 Organizational Models and Structures• Balanced centralization: appropriate balance between central and decentralized controlling• Center of excellence approach for specialized controlling functions (e.g., advanced analytics)• Process-oriented organization with end-to-end responsibilities• Business partnering model with local presence in business units• Shared services for standardized, transactional controlling activities (typical efficiency gain: 20–30%)👤 Role Models and Responsibilities• Clear differentiation between business partnership, expertise, and service roles• Establishment of a Chief Performance Officer as a strategic controlling authority• Definition of precise interfaces with other finance functions (treasury, accounting)• Development of data scientist and analytics roles in modern controlling• Development of career paths for various controlling specializations🔄 Process Model and Governance• Development of a controlling process model with defined core processes• Harmonization of planning, reporting, and forecasting cycles• Establishment of a structured financial calendar with clear deadlines• Implementation of quality gates and review processes• Development of a controlling governance framework with clear decision-making and escalation paths💻 System Landscape and Technology• Implementation of an integrated controlling system landscape• Introduction of self-service BI for business units and management• Cloud-based controlling platforms for cross-location collaboration• Automation of repetitive controlling activities through RPA and AI• Development of a future-proof controlling data architecture (reduces data preparation effort by 40–60%)

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Frequently Asked Questions about Controlling Functions

How is modern controlling evolving in the context of digital transformation?

📊 From Data Supplier to Business Partner

💻 Technological Drivers and Enablers

🔄 Methodological Evolution

🔭 Future Perspectives and Transformation Challenges

What are the most important KPIs for effective corporate controlling?

💰 Financial Performance Indicators

🏭 Operational Performance Indicators

👥 Customer and Market Perspective

🔄 Forward-Looking and Strategic Indicators

What are the best practices for implementing an integrated planning system?

🏗 ️ Conceptual Foundations and Architecture

⚙ ️ Technological Implementation

👥 Organizational Integration and Change Management

🔄 Continuous Improvement and Success Measurement

How can controlling contribute to the execution of corporate strategy?

🎯 Strategic Alignment and Target System

📊 Monitoring and Performance Management

💰 Resource Allocation and Prioritization

🔄 Strategic Learning and Adaptation

What role does controlling play in a company's risk management?

🔍 Risk Identification and Analysis

📈 Integration into Planning and Management Processes

🛡 ️ Risk Mitigation Strategies and Measures

📋 Risk Reporting and Governance

How can controlling contribute to ESG integration (Environmental, Social, Governance) in corporate management?

📊 Measurement and Data Foundation

🔄 Integration into Planning and Management Processes

📑 Reporting and Compliance

💼 Business Case and Value Creation Perspective

What role does cost and performance accounting play in modern controlling?

🏗 ️ Methodological Foundations and Evolution

📈 Strategic Decision Support

🔄 Operational Performance Management

💻 Technological Transformation

How can companies implement an effective rolling forecast system?

🎯 Conceptual Design and Architecture

🔄 Process Design and Governance

💻 Technological Implementation and System Integration

🧠 Cultural Change and Change Management

What are the areas of application for process controlling and how is it implemented?

🔍 Analysis and Transparency

📊 Metrics and Performance Measurement

💰 Cost Analysis and Economic Viability

🔄 Management and Continuous Improvement

How is artificial intelligence changing controlling and which use cases are particularly relevant?

🔍 Predictive Analytics and Forecasting

🤖 Process Automation and Efficiency Gains

💡 Prescriptive Analytics and Decision Support

📱 Advanced User Experience and Interaction

⚠ ️ Implementation Challenges and Success Factors

How do you design effective project controlling?

🏗 ️ Organizational Anchoring and Governance

📊 Metrics and Measurement Systems

🔄 Management Processes and Cycles

💻 Tools and Technologies

How can you build effective investment controlling?

📋 Strategic Alignment and Prioritization

💰 Valuation Methods and Decision-Making

🔍 Monitoring and Tracking

🏢 Organizational Anchoring