We had to ask ourselves, “Where is there a professional community for successful middle-market Controllers?” There are groups for CFO’s (e.g., Financial Executives International). There are groups for CPA’s (e.g., Cal CPA or AICPA – mostly focused on CPAs in public practice). There are groups for managerial accountants (e.g., The Institute of Management Accountants). There are groups for financial analysts (e.g., the CFA Society). But nothing for professional controllers who want to better themselves and improve the profession.

The Society of Professional Controllers (SPC) changes this. The SPC is focused exclusively on the Controller role and the Controllership. In Ornge County California it is specifically focused on those working in middle-market companies (approximately $100 million to $1 billion in annual revenue). The Society provides resources and support for professional controllers in companies that are big enough to have serious complexity, but not so big that there is ready support, resources, and mentorship.

SPC is an small, exclusive group of professional controllers who are referred or, who are recommended as having good business acumen and possessing excellent technical and interpersonal skills. Every member brings at least one “super power” (demonstratable expertise in at least one focus area within the controllership). The group meets in person once per quarter (2 hour lunch), monthly via ZOOM (strict 30 minute agenda) and at an annual event.

The chapter has 15 – 20 members. Big enough to have a critical mass of experiences, expertise, resources, etc., but small enough for the members to build trusting personal relationships. There are no paid sponsors.