The Effective Controller is a clear and concise motivational manual that aims to increase our understanding about the importance of the Controller in the balance of a company performance. Under the guidance of the author, we discover the ControllerFOCUS model, according to which the Controller’s focus should be divided equally between five key concepts: future prospects, operation, control, utilisation and system improvement. What Thamatucharee successfully does is create a ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ of an effective controller and ‘In’s and Out’s’ of the accounting world in unison. The Effective Controller, though assuming that the reader has some basic accounting knowledge, does reinforce a stable foundation of essential principles, preventing any feeling of being left out in the cold. Not only does Thammatucharee provide sound advice to company Controllers but also to every functional body of the accounting department. Offering helpful tips to new graduates on how to get onto the accounting ladder and providing guidance to Controllers on their first day, Thammatucharee displays a keen insight into the accounting world, as well as a genuine interest in helping those that lack his experience.

The Effective Controller is easily followed with examples of how to organise the Chart of Account and Operation Focus Evaluation in an effective and operational way. It also offers a step by step breakdown of the accounting department terms and practices, as well as almost every functional role that you will meet in the accounting. Based on Thammatucharee’s own experiences gathered over 20 years of working in the accounting world, holding various accounting positions from Plant Controller to Account Manager, it is definitely undeniable that wisdom and know-how breathe through every page of this book. This humble and knowledgeable manual highlights the importance of an effective internal control system for the survival of a company. When new business rules are given birth it is vital for a company to create and follow new business processes. In this sense, The Effective Controller proves to be a true guide for the 21st century.

Review from Kirkus Discoveries:

This practical text introduces and explains the varied roles and responsibilities of an effective controller and teaches readers how to guide, monitor and regulate a company’s accounting department.

Thammatucharee, a controller with more than 20 years of experience leading the accounting operations of major Thai companies, provides readers with a solid understanding of how to be an effective controller within the business world. The opening sections address accounting and finance basics in informal language accessible to readers with varying levels of finance knowledge. The author then applies this background knowledge to more advanced topics and delves deeper into non-traditional controller roles. For example, the role of controller as a company leader is explored at great length. The text concludes with an informative and informal section entitled "From the desk of the controller", which walks readers through seven months of the author’s day-to-day life working as a controller. Inserted throughout this section in italics are short snippets of advice and hard lessons learned; perfect for those contemplating the reality of life as a controller. While the book omits references and a glossary—and is written in a conversational style—it’s primarily a highlighter-friendly textbook filled with and charts, checklists and an abundance of knowledge-building key terms, principles and concepts. The author focuses primarily on Thai companies and includes several Thai specific sections, including one on cultural differences in United States and Thai business culture and VAT tax matters. Still, this book is globally applicable.

Clear and informative—an appropriate addition to the shelves of business-school libraries.