Overview
While in small organisations the work relating to HR studies and payroll monitoring is handled by the payroll manager and the finance department respectively, in larger companies such as hotel groups these two tasks are now entrusted to a new professional: the HR controller.
What is an HR controller?
The role of HR controller has existed since the 1970s, but recruitment has peaked since the 2000s and even more so since the economic crisis. With the latter, profitability and the management of human capital took on new importance for hotel complexes. As cost pressures have grown ever heavier within establishments, companies have been calling on an HR controller for the past ten years or so.
The HR controller enables hotels to manage the growth of their payroll costs more effectively. To do so, they analyse, collect and monitor the financial management of their establishment. Working from hotel data such as the number of hires, the management of staff working time, the pay policy, headcount and absenteeism, they develop solutions to help the establishment keep the tightest possible control over its spending.
The controller is in constant contact with the members of the finance and HR departments of their company. They are responsible for alerting them whenever they identify an opportunity to improve the budgetary management of the hotel's staff.
What does an HR controller do?
Continually seeking to optimise the hotel's payroll and headcount, the HR controller takes part in the company's budget forecasts. They must also keep abreast at all times of changes in the number of hires at the hotel. In order to estimate the establishment's costs, they set up, scrutinise and update indicators (dashboards, reports) linked to financial issues. Having analysed these indicators, the HR controller must put forward ideas for improvement to the human resources department.
The other items the HR controller is responsible for putting in place are:
- the economic and social database (BDES)
- the mandatory annual pay negotiations (NAO)
- legal obligations (social report, gender equality index, report of the health, safety and working conditions committee, mandatory annual declaration on the employment of disabled workers)
What skills & qualities does an HR controller need?
The HR controller naturally needs knowledge in the fields of human resources, forward planning and finance.
As quantitative information accounts for a large part of the HR controller's role, a flair for figures is preferable. Since they are often the only person in this position within a large company, they need to be rigorous and self-reliant.
Producing tables that are relevant and clear for every colleague requires the HR controller to have strong analytical and summarising skills. Organising these indicators calls for a good command of statistical study methods and of IT tools.
As they regularly field questions from a wide range of people, the HR controller must be able to demonstrate adaptability. Responsible for passing on the information they have gathered to human resources managers, strong interpersonal skills will be an asset.
Finally, a working knowledge of English will also be necessary if you work in a hotel with an international clientele.
What career prospects and salary can an HR controller expect?
The annual pay of a junior HR controller is estimated at €33,700. After two years' experience, this salary can rise to between €35,000 and €45,000 gross per year. From five years' professional experience onwards, an HR controller can expect to earn between €48,000 and €64,000 per year.
Note, however, that an HR controller's salary can vary according to the structure of the establishment.
The role of HR controller opens up a number of career paths. After several years' experience in the post, HR controllers can consider moving into roles such as:
- Human Resources Director (HRD)
- Compensation and Benefits Manager
- Training Manager
- Employee Relations Manager
- Reward Manager
- HR Administration Manager
It is also noticeable that the areas HR controllers focus on have multiplied in recent years. More and more establishments now want indicators on sustainability or on diversity.
How do you become an HR controller?
To hold the position of HR controller, you need to have completed higher education to Bac+5 level. This can be obtained at university through routes such as HR control, econometrics or statistics, human resources management (HRM), or finance and accounting combined with training in social data processing. Schools specialising in the field, such as CMH Academy, also offer several programmes leading to Bac+5 level, in particular:
- the five-year Grande École Programme, open to all holders of the baccalaureate
- the two-year Master's & MBA, which you can join if you already hold a Bac+3 qualification (a bachelor's degree or a vocational degree)
Studies at an institute of political studies (IEP) specialising in human resources, or at an engineering school geared towards statistics, are also an option.
Be aware that the role of HR controller is difficult for new graduates to access. Recruiting companies like to see two to five years' professional experience as an HR research officer, an accountant, or a payroll or reward controller.
