Operating Controller
Transport & Logistics
The Operating Controller is neither a traditional finance professional nor just dispatcher:
They are the critical link between the finance department and operations, ensuring that decisions are made based on real data with a direct impact on profitability.
While Finance Controllers master the balance sheet and income statement, they often lack operational context.
Our approach combines analytical analysis with deep knowledge of logistics and commercial processes, identifying where margins or losses are generated and how to act on them.
The quality of this function lies in the ability to correctly allocate the costs of each transport and/or logistics operation.
When do you need an Operating Controller?
When financial reports do not explain why margins are falling and you need someone who analyses operations to find the root cause of the problem.
If budgets constantly deviate because finance and operations are not aligned.
To optimise key accounts: renegotiate contracts, adjust services or restructure processes without losing the client.
When you need operational data translated into financial language (or vice versa) to make agile decisions.
In transformation or expansion projects, where the risk of losing cost control is high (e.g.: opening new warehouses, launching services).
Shall we get into the details?
What sets us apart?
Dual perspective
We understand financial statements and know how data is generated on the ground.
Action-focused
We do not just identify problems; we design and implement solutions.
Example: if a strategic client has low margins, we propose both operational and commercial changes (delivery frequencies vs. rate increase, for example).
Real sector knowledge
We have managed P&L in transport and logistics companies, and therefore know the specific pain points:
→ How seasonal peaks affect costs.
→ How last-mile delivery impacts the profitability of retail accounts.
→ What costs a warehouse collapse entails.
Bridge between departments
Translator between finance, operations and commercial teams.
What do we offer?
These are the contributions we offer, with analytical control as the cornerstone of a healthy income statement.
Ensuring accurate cost allocation
Leveraging our experience and analytical precision, we ensure that all costs are accurately allocated.
We focus on uncovering hidden costs, such as stock-outs, non-compliance penalties, and unjustified overtime.
Profitability analysis per account/operation
Detailed breakdown of costs and margins by client, route, transport mode (road, sea, air) or service (Door-to-Door, Last Mile, Cross-Docking, Logistics).
Management control with direct impact
Implementation of operational-financial dashboards to monitor critical KPIs: cost per pallet, delivery time, % of non-compliance, profitability per route, etc.
We usually combine Excel and Power BI to produce monthly reports quickly and consistently.
TMS/WMS Integration
Implementation or improvement of TMS/WMS systems with a clear focus on cost structure.
Tender/Bid calculation support
Financial-operational evaluation of tenders or new clients:
What are our current costs to be able to bid for this client while ensuring profitability?
Is the promised margin realistic?
Shall we tackle the margin?