In any modern business, documentation is a crucial aspect that must be handled with utmost care. The document controller plays an integral role in managing the document flow and ensuring that all necessary documents are recorded, filed, and retrieved whenever required.

Document controller job description is primarily focused on overseeing the creation and management of company documents such as contracts, policies, drawings, project files, purchase orders, and other essential files. They also ensure that these documents comply with company standards, industry regulations, and legal requirements.

Importance of document controller in modern businesses

The importance of a document controller in a business cannot be overstated. In today’s business world, information is power, and documents hold valuable information that organizations use to make informed decisions. Document management now requires more expertise due to the increasing complexity of document types and formats, as well as the ever-increasing amount of data being generated each day.

The document controller is responsible for the proper handling and storage of all documents in their custody. They ensure that every document is correctly named, tagged, backed up, and easily accessible to those who need it. They also manage incoming and outgoing documents and provide project team members with access to the latest revisions.

Without a document controller, businesses risk chaos and confusion due to inconsistent document formats, misplaced files, and poor documentation management. The document controller ensures that all stakeholders have access to the most current and accurate documents while keeping them safe and confidential.

The role of a document controller cannot be undervalued in modern businesses, and they are essential to maintaining a streamlined documentation system. They play a key role in ensuring that businesses stay compliant, efficient and reduce the chances of costly mistakes.

Duties and Responsibilities

As a Document Controller, you will play a critical role in managing and overseeing document control processes. Your duties will also include maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of documents, ensuring compliance with organizational and legal requirements, revising and updating documents as necessary, supporting project teams in document management activities, and communicating with stakeholders regarding document control activities.

Manage and oversee document control processes

One of the key responsibilities of a Document Controller is to manage and oversee document control processes. This involves developing and implementing document control policies and procedures, ensuring that they are followed by all team members, and providing training to team members as needed. You will also be responsible for monitoring the document control process to ensure that it is effective and efficient.

Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of documents

Another important responsibility of a Document Controller is to maintain accurate and up-to-date records of documents. This involves ensuring that all documents are properly logged, recorded, and tracked in a document management system. You will also be responsible for ensuring that all documents are properly stored, archived, and accessible.

Ensure compliance with organizational and legal requirements

As a Document Controller, you will also be responsible for ensuring compliance with organizational and legal requirements. This involves ensuring that all documents are properly reviewed, approved, and filed according to established policies and procedures. You will also be responsible for ensuring that all documents comply with relevant regulations, standards, and guidelines.

Revise and update documents as necessary

Document Controllers are also responsible for revising and updating documents as necessary. This involves collaborating with team members to determine when and how to revise documents, making necessary changes to documents, and ensuring that revised documents are properly reviewed, approved, and filed.

Support project teams in document management activities

In addition to managing document control processes, Document Controllers are also responsible for supporting project teams in document management activities. This involves helping project teams to identify, locate, and retrieve relevant documents, as well as providing training and guidance on document management best practices.

Communicate with stakeholders regarding document control activities

Finally, Document Controllers are responsible for communicating with stakeholders regarding document control activities. This includes providing updates on document control processes, responding to inquiries and requests from stakeholders, and preparing reports and presentations on document control activities.

As a Document Controller, you will play a critical role in managing and overseeing document control processes, maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of documents, ensuring compliance with organizational and legal requirements, revising and updating documents as necessary, supporting project teams in document management activities, and communicating with stakeholders regarding document control activities.

Qualifications and Requirements

To be considered for the position of Document Controller, the candidate must meet the following qualifications and requirements:

Educational Background and Certifications

The ideal candidate for this position should have a bachelor’s degree in business administration, management, or a related field. A certification in document control or records management is an added advantage.

Relevant Skills and Work Experience

The candidate should have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. He or she should be detail-oriented, organized, and possess a strong ability to manage time effectively. Furthermore, the candidate should be able to work well under pressure and prioritize tasks effectively.

Other important skills include a good understanding of data management, record-keeping practices, and file organization. Experience working in document control or record management is also desirable.

Job-Specific Software Proficiency

Document Controllers must be proficient in various computer programs and software that are essential for managing documents. The candidate must be able to work with standard office automation tools such as Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and SharePoint. Knowledge of other document management systems such as Aconex and Bentley Systems is an added advantage.

Other Desired Qualifications

In addition to the qualifications listed above, the ideal candidate should have a good understanding of regulations and standards in the industry, including ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. Experience working in a highly regulated environment, such as the oil and gas industry, is also desirable.

Additionally, the candidate should have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to work well in a team environment. It is also essential that the candidate has the ability to multitask, work independently, and take initiative when required.

The ideal candidate should possess a combination of the qualifications and requirements listed above. He or she should be dedicated, detail-oriented, and possess the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in this position.

Salary and Job Outlook

One of the most critical factors that job seekers consider when looking for employment is the salary.

Average Salary Range

The average salary for document controllers is around $55,000 to $75,000, depending on the level of experience, education, and company size. Entry-level document controllers can expect a salary range of around $35,000 to $45,000, while those with extensive experience and education can earn salaries of up to $100,000 or more.

Location, Company Size, and Other Factors Affecting Salary

Your salary as a document controller can be affected by various factors such as your location, the company size, and level of experience. Typically, jobs located in metropolitan areas usually pay higher salaries than those in rural areas. Additionally, large multinational companies also pay higher salaries than small or medium-sized enterprises.

Your level of experience is another essential factor that determines your salary. Experienced document controllers with an extensive skill set and advanced certifications can earn significantly more than entry-level document controllers with little to no experience.

Projected Job Growth and Demand

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of document controllers is projected to grow by 5% from 2019 to 2029. With the increase in globalization and the need for compliance with regulatory requirements, there is likely to be a steady demand for document controllers in various industries.

Moreover, as companies seek to improve their operational efficiency, there is a growing need for document controllers to ensure that the right documents are stored, tracked, and easily accessible. As a result, skilled document controllers are likely to remain in high demand.

Document control is a critical function that ensures that organizations can effectively manage their documents throughout their lifecycle. With an average salary range of $55,000 to $75,000 and a steady demand for skilled professionals, document control can be a fulfilling and rewarding career choice.

Career Advancement

As a document controller, there are many opportunities for professional development that can lead to career advancement. Document control is an important function within an organization and can provide a solid foundation for career growth.

One area of advancement is in management positions. With experience in document control, professionals can move up the ladder to management roles such as document control manager, quality assurance manager or project manager. These roles typically require strong leadership skills and an in-depth understanding of document control principles.

Another career path is to specialize in a certain area of document control such as data management, process improvement, or regulatory compliance. These specializations can open doors to higher-level positions within the organization and offer opportunities for increased responsibility and salary.

Some document controllers also choose to transition into related fields such as project management, compliance auditing or quality assurance. These fields require similar skills and knowledge as document control and can offer unique challenges and opportunities for growth.

Regardless of the career path, professional development is key to advancing in the field. Document controllers should seek out training and certifications to expand their knowledge and expertise. Obtaining certifications such as Certified Document Controller (CDC) or Project Management Professional (PMP) can demonstrate competency and dedication to the profession.

In addition, networking with professionals in the industry can provide valuable insights and connections. Joining professional organizations such as the Association for Information and Image Management (AIIM) or the Society for Technical Communication (STC) can offer opportunities for education and networking.

Document control is a rewarding career with many opportunities for advancement. By pursuing professional development and expanding one’s skillset, document controllers can achieve success and continue to grow in their careers.

Challenges and Opportunities for Document Controllers

As with any profession, document controllers face a variety of challenges in their daily work. Here are some potential issues to consider:

Managing large volumes of information: Document controllers are responsible for overseeing a wide variety of documents and data, which can be overwhelming to organize and keep track of. This can be particularly challenging when dealing with multiple departments or stakeholders who may have different document organization systems.
Ensuring compliance: Document controllers must adhere to a range of policies and industry standards, from data privacy regulations to organizational protocols. Keeping up with changing regulations and ensuring compliance across all documents and systems can be a daunting task.
Balancing efficiency with accuracy: Document controllers need to maintain high levels of accuracy and attention to detail when managing documents, but they also need to work efficiently to keep projects on track. Finding the right balance between accuracy and speed can be tricky.
Dealing with outdated systems: Some organizations may use outdated or inefficient document management systems, which can limit a document controller’s ability to do their job effectively. This can lead to wasted time and resources, as well as potential errors or compliance issues.

Despite these challenges, there are several ways document controllers can overcome them:

Invest in training and education: Document controllers should stay up-to-date on the latest technologies and industry standards to ensure they are using the most effective tools and techniques. They should also be proactive about seeking out training and professional development opportunities to improve their skills.
Collaborate with other departments: Working closely with other teams and departments can help document controllers streamline processes, share resources, and ensure alignment on standards and procedures.
Explore automation and new technologies: Automation tools, artificial intelligence, and other cutting-edge technologies can help document controllers manage large volumes of data more efficiently and accurately. They should be open to exploring new tools and systems that can help them do their job more effectively.
Advocate for better systems and processes: When dealing with outdated or inefficient systems, document controllers should advocate for upgrades or changes that can enhance their work. They can also work with IT or other teams to identify new systems or tools that would improve efficiency and accuracy.

Looking to the future, there are several exciting trends and opportunities in the field of document control:

Greater emphasis on digital technologies: As more organizations transition to digital document management, document controllers will play an increasingly important role in ensuring that data is accurate, secure, and compliant.
Increased demand for data analytics and insights: With so much data at their fingertips, document controllers will have opportunities to use analytics and data insights to identify trends, areas for improvement, and other key insights to drive business value.
Expansion into new industries and roles: Document controllers are needed in a wide range of industries, from construction to healthcare to finance.

Top Skills for Success

To become a successful document controller, there are several essential skills you should possess. These skills go beyond the basic knowledge of document control and can help you excel in the field. Here are the top skills you should strive to have to succeed in this role.

Detail-oriented Personality Traits

Attention to detail is critical for document controllers as they are responsible for ensuring that all documents are accurate, complete, and up-to-date. They must have the patience and focus to manage and organize large amounts of paperwork, and any errors or inconsistencies may lead to costly mistakes. As a document controller, you must be meticulous and able to spot mistakes within documents as well as recognize discrepancies between different documents and versions.

Technical Abilities

A document controller must be comfortable working with technology as document control systems have evolved from traditional paper-based filing systems to digital platforms that require technical expertise. Document controllers should be proficient in using document management software and understand how to work with different file formats. They must also be able to troubleshoot technical issues and provide support to users having trouble accessing documents or formatting them correctly.

Communication Skills

Effective communication is a key skill for document controllers as they work closely with various stakeholders, including clients, project managers, and internal teams. Document controllers need to be able to write clear and concise instructions, communicate complex information effectively, and respond promptly to requests for information. They must also be able to collaborate with individuals from different departments and backgrounds, including engineers, legal teams, and procurement specialists.

Time Management and Organizational Skills

Document controllers must have excellent time management skills as they are responsible for overseeing the document control process from start to finish. They must be able to work to tight deadlines and prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. Document controllers also need strong organizational skills to manage documents effectively, including categorizing and tracking documents, maintaining filing systems, and recording and reporting changes.

A successful document controller must have a combination of technical knowledge, attention to detail, communication skills, and excellent time management and organizational skills. These skills can help you stay on top of your workload, ensure document accuracy and compliance, and maintain effective communication with stakeholders. Mastering these skills can help you succeed in your career as a document controller and enhance your career prospects.

Examples of Document Controller Jobs

If you’re looking for a career as a document controller, there are many opportunities available across various industries, including construction, engineering, and technology. Here are some real-world examples of document controller job descriptions, along with specific examples of companies that are hiring document controllers and the requirements for each listed position.

Real-world examples of job descriptions

Job Title: Document Control Specialist
Company: AECOM
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Job Description: The Document Control Specialist will be responsible for maintaining and controlling the flow of documents within the engineering department. They will ensure that all engineering drawings, specifications, and other documents are properly stored and tracked, and that all requests for information are fulfilled in a timely and accurate manner.

Job Title: Document Control Administrator
Company: Keppel Seghers
Location: Singapore
Job Description: The Document Control Administrator will report to the Project Manager and will be responsible for setting up and maintaining the document control system for the project. They will ensure that all project documentation is stored, tracked, and distributed in accordance with company procedures.

Job Title: Document Control Technician
Company: TechnipFMC
Location: Houston, TX
Job Description: The Document Control Technician will be responsible for ensuring that all project documentation is properly stored, tracked, and distributed. They will work closely with the project team to ensure that all documentation requirements are met, and that project milestones are achieved on time.

Specific examples of companies hiring document controllers

Company: Jacobs
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Job Title: Document Controller
Requirements: The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 3 years’ experience as a document controller in a relevant field, and will be proficient in MS Office and document management systems. They will have excellent attention to detail, and be able to prioritize tasks effectively.

Company: Arup
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Job Title: Document Controller
Requirements: The successful candidate will have a minimum of 5 years’ experience in document control, preferably in the construction industry. They will be familiar with document management systems and have knowledge of quality management systems. They will have excellent communication skills and be able to work independently.

Company: Worley
Location: Houston, TX
Job Title: Document Controller
Requirements: The successful candidate will have a minimum of 2 years’ experience in document control or administrative support, and be proficient in MS Office and document management software. They will have knowledge of quality management systems and will be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Training and Certifications

As a Document Controller, there are relevant training programs and certification options available to enhance your skills and knowledge in the field. These training programs and certifications can help to increase your chances of getting hired and advancing in your career.

Relevant Training Programs

There are several training programs available that can help you to develop the necessary skills as a Document Controller. These training programs cover topics such as document control processes, standards, and management systems. Some of the relevant training programs include:

Document Control Basics
Document Management Systems
Document Control Standards
Quality Management Systems
Information Management Systems

These training programs are available online or in-person, and can be completed at your own pace. They provide an opportunity to learn from industry experts and develop a deep understanding of document control processes and methodologies.

Certification Options and Requirements

Obtaining a certification can help you to demonstrate your knowledge and competence in the field. There are several certifications available, including:

Certified Document Controller (CDC)
Certified Records Manager (CRM)
Certified Information Professional (CIP)

Each certification has its own requirements and criteria, which may include education, work experience, and passing a certification exam. Certification can help you to stand out in the job market and demonstrate to potential employers that you have the necessary skills and expertise to perform the job effectively.

Benefits of Obtaining Certification

Obtaining a certification can provide several benefits for Document Controllers, including:

Increased job opportunities: Certified Document Controllers may have increased job opportunities in the field due to their specialized knowledge and skills.
Career advancement: Certification can help to demonstrate your expertise and competence to your current employer, which may lead to career advancement opportunities.
Professional credibility: Certification can provide professional credibility and demonstrate a commitment to the field.
Improved earning potential: Certified professionals may have higher earning potential than non-certified professionals.

Obtaining a certification can provide several benefits for Document Controllers, including increased job opportunities, career advancement, professional credibility, and improved earning potential. By completing relevant training programs and obtaining certification, you can enhance your skills as a Document Controller and increase your value to potential employers.

Interview Tips and Strategies

If you’re looking to land a document controller job, you need to be prepared for the interview process. Here are some common interview questions you might encounter during an interview for a document controller role, along with strategies for answering them and tips for standing out.

Common Interview Questions for Document Controller Roles

What experience do you have working in a document control role?
How do you ensure that documents are accurate and up-to-date?
What document management/automation software are you familiar with?
How do you prioritize your workload?
Have you ever encountered a situation where a document wasn’t filed properly? How did you handle it?

Strategies for Answering Questions

During the interview process, it’s important to answer questions thoughtfully and with precision. Here are some strategies to keep in mind when answering interview questions:

Listen carefully to the question and take a moment to gather your thoughts before responding.
Use specific examples from your experience to support your answers.
Be honest and open about your limitations, but also show enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.

Tips for Standing Out in Interviews

To stand out in the interview process and increase your chances of being hired, try to incorporate these tips:

Research the company and the role to have a better understanding of the specific skills and experience the job requires.
Practice your responses to common interview questions with a friend or mentor.
Dress professionally and arrive early to the interview.
Show enthusiasm for the role and company by asking thoughtful questions about the job responsibilities and company culture.

By utilizing these tips and strategies during the interview process, you can differentiate yourself from other candidates and increase your chances of landing the document controller job you’ve been eyeing. Good luck!

Document Controller Job Description: Salary, Skills, & More