What does a document controller do?
Document controllers take responsibility for controlling the day-to-day management of documents in a department or company. The controllers make sure that document management is accurate, efficient, and always on time. They do control numbers, sort, file, store, and retrieve hard copy and electronic documents. They ensure that the documents undergo legal, security, and regulatory compliance. The skills necessary for this job include computer software program proficiency, analytical experience, data organization knowledge, and typing skills.
Document controller responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real document controller resumes:
- Create and manage eRoom used to procure bid proposals from EPC companies for execution phase.
- Manage & maintain central filing of all project documentation as per the GASCO document management system (LIVELINK).
- Work closely with Dallas wireless data quality manager to achieve ISO certification for Dallas wireless data.
- Manage quality of care improvement initiatives for patients and other mandate hospital standards through surveys and information sessions.
- Create and implement the RFI process within the project.
- Maintain log for RFI's (request for information )
- Create and print bill of material (BOM) for assembly production.
- Create all BOM's and download all documents/drawings from customer support systems.
- Compile and report infectious diseases to the CDC per facility policy and CDC regulations.
- Input new/revise document information submit on MDR's from contractors ensuring all attributes are correct.
- Maintain all 2D cad drawings , 3D models , 3D assemblies, and other documentation.
- Partner with different departments to review, update, and control and maintain all QMS documentation.
- Proofread and edit documents, and respond promptly to daily requests from internal and external customers.
- Convert tiff files to PDF format for CD creation, distribution and uploading to clients' servers.
- Prepare materials for delivery to DOJ attorneys and assist with setting up a war room for trial.
Document controller skills and personality traits
We calculated that 9% of Document Controllers are proficient in Project Procedures, Data Entry, and SharePoint. They’re also known for soft skills such as Interpersonal skills, Organizational skills, and Writing skills.
We break down the percentage of Document Controllers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Project Procedures, 9%
Deliver project document control against project procedures for internal and external design and vendor and engineering documents, and project correspondence.
- Data Entry, 9%
Performed data entry and quality check of specific and relevant information in a Records Management database.
- SharePoint, 8%
Maintained General Document Number Spreadsheet, and also SharePoint Document Folders.
- Hard Copy, 7%
Established an electronic documentation system replacing hard copy binders, improving personnel access to quality system documentation.
- Computer Database, 7%
Maintained a computer database of all filed documentation that ensures fast retrieval of documents.
- Project Management, 5%
Assist Project Management in the evaluation of Document Control processes and procedures for Project specific modifications.
"project procedures," "data entry," and "sharepoint" are among the most common skills that document controllers use at work. You can find even more document controller responsibilities below, including:
Interpersonal skills. One of the key soft skills for a document controller to have is interpersonal skills. You can see how this relates to what document controllers do because "secretaries and administrative assistants interact with clients, customers, or staff." Additionally, a document controller resume shows how document controllers use interpersonal skills: "excel, outlook, word, adobe acrobat, other epc data base strong interpersonal skills supports technical projects and departments"
Organizational skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling document controller duties is organizational skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "secretaries and administrative assistants keep files, folders, and schedules in order so that an office runs efficiently." According to a document controller resume, here's how document controllers can utilize organizational skills in their job responsibilities: "prepared organizational charts, flow charts, rfq attachments, and updated rfq packages for shintech. "
Writing skills. document controllers are also known for writing skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to document controller responsibilities, because "secretaries and administrative assistants write memos and emails when communicating with managers, employees, and customers." A document controller resume example shows how writing skills is used in the workplace: "trained departments in writing effective standard operating procedures providing excellent support in sop customer service. "
The three companies that hire the most document controllers are:
- Robert Half8 document controllers jobs
- Air Products6 document controllers jobs
- MSR-FSR4 document controllers jobs
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Compare different document controllers
Document controller vs. Imaging specialist
The duties of an imaging specialist depend on one's line of work or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities include meeting with clients to identify their needs, editing and scanning images, performing color corrections on photographs and other forms of image manipulation, and creating digital rendings of photos and videos. There are also instances where an imaging specialist may work together with photographers, artists, and graphic designers, all functioning in adherence to the goals and vision of a project.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a document controller are more likely to require skills like "project procedures," "sharepoint," "hard copy," and "project management." On the other hand, a job as an imaging specialist requires skills like "patients," "patient care," "radiology," and "customer service." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Imaging specialists earn the highest salaries when working in the finance industry, with an average yearly salary of $55,269. On the other hand, document controllers are paid more in the construction industry with an average salary of $56,451.The education levels that imaging specialists earn slightly differ from document controllers. In particular, imaging specialists are 1.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a document controller. Additionally, they're 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Document controller vs. Document imaging specialist
To back up existing documents, especially important ones, some companies hire document imaging technicians to digitize documents for better storage and avoid stealing and fraud. They are best when it comes to scanning documents and forming a precise image of the document. They have an excellent eye for detail as they have to make sure that all parts of the paper are being transcribed. They also have to ensure that it is securely stored as an electronic file in a database.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, document controller responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "project procedures," "sharepoint," "hard copy," and "computer database." Meanwhile, a document imaging specialist has duties that require skills in areas such as "patients," "patient care," "electronic database," and "image quality." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
On average, document imaging specialists earn a lower salary than document controllers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, document imaging specialists earn the most pay in the professional industry with an average salary of $32,836. Whereas document controllers have higher pay in the construction industry, with an average salary of $56,451.In general, document imaging specialists achieve similar levels of education than document controllers. They're 2.6% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Document controller vs. Document design specialist
A document management specialist is in charge of managing the documents in a company using electronic systems. They typically perform research to identify the strengths or weaknesses of current processes, develop management plans and strategies to enhance procedures, implement solutions against problem areas, liaise with external parties, and coordinate with various departments to gather and analyze data. Moreover, a document management specialist must lead and encourage staff to reach goals while implementing the company's documentation management policies and regulations, creating new ones as needed.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from document controller resumes include skills like "project procedures," "data entry," "hard copy," and "computer database," whereas a document design specialist is more likely to list skills in "solidworks," "proofreading," "cad/cam," and "office products. "
Most document design specialists achieve a similar degree level compared to document controllers. For example, they're 2.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Document controller vs. Document management specialist
Types of document controller
Updated January 8, 2025
