The article describes the outcomes of the project whose purpose is - on the basis of the "Draft for a Common Statement" - to state generally accepted requirements for the professional competence of managerial accountants and controllers. The paper concludes that, despite the fact that Draft is only the first step, it brings substantial contributions: it has led to a better understanding of the differences which accompany this profession's development in different parts of globe. It enables better identification of common features, but also differences in profiles and professional orientations of professional accountants, auditors and professional accountants in business, and of managerial accountants or controllers whose quality professional development is the principle aim of this project. The important part of the project is the empirical research focused on changing the requirements of managers and controllers, and mapping the current situation in the Czech Republic in this area. The research compares the opinions of two groups of respondents experts, who are responsible for the professional competence development of controllers on the one hand, and managers and controllers operating in a business environment on the other hand. The paper provides results relating to following areas: the general content of controllers' activities, controllers' authority and responsibility, requirements for controllers' education, professional skills and practical experience, ethical aspects of management accounting as well as the quality assurance of the controllers' work.
