Accounting manager/controller vs controller

The differences between accounting managers/controller and controllers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become an accounting manager/controller, becoming a controller takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, a controller has an average salary of $101,204, which is higher than the $93,973 average annual salary of an accounting manager/controller.

The top three skills for an accounting manager/controller include reconciliations, CPA and internal controls. The most important skills for a controller are CPA, payroll processing, and reconciliations.

Accounting manager/controller vs controller overview

	Accounting Manager/Controller	Controller
Yearly salary	$93,973	$101,204
Hourly rate	$45.18	$48.66
Growth rate	6%	17%
Number of jobs	58,292	75,440
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 73%	Bachelor's Degree, 75%
Average age	44	46
Years of experience	4	8

What does an accounting manager/controller do?

An accounting manager/controller is responsible for spearheading and overseeing the daily operations in a company's accounting department. They monitor the company's budgets, including its costs and expenditures, and produce financial reports. It is also their duty to establish objectives and guidelines, manage accounting staff, monitor financial activities, review and assess financial statements, approve expenditures, and resolve issues promptly and efficiently. Furthermore, as an accounting manager/controller, it is essential to lead and encourage the workforce to reach goals, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

What does a controller do?

Controllers are employees in the accounting department who manage the finances of the organization. They are involved in the budget setting activity at the start of the company's fiscal year. Controllers are responsible for ensuring that all departments work within their respective budgets. They have the power to recommend budget cuts due to any unforeseen circumstances that may happen. They also have the ability to veto or forego budget items. Controllers should have accounting skills and auditing skills. They must also be trustworthy and should work with integrity.

Accounting manager/controller vs controller salary

Accounting managers/controller and controllers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Accounting Manager/Controller	Controller
Average salary	$93,973	$101,204
Salary range	Between $66,000 And $133,000	Between $70,000 And $144,000
Highest paying City	Albany, NY	Portland, ME
Highest paying state	New York	New York
Best paying company	Amazon	Perkins Coie
Best paying industry	Technology	Technology

Differences between accounting manager/controller and controller education

There are a few differences between an accounting manager/controller and a controller in terms of educational background:

	Accounting Manager/Controller	Controller
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 73%	Bachelor's Degree, 75%
Most common major	Accounting	Accounting
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	University of Pennsylvania

Accounting manager/controller vs controller demographics

Here are the differences between accounting managers/controller' and controllers' demographics:

	Accounting Manager/Controller	Controller
Average age	44	46
Gender ratio	Male, 48.4% Female, 51.6%	Male, 58.9% Female, 41.1%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 8.7% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 12.1% White, 63.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%	Black or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 14.8% Asian, 9.4% White, 63.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage	7%	11%

Differences between accounting manager/controller and controller duties and responsibilities

Accounting manager/controller example responsibilities.

Establish investment objectives to efficiently manage IPO proceeds within state risk parameters.
Prepare and provide information as needed to independent auditors and outside CPA for tax compliance; coordinate activities of external auditors.
Perform treasury and cash management responsibilities.
Standardize balancing methods for semi-weekly payroll and quarterly payroll tax returns gaining consistency among four banks.
Mentore, motivate and train the finance staff in their areas of the department and QuickBooks.
Correct the ERP system to properly reflect accurate costing of inventory and proper reflection of costs.

Controller example responsibilities.

Manage NAV production, calculation of performance fees, IFRS accounts and subscription/redemption analysis.
Lead transition of company from sole proprietor to NYSE list company subsidiary, including implementing new financial reporting system.
Manage a team of junior staff accountants and maintaining quality control throughout the entire monthly billing, A/P & A/R processes.
Manage treasury, open several new accounts, establish new procedures and controls, monitor daily activity.
Produce monthly account reconciliations, post monthly journal entries and review, analyze, correct and issue monthly comparative financial statements.
Perform accounting research and special projects as required including cash flow analysis, cost projections, reconciliations and other financial analysis.

Accounting manager/controller vs controller skills

Common accounting manager/controller skills

Reconciliations, 7%
CPA, 7%
Internal Controls, 6%
GAAP, 5%
Cash Management, 5%
Payroll Taxes, 5%

Common controller skills

CPA, 8%
Payroll Processing, 7%
Reconciliations, 6%
Cash Management, 5%
Internal Controls, 5%
GAAP, 5%

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Accounting Manager/Controller
Accounting Manager/Controller vs Controller

Updated January 8, 2025

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