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Job outlook for accounting managers/controller in the United States
Accounting manager/controller job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected accounting manager/controller job growth rate is 6% from 2018-2028.
About 81,800 new jobs for accounting managers/controller are projected over the next decade.
Accounting manager/controller salaries have increased 8% for accounting managers/controller in the last 5 years.
There are over 350,437 accounting managers/controller currently employed in the United States.
There are 58,292 active accounting manager/controller job openings in the US.
The average accounting manager/controller salary is $93,973.
Are accounting manager/controller jobs in demand?
Accounting manager/controller job and salary trends over time
Accounting manager/controller jobs over time
Accounting manager/controller job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 350,437 | 0.10% |
| 2020 | 338,869 | 0.10% |
| 2019 | 340,153 | 0.10% |
| 2018 | 324,987 | 0.10% |
| 2017 | 313,060 | 0.09% |
Average accounting manager/controller salary over time
Accounting manager/controller salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $93,973 | $45.18 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $91,405 | $43.94 | +1.5% |
| 2023 | $90,063 | $43.30 | +1.7% |
| 2022 | $88,594 | $42.59 | +1.8% |
| 2021 | $87,061 | $41.86 | +1.4% |
Accounting manager/controller jobs by state
Most common states for accounting managers/controller
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 271 | 39% |
| 2 | Delaware | 961,939 | 154 | 16% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 985 | 14% |
| 4 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 778 | 14% |
| 5 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 756 | 14% |
| 6 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 177 | 13% |
| 7 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 136 | 13% |
| 8 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,528 | 12% |
| 9 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 718 | 12% |
| 10 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 902 | 11% |
| 11 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 449 | 11% |
| 12 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 728 | 10% |
| 13 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 363 | 10% |
| 14 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 319 | 10% |
| 15 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 108 | 10% |
| 16 | California | 39,536,653 | 3,577 | 9% |
| 17 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 287 | 9% |
| 18 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 180 | 9% |
| 19 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 993 | 8% |
| 20 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 226 | 8% |
Most common cities for accounting managers/controller
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Herndon | 1 | 4% | $102,216 |
| 2 | Milford | 1 | 4% | $108,967 |
| 3 | Salem | 1 | 4% | $95,757 |
| 4 | Lakeland | 2 | 2% | $92,416 |
| 5 | Billerica | 1 | 2% | $108,839 |
| 6 | Dayton | 1 | 1% | $85,277 |
| 7 | Loveland | 1 | 1% | $78,584 |
| 8 | Charlotte | 3 | 0% | $85,223 |
| 9 | Detroit | 1 | 0% | $85,448 |
| 10 | Rochester | 1 | 0% | $118,970 |
| 11 | San Francisco | 1 | 0% | $119,014 |
Accounting Manager/Controller job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of accounting manager/controller experts
University of Central Arkansas
Kent State University
Seattle University
University of Memphis
Manhattan College
Fairfield University
Pace University
Henderson State University
Minnesota State University - Mankato
University of Oregon
Stonehill College
American University
Keith Kerr Prof.
What will help Accounting Managers/Controller increase their earning potential?
Keith Kerr Prof.: Grant writing is perhaps the most important skill for sociology majors to acquire. Not all sociology programs offer such skills (luckily my department at Quinnipiac does), but all sociology programs offer courses in research methodology. These skills are all skills that are needed to successfully write grants.
More so, with the research skills and practice in grant writing, one is in a position to approach potential employers as a hire that will more than pay for itself in the grant money that the potential employee can bring into the organization.
What will help Accounting Managers/Controller increase their earning potential?
Dr. Stephanie Watson PhD, CPA: Skills that are on the rise are those related to automation, data analytics, and artificial intelligence, some used by accountants, some used by our clients. As accountants, we don't need to be computer programmers to be successful, but we do need the ability to understand how tasks are completed without these technologies and with them, and how our role is different with these technologies in place. Because new applications are constantly being developed, accountants need to be open to and comfortable with learning new software. However, no technology in the next decade is going to be able to replace the skills that have always been important for accountants including communication skills (the ability to convey technical concepts and processes to someone who may not be as familiar with them as you are), critical thinking and professional skepticism (being able to think beyond what is presented to see the bigger picture), and Excel skills or related tools for data organization and analysis.
What Accounting Manager/Controller skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Scott Miller CPA, CIA, CFE, MAcc: Be up-to-date; never out-of-date. As technological advances continue over time, Accountants will be expected to keep pace. The Accounting profession has successfully adapted to change throughout its history, and accountants will need to continue to adapt. It is critical for accountants to remain as trusted business advisors who are capable of understanding and auditing the latest technology that their own firms and clients implement. Traditionally important skills such as critical thinking, empathy, and effective communication are necessary skills today and will remain so in the future.
What will help Accounting Managers/Controller increase their earning potential?
Gabriel Saucedo PhD, CPA: Funny enough, the core skills expected and/or desired of an accounting professional in the next 3-5 years are likely the same as today, which are the same as they were 20 years ago when I started at KPMG as an Audit Associate. Firms (i.e., the profession) need someone who can think critically with an analytical mindset, proactively problem-solve, brainstorm and prioritize alternative solutions, and professionally articulate across any number of communication channels to any number of constituents. Accounting firms and companies continue to ask their recruits about their ability to meet deadlines, manage conflict, multi-task, etc. But what has changed and will continue to change are the technologies with which professionals will be asked to do all this, and perhaps where it will be done. In some cases, this may continue to be done remotely (at home) and in some cases there will be the need to work more across borders with constituents in a global business sphere. A little more regarding the evolution of technology. Undoubtedly, Artificial Intelligence and ChatGPT are all the buzz and clearly something the profession needs to be in front of. Some may say these technologies and tools will make accounting absolute. But as history has shown, every time there has been an evolution in technology or tools (e.g., computers, spreadsheet software, data analytics) the demand for accountants has gone up. That is because these technologies have opened venues and processes for more risk, in addition to more informed decision-making. That said, graduates should also have, at minimum, a foundational knowledge of data analytics and technology to make sure they can identify the related risks, but also stay ahead of peers that may be studying other non-accounting degrees (e.g., computer science, data analytics, information technology.
Rita Green Ed.D.
Teaching Associate ProfessorUniversity of Memphis
Accounting And Related Services
What general advice would you give to an Accounting Manager/Controller?
Rita Green Ed.D.: Current students should consider anchoring their education with a strong minor, which can be fulfilled with elective courses, which already make up a certain percentage of required credits for an undergraduate degree. It will also be important for accounting students to acquire and maintain competencies in data analytics. Accounting curriculums are being updated to respond to this necessary skillset.
What general advice would you give to an Accounting Manager/Controller?
Dr. Natalia Boliari PhD: First, learn everything about the company you just started working for - its historical path, management, the way it's dealt with crises, etc. Second, learn everything about the specific industry the company belongs to and see how the company has developed relative to the development of the industry domestically and internationally. Third, always be extremely alert to notice new opportunities and be prepared to take calculated risks. That is, actively look for opportunities to complete as many and diverse tasks as possible, and volunteer to complete any type of work regardless of whether it seems relevant to your assigned job or not. Opportunities to learn, grow, and improve and thus to maximize your income, will only come up if you are exposed to diverse situations.
What Accounting Manager/Controller skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Natalia Boliari PhD: Be open minded. Finance is the broad definition of an industry which provides opportunities for careers in financial consultancy, financial analysis, stock brokerage, foreign investment, modeling, exchange rate forecasts, and many more. While most of those careers are attributed to the banking industry, you can find those and others in other sectors of the economy, such as insurance, technology, health care/medical, government, and so on. So, be open and look beyond the banking sector, examine the current and predicted trends in the economy to hunt for exciting career options.
What Accounting Manager/Controller skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Amir Moeini Chaghervand PhD, CMA: In the next 3-5 years, I believe skills related to data analytics, technology proficiency, and communication will become more important in the accounting field. As technology advances, accountants will need to be proficient in data analysis and interpretation, as well as effective communication to convey complex financial information.
What general advice would you give to an Accounting Manager/Controller?
John McDermott Ph.D.: To maximize your salary potential, keep learning, investing in your human capital, and expanding your capabilities. Learn as much as you can about your new position and industry, work with a variety of people at your firm, and seek opportunities outside your comfort zone. Your salary potential will increase as you are recognized as a capable and hard working colleague.
What general advice would you give to an Accounting Manager/Controller?
Clemens Kownatzki PhD, MBA: To be successful today requires essentially the same basic skills and behaviors that made people successful in the past. It’s a lot about who you know, not what you know. Having some basic skills is a necessary condition but it’s not sufficient. You have to be a good communicator, have to be likeable and be a good team player. And to do those things, you need to be around people enough, develop the most important social skills and remember the important things you learned in kindergarten. Show up on time, do what you say and not say what you do and be nice to people. Essentially the golden rule: “Do unto others…” But there are also some important practical things you should do. Think about getting a CFA license or others like CAIA, CMA, CPA, FRM etc. These professional designations won’t hurt you, they can be a requirement in some jobs or at least a differentiator as you apply for jobs. You can also take the Securities Industry Examination as a precondition to getting the more recognized Series 7, 63, 65 etc. But also consider some very easy things like getting certified with the Bloomberg Market Concepts. If your business school has a Bloomberg terminal (we’re lucky because we have 4 terminals), it’s a self-paced exam that’s free on the Bloomberg terminal. Also think about joining some associations to help with getting to know people in positions. You have to network every day and keep on working that network constantly. Lastly, don’t be afraid to negotiate. Yes, it is a competitive industry and there’s always more than just a handful applying for a position but you should know your worth. While you’re networking and having conversations with executives through your network, find out what reasonable expectations should be for the work being delivered.
What will help Accounting Managers/Controller increase their earning potential?
Clemens Kownatzki PhD, MBA: As a beginner in any field, it pays to listen more than to talk. Be humble, pay attention, be nice to folks and probably most helpful is having a mentor who can guide you along and show you some best practices for navigating your career. You should take advantage of your education, not just to show a piece of paper that says you graduated but think of every single project, essay or paper that you write as part of a portfolio that demonstrates your skill sets. Especially in finance where we can sometimes be enamored with the beauty of a mathematical model, think about how any model should be applied in the real world. In some cases that might mean that you have to “get your hands on the wheel and learn how to drive.” I am not suggesting that you should put all your savings at risk and buy the next iteration of the latest cryptocurrency, but If you’re interested in a career in investing, put a small amount of money at risk and trade a stock, or if you must trade a few dollars’ worth of Bitcoin or Ether – as much as you would risk for a movie ticket seems reasonable. There are lots of virtual trading apps where you can trade with paper money, but there’s nothing like understanding risk when your own dollars are at stake, even if it’s just a few dollars. You should also absorb all the workshops, seminars and resources available out there. Follow Prof. Aswath Damodaran who has a YouTube Channel and hundreds of spreadsheets with financial models, all for free! Also follow some good content providers on various channels to get additional insights – in the field of finance, you need to be up-to-date on all events because those influence markets and the economy. Be ready to continue learning and update your skills and understanding while you’re working. Education doesn’t end after you finish your degree. All successful people are life-long learners.
What general advice would you give to an Accounting Manager/Controller?
Dr. Barbara Farrell CPA: Pass the CPA exam before you start working. That will almost certainly earn you a bonus and put you ahead of your peers.
Get additional certifications such as Microsoft Office certifications, Certified Fraud Examiner, and Certified Internal Auditor to name a few.
Be willing to volunteer for additional assignments.
Network within the firm and join professional organizations such as AICPA, State Society of CPAs etc
What Accounting Manager/Controller skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Barbara Farrell CPA: The field of public accounting is changing rapidly. Technology has become an integral part of the profession in tax, audit and consulting. It would be my suggestion to all students to use any elective credits within their degree program to become familiar with technology. In addition, excellent communication skills (oral and written) are critical. Use your liberal arts class electives to take communications and public speaking classes.
Once you enter the profession, keep learning! Whenever you are offered the opportunity to take a course, learn a new skill, or enhance your knowledge, take advantage of it!
Whatever firm you join will likely have social events and get-togethers. Go! Go into the office as much as possible. Network! Get to know those you work with to make connections for your future.
Be careful what you post on any social media platform! Pictures and postings can have repercussions.
Finally, get your CPA license ASAP! DO not wait. Start taking the exam while you are in school. Once you start working, your time to study is limited!
What Accounting Manager/Controller skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Lisa Bell MBA, CPA: If students are unsure what type of accounting they would like to pursue, I advise them to apply at small to mid-size public accounting firms. Usually, they will get exposure to various types of work such as tax, audit, and consulting. Also, they are more likely to work with a wide range of industries. The experience provides new accountants with opportunities to learn where they fit!
What will help Accounting Managers/Controller increase their earning potential?
Kirsten Cook:
Ten years ago, I would've said "soft skills" like verbal and written communication. Five years ago, data analytics was all the rage. I don't believe these skills have become any less important; rather, we must continue to layer on new skills to match the changing professional environment. Today, I encourage students to be technologically agile. For example, if you learned to use Alteryx in a class, but your new employer uses PowerBI, recognize the similarities between these programs and build on your existing knowledge to master the new tool. Also, stay abreast of developments in accounting by not only reading the business press but also by connecting with experts on social media like LinkedIn.
Byron Pike Ph.D., CPA
Master of Accounting (MAcc) Program Director, Allen Lenzmeier Accounting Professor of External Partnerships, Professor of AccountingMinnesota State University - Mankato
Accounting And Related Services
What will help Accounting Managers/Controller increase their earning potential?
Byron Pike Ph.D., CPA: There is no better time to be joining the accounting profession. However, if this is a career that you are passionate about, you should be on an academic and professional track that leads to Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure. There are many certifications available to accountants. The CPA designation is largely considered the top credential for accountants. CPAs have more job prospects, receive higher compensation, and report greater job satisfaction compared to non-CPA accountants. The CPA profession was extremely popular for baby boomers. As these boomers continue to retire at high rates, there is a huge need for CPAs today and into the foreseeable future. If you enter the accounting profession and become a CPA, you will have unlimited opportunities across all functions of the business for the rest of your career. Accounting is the functional language of business, and a background in it will yield dividends throughout your entire career.
What Accounting Manager/Controller skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Timothy Egan M.S. Marketing: -Understanding finance and how it impacts the operations of where you work, can help you have great insight into new opportunities or see the writing on the wall in tough times. -Don't be afraid to learn new technologies, especially ones that collect data. Enhance your tech-based skills as that will increase your value to the organization where you work and the business community at large. -Learn Spanish. While globalization may have you think about learning an Asian language, the Spanish speaking market is the faster growing in the US and has been since 2010.
What will help Accounting Managers/Controller increase their earning potential?
Ms. Leah Parker-Roth 15, CPA: Due to the broad nature of accounting, it is challenging to describe an accountant's typical day-to-day life accurately. However, this is a good thing because there are various specific areas within accounting, such as public accounting and governmental accounting. Accounting professionals generally expect to perform a standard set of tasks and utilize specific skills, including analytical skills and effective communication with colleagues and clients. While anyone can gather and organize data, accountants possess the expertise to analyze and communicate the data. Accountants perform specific tasks, including preparing financial statements and tax returns, payroll processing, maintaining accounting systems, and providing consulting services.
What Accounting Manager/Controller skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Abbie Daly PhD, CPA: There are so many career options for those with an accounting degree, that there is something for everyone to like. Further, accountants are consistently in demand, so accountants enjoy job security and good income. Accounting is often stereotyped as being a dull profession, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Accountants work in different industries and have different specializations so that it is an incredibly interesting career. Every organization needs an accountant, so someone with an accounting degree could be an accountant for a professional sports franchise or investigate business crimes as a forensic accountant for the FBI. Further, accounting is a noble career path for anyone wanting a career with purpose - ensuring that financial information is communicated with integrity supports a prosperous society.
What will help Accounting Managers/Controller increase their earning potential?
Abbie Daly PhD, CPA: Accounting has long been an excellent field to enter for those interested in any aspect of business - understanding a business requires speaking the language. However, now is an especially excellent time to enter the profession, as opportunities are plentiful with more accounting positions available than there are accountants. Further, rapid technological development is affecting the role of the accountant, with routine accounting tasks being automated as platforms such as artificial intelligence and blockchain become more widespread. This will increase accountants' efficiency so that accountants can spend their time on more value-added advisory and analytical tasks. Those entering the accounting profession with these skills will have boundless opportunities available to them. At UW-Whitewater, students acquire these skills by taking classes on accounting analytics, artificial intelligence, and blockchain.
Z. Jay Wang
Department Head, Associate Professor of FinanceUniversity of Oregon
Finance And Financial Management Services
What will help Accounting Managers/Controller increase their earning potential?
Z. Jay Wang: Students who have a history of doing work in the field outside the classroom either through internships, industry projects, or school-sponsored clubs managing financial decisions are better poised to maximize starting salary potential. Starting early to secure internships with top companies will also position students well for higher earning potential. Most top banks and firms will post internships from April/May to August, and close by the end of September for the following summer. They are also rolling, so may fill the roles by as early as June of the sophomore year for the following summer after junior year. Finally, networking with industry and alumni professionals in the companies, firms, banks prior to applying for an internship or full-time position will have an impact. The candidate will learn more about the opportunity and company culture for their resume and potential interview, and most top companies in finance will have a referral program. If the candidate impresses the internal connection with excellent questions and strategic answers, they may get a referral that moves them up in the stacks of applicants.
What general advice would you give to an Accounting Manager/Controller?
Dr. Wayne Durr: Maximizing your salary potential starts with understanding your value. What skills and
capabilities can you articulate to a prospective employer? The ability to articulate these skills
and what you bring to that company can be challenging. Think of your resume like an artist
thinks of their portfolio. What projects or analysis have you worked on? You cannot articulate
the value you will bring to that prospective company without the ability to articulate your skills
and capabilities. Do your research to determine what other employers pay people with the
same abilities. Ask employers what the salary range is and use that as your baseline. As you
get close to graduating, your classmates talk about the job offers they receive and most likely
share the salaries they are being offered. Listen and use this as a baseline. All this gives you
an idea of your value. Your first job isn't always the place where you'll be able to maximize your
earning potential. Think of your first job as where you will get the work experience to maximize
your future earning potential. Look at this as the place where you will sharpen your skills and
develop new ones. This first job will be where you fill out your resume and either have an
opportunity to maximize your earning potential there or elsewhere in the future.
Additionally, think about passive income and the "side gig". If you don't feel like you're
maximizing your earning potential at that first job, think about how you can make money on the
side. I believe we now live in a society where truly maximizing your earning potential comes
from more than your current employer. The ability to earn money from a side gig is more
prevalent than ever before. I think every student should take an entrepreneur class. Think
about your skills, which one could make you some side money. Don't dismiss jobs you did
growing up, like delivery service, landscaping, etc. There are so many apps and websites that
people and companies are looking for anything from an hour to a couple of days worth of work.
Take that first six months on the job to get settled in, and then start thinking about that side gig.
Octavian Ionici PhD
Sr. Lecturer in FinanceAmerican University
Finance And Financial Management Services
What Accounting Manager/Controller skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Octavian Ionici PhD: The finance profession is lucrative, rewarding and very competitive. Graduates should do their research about the organization they are interviewing with and be able to discuss how their skills can contribute to the business. They should also know if they would rather interact with people and clients or if they are drawn to intellectual pursuits such as analysis. Do they value power, prestige status, risk, or something else? Ultimately our core values, personal goals, interests, aptitudes, and personality will shape our career paths.
Being able to articulate what sparked their interest in the financial field and why they are interested in a chosen role will be an advantage during the hiring process. While still in college, students should join a professional association like the Financial Management Association to give them more access to that broad network, as well as access to career development resources that can set them apart from the crowd.
It's also critical to get an internship (paid or unpaid) in order to show some real-life experience. They can do this while they are still in college, during the summers, or even afterwards, to get a foot in the door.
Reading the WSJ and FT daily, and listening to Bloomberg, or other financial programs as a regular practice will help them to have fluency in the language of our profession. Because the finance sector is heavily regulated and changes occur due to changing economic and political conditions, they will need to stay updated with those changes. Financial media sources will help bring them that context to stay up to date on all of these moving parts.
What will help Accounting Managers/Controller increase their earning potential?
Dr. Kimberly Gaither: Maximize your salary potential by asking questions and learning as quickly as possible. Be a good communicator with those above and below you as well as your peers. Be dependable. Persons who show up early and work hard will be valued and rewarded.