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This question is about what a controller does, what an accountant does, and controller.
Controller vs. Accountant
A controller is a financial professional that oversees the accounting operations of a firm or company, while an accountant is a financial professional who analyzes a client or company's financial information.
A controller is an accountant but one that oversees other accountants at a firm or company. The most common are business controllers and corporate controllers, who handle entire accounting systems for their employers. They may also work for government agencies and small businesses.
Accountants may work independently for individual clients or internally at a company. Some go into auditing or tax accounting, others work for the government, and then some perform cost accounting and internal reports. Tasks accountants perform include conducting payroll, managing investments and expenses, and accounting for internal finances such as transaction data.
Here are the key differences between a controller and an accountant:
A controller oversees the accounting operations of a company or firm, this includes managing other accountants beneath them
An accountant keeps and analyzes financial records, and may help prepare a company's or individual's taxes
A controller has a higher salary than an account because they have more responsibilities
An accountant may work independently with individual clients or for a company
Controllers only work for companies, corporations, and government agencies
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