Assistant corporate controller vs controller

The differences between assistant corporate controllers and controllers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-8 years to become both an assistant corporate controller and a controller. Additionally, an assistant corporate controller has an average salary of $128,131, which is higher than the $101,204 average annual salary of a controller.

The top three skills for an assistant corporate controller include GAAP, CPA and external auditors. The most important skills for a controller are CPA, payroll processing, and reconciliations.

Assistant corporate controller vs controller overview

	Assistant Corporate Controller	Controller
Yearly salary	$128,131	$101,204
Hourly rate	$61.60	$48.66
Growth rate	17%	17%
Number of jobs	55,450	75,440
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 81%	Bachelor's Degree, 75%
Average age	46	46
Years of experience	8	8

What does an assistant corporate controller do?

Assistant corporate controllers are professionals who prepare statements that follow all regulatory and accounting guidelines for an organization by using their knowledge of accounting principles. These controllers are required to review financial data and discuss any discrepancies with the organization's vice president. They must establish internal control systems so that they can prevent errors in the financial statements. Assistant corporate controllers must also coordinate financial audits with the chief financial officer (CFO) while delegating data entry tasks to their junior accounting staff.

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.

Assistant corporate controller vs controller salary

Assistant corporate controllers and controllers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Assistant Corporate Controller	Controller
Average salary	$128,131	$101,204
Salary range	Between $81,000 And $201,000	Between $70,000 And $144,000
Highest paying City	-	Portland, ME
Highest paying state	-	New York
Best paying company	-	Perkins Coie
Best paying industry	-	Technology

Differences between assistant corporate controller and controller education

There are a few differences between an assistant corporate controller and a controller in terms of educational background:

	Assistant Corporate Controller	Controller
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 81%	Bachelor's Degree, 75%
Most common major	Accounting	Accounting
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	University of Pennsylvania

Assistant corporate controller vs controller demographics

Here are the differences between assistant corporate controllers' and controllers' demographics:

	Assistant Corporate Controller	Controller
Average age	46	46
Gender ratio	Male, 69.5% Female, 30.5%	Male, 58.9% Female, 41.1%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 7.6% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 14.5% Asian, 10.2% White, 63.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%	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	11%	11%

Differences between assistant corporate controller and controller duties and responsibilities

Assistant corporate controller example responsibilities.

Implement and manage SOX compliance, ultimately creating and managing the process with internal resources to reduce costs to the business.
Manage relationship with CPA firm for annual audit and tax engagements.
Develop, document and manage projects relate to ERP functionality improvements.
Manage payroll and compensation for personal household staff in Washington and Arizona.
Manage accounting systems configuration and improvement, external auditor communication and requirements, regulatory compliance and SOX controls review.
Maintain integrity of the general ledger and ensuring timely and accurate reconciliations of all accounts.

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.

Assistant corporate controller vs controller skills

Common assistant corporate controller skills

GAAP, 8%
CPA, 8%
External Auditors, 7%
Reconciliations, 6%
Internal Controls, 6%
Payroll, 5%

Common controller skills

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

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Assistant Corporate Controller
Assistant Corporate Controller vs Controller

Updated January 8, 2025

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