Assistant corporate controller vs finance controller

The differences between assistant corporate controllers and finance 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 finance controller. Additionally, an assistant corporate controller has an average salary of $128,131, which is higher than the $105,869 average annual salary of a finance controller.

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

Assistant corporate controller vs finance controller overview

	Assistant Corporate Controller	Finance Controller
Yearly salary	$128,131	$105,869
Hourly rate	$61.60	$50.90
Growth rate	17%	17%
Number of jobs	55,450	97,342
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 81%	Bachelor's Degree, 70%
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 finance controller do?

A financial controller is primarily in charge of the daily finance activities and accounting functions of a company. Their responsibilities typically revolve around preparing and organizing financial reports, analyzing data and looking out for any discrepancies or inconsistencies, and overseeing the company's overall revenues and expenditures. A financial controller must also maintain documentation, participate in risk assessment and budgeting activities, and develop strategies for profit growth. Furthermore, one must coordinate with other department staff to ensure accuracy, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

Assistant corporate controller vs finance controller salary

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

	Assistant Corporate Controller	Finance Controller
Average salary	$128,131	$105,869
Salary range	Between $81,000 And $201,000	Between $71,000 And $156,000
Highest paying City	-	Yonkers, NY
Highest paying state	-	New York
Best paying company	-	Sage Memorial Hospital
Best paying industry	-	Technology

Differences between assistant corporate controller and finance controller education

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

	Assistant Corporate Controller	Finance Controller
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 81%	Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Most common major	Accounting	Accounting
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	University of Pennsylvania

Assistant corporate controller vs finance controller demographics

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

	Assistant Corporate Controller	Finance Controller
Average age	46	46
Gender ratio	Male, 69.5% Female, 30.5%	Male, 61.5% Female, 38.5%
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, 7.6% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 14.5% Asian, 10.2% White, 63.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage	11%	11%

Differences between assistant corporate controller and finance 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.

Finance controller example responsibilities.

Lead the implementation of a fully integrate ERP system resulting in increase financial integrity.
Supervise a staff of seven in the areas of A/P, A/R, G/L, financial reporting and payroll.
Coordinate annual financial audit with external CPA firm and implement internal controls to satisfy recommendations from auditors.
Develop and implement procedures with internal controls for all financial and operational processes to ensure GAAP compliance.
Prepare all accounts for the month-end closing process and additionally gather information for daily/monthly reconciliations and journal entries.
Work with outside CPA on year-end tax planning; ensure the timely filing and payment of corporate taxes.

Assistant corporate controller vs finance controller skills

Common assistant corporate controller skills

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

Common finance controller skills

CPA, 7%
Payroll, 7%
Financial Controller, 7%
GAAP, 5%
General Ledger, 5%
Internal Controls, 5%

Assistant Corporate Controller vs. similar jobs

Assistant Corporate Controller related careers

Assistant Corporate Controller related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Executive Management Industry
Assistant Corporate Controller
Assistant Corporate Controller vs Finance Controller

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse executive management jobs