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Control analyst vs finance controller

The differences between control analysts and finance controllers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a control analyst, becoming a finance controller takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, a finance controller has an average salary of $105,869, which is higher than the $69,598 average annual salary of a control analyst.

The top three skills for a control analyst include internal controls, risk assessments and SOX. The most important skills for a finance controller are CPA, payroll, and financial controller.

Control analyst vs finance controller overview

Control AnalystFinance Controller
Yearly salary$69,598$105,869
Hourly rate$33.46$50.90
Growth rate11%17%
Number of jobs133,32197,342
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Average age4446
Years of experience48

What does a control analyst do?

A control analyst is an individual who is responsible for identifying weaknesses in the work process of an organization and implement methods to minimize risks. Control analysts are required to supervise the process for incident reports and provide technical guidance to their personnel. They must prepare monthly general ledger account analysis and balance sheets reconciliations that are according to the generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Control analysts should also assist with the organization's ISO audit procedures and findings.

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.

Control analyst vs finance controller salary

Control analysts and finance controllers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Control AnalystFinance Controller
Average salary$69,598$105,869
Salary rangeBetween $50,000 And $95,000Between $71,000 And $156,000
Highest paying CityJersey City, NJYonkers, NY
Highest paying stateWashingtonNew York
Best paying companyMetaSage Memorial Hospital
Best paying industryEnergyTechnology

Differences between control analyst and finance controller education

There are a few differences between a control analyst and a finance controller in terms of educational background:

Control AnalystFinance Controller
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Most common majorBusinessAccounting
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityUniversity of Pennsylvania

Control analyst vs finance controller demographics

Here are the differences between control analysts' and finance controllers' demographics:

Control AnalystFinance Controller
Average age4446
Gender ratioMale, 51.9% Female, 48.1%Male, 61.5% Female, 38.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 11.7% White, 66.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%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 Percentage12%11%

Differences between control analyst and finance controller duties and responsibilities

Control analyst example responsibilities.

  • Manage the implementation and roll-out of SharePoint as a team collaboration and document management tool.
  • Develop infrastructure to enable clients to better understand and manage risks associate with their decision environment to capture opportunities.
  • Transform the month-end calculation methodology and analysis process to provide a more accurate and detail fuel accruals and variance analysis.
  • Assist in SQL database applications development custom tailor for company s needs.
  • Provide ad hoc queries as requested by various areas within the bank (SQL).
  • Conduct UAT to make sure that all applications are tested for functionality and are adequately accept by users.
  • Show more

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.
  • Show more

Control analyst vs finance controller skills

Common control analyst skills
  • Internal Controls, 8%
  • Risk Assessments, 6%
  • SOX, 5%
  • Internal Audit, 4%
  • Customer Service, 4%
  • Strong Analytical, 4%
Common finance controller skills
  • CPA, 7%
  • Payroll, 7%
  • Financial Controller, 7%
  • GAAP, 5%
  • General Ledger, 5%
  • Internal Controls, 5%

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