Control operator vs controller

The differences between control operators and controllers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a control operator, becoming a controller takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, a controller has an average salary of $101,204, which is higher than the $42,885 average annual salary of a control operator.

The top three skills for a control operator include customer service, safety procedures and payroll. The most important skills for a controller are CPA, payroll processing, and reconciliations.

Control operator vs controller overview

	Control Operator	Controller
Yearly salary	$42,885	$101,204
Hourly rate	$20.62	$48.66
Growth rate	-8%	17%
Number of jobs	64,435	75,440
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 58%	Bachelor's Degree, 75%
Average age	43	46
Years of experience	2	8

What does a control operator do?

The duties of a control operator depend on their line of work or industry of employment. Typically, it includes adhering to a set of protocols, controlling machines and equipment, identifying the needs of daily operations, and performing regular maintenance checks, conducting repairs when necessary. There are also instances where they must produce progress reports, address and resolve issues, and implement solutions. Furthermore, as a control operator, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with fellow employees, coordinating every step of the way for a safe and efficient workflow.

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.

Control operator vs controller salary

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

	Control Operator	Controller
Average salary	$42,885	$101,204
Salary range	Between $33,000 And $55,000	Between $70,000 And $144,000
Highest paying City	Hoffman Estates, IL	Portland, ME
Highest paying state	Illinois	New York
Best paying company	Battelle	Perkins Coie
Best paying industry	Energy	Technology

Differences between control operator and controller education

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

	Control Operator	Controller
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 58%	Bachelor's Degree, 75%
Most common major	Accounting	Accounting
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	University of Pennsylvania

Control operator vs controller demographics

Here are the differences between control operators' and controllers' demographics:

	Control Operator	Controller
Average age	43	46
Gender ratio	Male, 76.8% Female, 23.2%	Male, 58.9% Female, 41.1%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 14.5% Asian, 6.0% White, 68.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%	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	6%	11%

Differences between control operator and controller duties and responsibilities

Control operator example responsibilities.

Manage day to day processing of accounts receivable and payable using QuickBooks, producing reports as needed.
Manage all financial activities including financial reporting, general accounting, budgeting, cost accounting, A/R, A/P.
Manage, analyze, and prepare period- and year-end documentation, ensuring generally accept accounting principles (GAAP) adherence.
Manage logistics to increase shipping efficiency and reduce transportation costs.
Manage business unit income statements, product-line contribution margin reporting and absorption analysis.
Coordinate and manage annual physical inventory as well as inventory valuation in accordance with Canadian GAAP.

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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.

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Control operator vs controller skills

Common control operator skills

Customer Service, 11%
Safety Procedures, 7%
Payroll, 6%
Financial Reports, 4%
CPA, 4%
Logistics, 4%

Common controller skills

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

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Updated January 8, 2025

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