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What is a controller/business manager and how to become one
Controller/Business Managers are responsible for managing the daily operations of the accounting department. You must be a self-starter, adaptable, able to communicate, and have strong accounting and finance skills. As a Controller/Business Manager, you will report to the CFO.
Controller/Business Managers are primarily in charge of accounting personnel and processes, manage those responsible for payroll, billing, collection, accounts payable, and fixed assets. You will motivate and mentor the accounting staff and give the objectives, direction, and coaching to achieve and finish the work that needs to be done. A Controller/Business Manager will meet regularly with staff and provide training, discuss ideas, and work on issues. You will be responsible for audits, financials, and ledger management and manage the month-end closing and account reconciliation processes.
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in accounting is preferred. A CPA certification is preferred. You may also need at least five to seven years of relevant financial management experience with proven leadership and management skills. A strong corporate tax and audit background is preferred. With all these qualifications and demands, you will be able to make a median salary of $90,000 to $120,000 a year.
What general advice would you give to a controller/business manager?
Dr. Kim Roberts
Professor of Operations Management, Website
Skills
leadership
communication
innovation
adaptation
critical thinking
problem solving
emotional intelligence
empathy
teamwork
cultural competence
conflict management
ethics and social responsibility
Avg. Salary $110,398
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 17%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.34%
Asian 9.95%
Black or African American 7.44%
Hispanic or Latino 14.19%
Unknown 4.10%
White 63.98%
Genderfemale 41.71%
male 58.29%
Age - 46American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 46Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work life balance is fair
6.4 - fair
Controller/business manager career paths
Key steps to become a controller/business manager
Explore controller/business manager education requirements
Start to develop specific controller/business manager skills
Skills Percentages Oversight 14.32% Project Management 9.05% Internal Controls 6.43% Business Controller 5.57% Internal Audit 3.78% Research controller/business manager duties and responsibilities
- Manage all financial aspects of the company to include; A/P, A/R, bank reconciliation, and financial reporting.
- Manage month-end closing activities including account analysis, business unit accruals, reconciliations of prepay expenses and inter-company accounts.
- Lead team through documentation and implementation of key controls in compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley regulation and provide guidance to strengthen control environment.
- Serve as price strategist, cost estimator, and oversight for large, complex, strategically important solicitations.
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Apply for controller/business manager jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a controller/business manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
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Average controller/business manager salary
The average controller/business manager salary in the United States is $110,398 per year or $53 per hour. Controller/business manager salaries range between $81,000 and $150,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do controller/business managers rate their job?
Controller/business manager reviews
I don’t know because I have not worked as one.
I am able to stay organized and able to help other do there job correctly and ask questions when needed
People lacking an not doing what they are told to do and when they don't show up on time
Updated January 8, 2025
