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Job outlook for controller/finance managers in the United States
Controller/finance manager job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected controller/finance manager job growth rate is 17% from 2018-2028.
About 123,100 new jobs for controller/finance managers are projected over the next decade.
Controller/finance manager salaries have increased 10% for controller/finance managers in the last 5 years.
There are over 215,753 controller/finance managers currently employed in the United States.
There are 117,349 active controller/finance manager job openings in the US.
The average controller/finance manager salary is $119,732.
Are controller/finance manager jobs in demand?
Controller/finance manager job and salary trends over time
Controller/finance manager jobs over time
Controller/finance manager job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 215,753 | 0.06% |
| 2020 | 206,886 | 0.06% |
| 2019 | 207,428 | 0.06% |
| 2018 | 192,643 | 0.06% |
| 2017 | 180,371 | 0.05% |
Average controller/finance manager salary over time
Controller/finance manager salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $119,732 | $57.56 | +3.3% |
| 2024 | $115,904 | $55.72 | +1.5% |
| 2023 | $114,208 | $54.91 | +2.3% |
| 2022 | $111,612 | $53.66 | +2.7% |
| 2021 | $108,640 | $52.23 | +3.2% |
Controller/finance manager jobs by state
Most common states for controller/finance managers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 426 | 61% |
| 2 | Delaware | 961,939 | 251 | 26% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,560 | 23% |
| 4 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,685 | 20% |
| 5 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 620 | 20% |
| 6 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,417 | 19% |
| 7 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,073 | 19% |
| 8 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 682 | 19% |
| 9 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 2,363 | 18% |
| 10 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 997 | 18% |
| 11 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 136 | 18% |
| 12 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 103 | 18% |
| 13 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,047 | 17% |
| 14 | Alaska | 739,795 | 123 | 17% |
| 15 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 938 | 16% |
| 16 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 214 | 16% |
| 17 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 168 | 16% |
| 18 | Vermont | 623,657 | 102 | 16% |
| 19 | California | 39,536,653 | 5,832 | 15% |
| 20 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 1,529 | 15% |
Most common cities for controller/finance managers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | East Hartford | 1 | 2% | $131,259 |
| 2 | Hackensack | 1 | 2% | $129,018 |
| 3 | Atlanta | 3 | 1% | $102,167 |
| 4 | Corona | 2 | 1% | $124,081 |
| 5 | Bloomington | 1 | 1% | $99,678 |
| 6 | Fullerton | 1 | 1% | $124,429 |
| 7 | Gainesville | 1 | 1% | $90,512 |
| 8 | Lake Forest | 1 | 1% | $123,695 |
| 9 | Chicago | 3 | 0% | $117,947 |
| 10 | Baltimore | 2 | 0% | $126,667 |
| 11 | Boston | 2 | 0% | $145,714 |
| 12 | Detroit | 2 | 0% | $123,702 |
| 13 | Los Angeles | 2 | 0% | $125,305 |
| 14 | Miami | 2 | 0% | $84,148 |
| 15 | Phoenix | 2 | 0% | $105,875 |
| 16 | San Francisco | 2 | 0% | $137,127 |
| 17 | Denver | 1 | 0% | $99,180 |
| 18 | Irvine | 1 | 0% | $123,808 |
Controller/Finance Manager job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of controller/finance manager experts
Manhattan College
Fairfield University
University of Akron
University of Oregon
King's College
American University
Cedar Falls
Lawrence Technological University
Pacific Lutheran University
University of Arkansas
Case Western Reserve University
DePaul University
Loyola University Maryland
Widener University
University of Maine at Augusta
South College
What general advice would you give to a Controller/Finance Manager?
Dr. Natalia Boliari PhD: First, learn everything about the company you just started working for - its historical path, management, the way it's dealt with crises, etc. Second, learn everything about the specific industry the company belongs to and see how the company has developed relative to the development of the industry domestically and internationally. Third, always be extremely alert to notice new opportunities and be prepared to take calculated risks. That is, actively look for opportunities to complete as many and diverse tasks as possible, and volunteer to complete any type of work regardless of whether it seems relevant to your assigned job or not. Opportunities to learn, grow, and improve and thus to maximize your income, will only come up if you are exposed to diverse situations.
What Controller/Finance Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Natalia Boliari PhD: Be open minded. Finance is the broad definition of an industry which provides opportunities for careers in financial consultancy, financial analysis, stock brokerage, foreign investment, modeling, exchange rate forecasts, and many more. While most of those careers are attributed to the banking industry, you can find those and others in other sectors of the economy, such as insurance, technology, health care/medical, government, and so on. So, be open and look beyond the banking sector, examine the current and predicted trends in the economy to hunt for exciting career options.
What general advice would you give to a Controller/Finance Manager?
John McDermott Ph.D.: To maximize your salary potential, keep learning, investing in your human capital, and expanding your capabilities. Learn as much as you can about your new position and industry, work with a variety of people at your firm, and seek opportunities outside your comfort zone. Your salary potential will increase as you are recognized as a capable and hard working colleague.
What general advice would you give to a Controller/Finance Manager?
Clemens Kownatzki PhD, MBA: To be successful today requires essentially the same basic skills and behaviors that made people successful in the past. It’s a lot about who you know, not what you know. Having some basic skills is a necessary condition but it’s not sufficient. You have to be a good communicator, have to be likeable and be a good team player. And to do those things, you need to be around people enough, develop the most important social skills and remember the important things you learned in kindergarten. Show up on time, do what you say and not say what you do and be nice to people. Essentially the golden rule: “Do unto others…” But there are also some important practical things you should do. Think about getting a CFA license or others like CAIA, CMA, CPA, FRM etc. These professional designations won’t hurt you, they can be a requirement in some jobs or at least a differentiator as you apply for jobs. You can also take the Securities Industry Examination as a precondition to getting the more recognized Series 7, 63, 65 etc. But also consider some very easy things like getting certified with the Bloomberg Market Concepts. If your business school has a Bloomberg terminal (we’re lucky because we have 4 terminals), it’s a self-paced exam that’s free on the Bloomberg terminal. Also think about joining some associations to help with getting to know people in positions. You have to network every day and keep on working that network constantly. Lastly, don’t be afraid to negotiate. Yes, it is a competitive industry and there’s always more than just a handful applying for a position but you should know your worth. While you’re networking and having conversations with executives through your network, find out what reasonable expectations should be for the work being delivered.
What general advice would you give to a Controller/Finance Manager?
Eric Brisker Ph.D.: The finance industry is a very competitive industry to compete for jobs in even when graduating with an undergraduate degree in Finance. Fresh graduates beginning their career in finance should focus on the following areas to give them a competitive advantage on other job market candidates: 1. Develop your professional skills to include communication, networking, and social skills. 2. Develop analytical skills and learn the tools used for analyzing financial data. 3. Continue to develop and expand your financial knowledge. 4. Work towards obtaining a professional certification that are highly valued in the finance industry. 5. Being open about career paths is recommended.
What will help Controller/Finance Managers increase their earning potential?
Eric Brisker Ph.D.: Focusing on developing skills in communication, networking, social skills, analytical skills, financial knowledge, and obtaining professional certifications can help maximize salary potential in the finance industry. Developing these skills and following the advice provided can lead to opportunities for higher salaries.
Z. Jay Wang
Department Head, Associate Professor of FinanceUniversity of Oregon
Finance And Financial Management Services
What will help Controller/Finance Managers increase their earning potential?
Z. Jay Wang: Students who have a history of doing work in the field outside the classroom either through internships, industry projects, or school-sponsored clubs managing financial decisions are better poised to maximize starting salary potential. Starting early to secure internships with top companies will also position students well for higher earning potential. Most top banks and firms will post internships from April/May to August, and close by the end of September for the following summer. They are also rolling, so may fill the roles by as early as June of the sophomore year for the following summer after junior year. Finally, networking with industry and alumni professionals in the companies, firms, banks prior to applying for an internship or full-time position will have an impact. The candidate will learn more about the opportunity and company culture for their resume and potential interview, and most top companies in finance will have a referral program. If the candidate impresses the internal connection with excellent questions and strategic answers, they may get a referral that moves them up in the stacks of applicants.
What general advice would you give to a Controller/Finance Manager?
Z. Jay Wang: As you onboard into your first roles in finance, a great work ethic and strong technical skills are obviously important for your long-term success. Moreover, your human skills will be as important as your technical skill. Ensure you practice and develop your communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and project management skills. In terms of technical skills attention to detail, use of data analytics tools, and visualization will be very valuable. Another often overlooked skill is written communication. Many students fail to realize the importance of effective communications.
What Controller/Finance Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Z. Jay Wang: Big data analytical and quantitative skills have become increasingly important in the past decade. Moreover, AI will be a part of how you work. Understand and practice how this tool can help you solve simple tasks, and do research and assessment of data efficiently and strategically.
Peter Ibbott
Associate Professor of EconomicsKing's College
Economics
What will help Controller/Finance Managers increase their earning potential?
Peter Ibbott: If you are considering a career in economics or finance, it is best to get an MA in Economics or a Masters in Financial Economics. If you are considering a career in Business or Finance, it is best to develop your experience through work, while seeking additional educational opportunities throughout your career. Many find that accumulating micro-credentials can be useful. A more valuable path is to work towards obtaining a Chartered Financial Analyst designation. For strong students, taking a break later in your career to pursue an MBA or Masters of Finance can be useful in advancing your mid-career prospects.
Octavian Ionici PhD
Sr. Lecturer in FinanceAmerican University
Finance And Financial Management Services
What general advice would you give to a Controller/Finance Manager?
Octavian Ionici PhD: The right education and training along with solid interpersonal skills should be at the top of their skill set. With those skills they can navigate potential disruptions to the workforce, future business trends and emerging technologies.
Hard core financial modeling skills are a must for finance, especially now with algorithmic business applications multiplying with the emergence of AI. Knowing how to develop a model that will answer multiple what-if scenarios for allocating resources, securing funding, managing risk, developing future plans, and making smart decisions overall.
Because AI, chatbots, blockchain and other "robots" will help companies simplify the workflows (preparing the reports and processes) faster, people will need to understand how to apply these technologies in order to analyze the results and to make decisions in real time.
People will also need to monitor the AI models and to constantly check for accuracy and biases. A big emphasis will be on collaboration of interdisciplinary teams of professionals working in IT, finance, accounting, HR and leadership. This means that companies will value employees that know how to find business information and deliver answers across functional areas proactively.
Finally, as they are working in a global interconnected world, they need to understand different cultures, regulations, and societal norms, so that they can respectfully communicate their ideas in cross-cultural situations. Along with the necessary technical skills, having an open mind and strong customer service focus will benefit them as the field continues to evolve.
What Controller/Finance Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Octavian Ionici PhD: The finance profession is lucrative, rewarding and very competitive. Graduates should do their research about the organization they are interviewing with and be able to discuss how their skills can contribute to the business. They should also know if they would rather interact with people and clients or if they are drawn to intellectual pursuits such as analysis. Do they value power, prestige status, risk, or something else? Ultimately our core values, personal goals, interests, aptitudes, and personality will shape our career paths.
Being able to articulate what sparked their interest in the financial field and why they are interested in a chosen role will be an advantage during the hiring process. While still in college, students should join a professional association like the Financial Management Association to give them more access to that broad network, as well as access to career development resources that can set them apart from the crowd.
It's also critical to get an internship (paid or unpaid) in order to show some real-life experience. They can do this while they are still in college, during the summers, or even afterwards, to get a foot in the door.
Reading the WSJ and FT daily, and listening to Bloomberg, or other financial programs as a regular practice will help them to have fluency in the language of our profession. Because the finance sector is heavily regulated and changes occur due to changing economic and political conditions, they will need to stay updated with those changes. Financial media sources will help bring them that context to stay up to date on all of these moving parts.
What will help Controller/Finance Managers increase their earning potential?
Octavian Ionici PhD: Try to understand what your boss or your company needs, then see if you can fill that gap with your skill set and work ethic. Finance constantly evolves. A career with lifelong learning will help keep you employable. Investing in continuous learning and skill development can increase your income potential down the road.
Plus, don't underestimate the power of a positive attitude and strong work ethic. You may not be an expert at the beginning, but you can take on every challenge given to you, work hard and try to turn it into a success for your organization. Each win will build your reputation and your portfolio of skills which you will then bring with you to your next job. As you do this, you will inevitably acquire specialized skills.
What general advice would you give to a Controller/Finance Manager?
Noah Alatza: As you begin your career, there are two areas that are critical to your success. First, it is essential that you commit to continuous learning. Strive to become knowledgeable on a wide variety of issues and developments in the financial sector, and set yourself apart by becoming an expert in a few key areas of interest. Secondly, actively build your professional network. Always take the opportunity to make new connections, and commit dedicated time each week to building and maintaining those relationships.
What will help Controller/Finance Managers increase their earning potential?
Noah Alatza: Effective communication skills and the ability to quickly adjust to changing conditions will become even more important in the next few years. Technology is changing rapidly and financial professionals can enhance their success by learning to utilize those new tools to their advantage.
What general advice would you give to a Controller/Finance Manager?
Dr. Kimberly Gaither: Finance majors will also be valued for their analytical skills, but more and more soft skills will be valued into the future. Communicating your analysis in a manner consistent with your audience will make you a valued person in the field. Students who were forced to navigate learning along through COVID will need to be able to re-engage in person-to-person professional relationships, even when those meetings are remote. Clear writing is essential today and may not have been stressed in your curriculum. There are many opportunities to continuously upskill, take advantage of those courses.
What will help Controller/Finance Managers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Kimberly Gaither: Maximize your salary potential by asking questions and learning as quickly as possible. Be a good communicator with those above and below you as well as your peers. Be dependable. Persons who show up early and work hard will be valued and rewarded.
Brett Olsen
Department Head and Professor of FinanceCedar Falls
Finance And Financial Management Services
What Controller/Finance Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Brett Olsen: Every business, every institution, every family, and every fund deals with cash flows. Being able to evaluate, understand, quantify, analyze, compute, and communicate the flows of cash is necessary and cannot be avoided. This is a good profession at any point in time. The use of cash is ubiquitous.
Matthew Cole Ph.D.
Interim Dean, College of Business and Information TechnologyLawrence Technological University
Architecture And Related Services
What will help Controller/Finance Managers increase their earning potential?
Matthew Cole Ph.D.: Specializing in high-demand areas like tax or forensic accounting, demonstrating strong technology skills, negotiating based on industry salary standards, and pursuing professional development and additional credentials will maximize salary potential.
Fang Lin
Assistant Professor of FinancePacific Lutheran University
Finance And Financial Management Services
What Controller/Finance Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Fang Lin: Don't be afraid to negotiate your starting salary. Young journalists have a lot to offer newsrooms through social media skills and a willingness to adapt to new technologies such as artificial intelligence. Technology skills have value and should not be undersold. Also, young journalism students should not discount the value of their student media and internship experiences. Young journalists must use everything on their resumes to show how they bring value to their position and ask to be compensated fairly for the work they will contribute to the newsroom's success.
What will help Controller/Finance Managers increase their earning potential?
Fang Lin: I believe that data analysis is becoming increasingly crucial for finance professionals. Therefore, proficiency in coding and statistical modeling is essential. At a minimum, individuals should be able to understand basic financial models. Ideally, they should be able to code or at least interpret code in languages such as Python and R. Additionally, soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking will continue to be invaluable.
Dhruba Banjade
Assistant Professor in Finance & Department Chair of Business AnalysisWhat general advice would you give to a Controller/Finance Manager?
Dhruba Banjade: i. The industry technology is changing fast. Specific skills will be more critical in the finance field in the next 3-5 years. Some of these are:
ii. Data analysis/ data mining skills. Knowledge of Excel, R, Python, data visualization, Tableau, RapidMiner, machine learning, and financial modeling skills are essential in finance and business.
iii. Skills and knowledge of artificial intelligence and machine learning will give more opportunities and help career development.
iv. Network security and cybersecurity are essential to protect financial transactions and digital data.
v. Knowledge of financial regulations and risk management will be in high demand in the next 3-5 years.
vi. Soft skills such as politeness, ability to work in a diverse group, good communication, learning attitude, etc, are also necessary.
vii. Many industry and business companies today focus on sustainable development and environmental, social, and governance activities. Knowledge of sustainability and ESG measures is also helpful.
viii. Broad knowledge of global financial markets, international finance, global economy, etc., will be valuable in the next 3-5 years.
What Controller/Finance Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dhruba Banjade: Everyone's career journey is unique and different. As a finance professor, I suggest a few things to graduates beginning their careers.
i. Learning is a continuous process and essential. Even after graduation, learn and enhance new skills. The person must be familiar with the latest industry trends.
ii. Building a good network helps with career development. I suggest attending industry events and connecting with many friends and colleagues on social networks such as LinkedIn.
iii. I further suggest to improve verbal and written communication. It helps in career development.
iv. Understanding basic financial principles is essential. For example, the person must be familiar with economic and income statement analyses, budgeting, profit/loss, and savings.
Kris Allee Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Doyle Z. Williams Chair in Professional AccountingUniversity of Arkansas
Accounting Department
What soft skills should all Controller/Finance Managers possess?
Kris Allee Ph.D.: Given an accounting manager assumes a leadership position at the firm, the ability to lead effectively, communicate well, and organize and manage projects would be the most important soft skills necessary.
What skills will help Controller/Finance Managers earn the most?
Kris Allee Ph.D.: Certainly, passing the CPA exam is a must, as it is considered a necessary condition for advancement. Passing the exam also helps certify the minimum level of skills the person may possess. Financial analysis skills are also highly valued and hard to find in the average staff accountant. These skills traditionally would include computing, quantitative analysis, and understanding forecasting techniques and limitations. Finally, communication skills and the ability to effectively manage expectations and projects are what make an accountant indispensable and valuable to a firm.
Thomas King
Department Chair, Director, Master of Accountancy Program, Professor, AccountancyCase Western Reserve University
Accountancy Department
What soft skills should all Controller/Finance Managers possess?
Thomas King: The ability to develop working relationships with a wide range of colleagues who have diverse skills.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Controller/Finance Managers?
Thomas King: The ability to extract information from unfamiliar data sets and then explain conclusions reached in a clear, persuasive manner.
What skills will help Controller/Finance Managers earn the most?
Thomas King: The ability to lead others to bring about intended change.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Controller/Finance Managers?
Delvin Grant: Yes. I strongly believe coronavirus will have a lasting impact on new graduates. A increasing paradigm shift is taking place as we speak, as some IT-related jobs can be done remotely. I expect the shift to continue until a steady state condition is achieved, when companies feel they have the right mix of remote and face-to-face employment. Some companies may resist the trend, valuing face-to-face over remote working. Face-to-face satisfies a human need to socialize and, in some cultures, much business is done by face-to-face. There is evidence of a paradigm shift as many IT employees work remotely, due to the pandemic. Some companies have realized the shift is here to stay and others take a wait and see attitude. It is hard not to recognize the shift as there are cost saving from office rent, office space, heating, cooling, computing cost, travel costs, etc. The impact will vary by profession. IT and other professions are a natural fit for remote working while others are not. For example, a chemist working in a lab environment cannot work from home as his lab is the only place to mix and experiment with chemicals and chemistry.
Dr. JP Krahel Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Accounting, Accounting Department ChairLoyola University Maryland
Accounting Department
What technical skills for a Controller/Finance Manager stand out to employers?
Dr. JP Krahel Ph.D.: First, Excel. It's the most basic, essential tool for the accounting professional. If you can come in on Day 1 knowing essential keyboard shortcuts, proper formula and reference use, and how to format a spreadsheet properly, you'll have an immediate advantage over your peers.
Second, believe it or not, is writing. People think that accounting is all about numbers, but really, it's less about the math (which Excel does for you) and more about being able to explain the deeper meaning behind the results. Can you explain complex depreciation methods to an audit client? Give bad news to a tax client in an understandable way? These are big deals.
Third is data analytics. Given the immense volume of data now available to firms, someone who can extract, clean, and present that data using modern software tools will have an edge. It's really another form of communication, and one that early-career accounting professionals would do well to familiarize themselves with before entering the workforce.
Joseph Hargadon Ph.D.
Department Head, Accounting, Economics & Finance, Professor of AccountingWidener University
Department Head of Accounting, Economics & Finance
What Controller/Finance Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Joseph Hargadon Ph.D.: A gap year is not an uncommon situation in this pandemic environment given the number of accounting positions is fewer and the competition for those jobs is fiercer.
Graduates taking a gap year need to make judicious use of that time. Acquiring new skills in such areas as data analytics and information technology, earning professional certifications, and volunteering with not-for profits will demonstrate to an employer that they have continued to learn and grow during this time. Since accounting professionals (i.e., CPAs) are required by law to meet continuing education requirements to maintain their license, it is imperative that gap year graduates show employers that they are staying current and advancing their competencies and skills in business.
Also, graduates taking a gap year must learn and prepare for difficult questions when they eventually start their virtual interviewing. Interviewing in a remote world is somewhat different than interviewing in person.
Rehearsing and doing mock virtual interviews is more important than ever today.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Controller/Finance Manager job market given the pandemic?
Thomas Giordano: More graduating students are working from home so that will take getting used to.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Controller/Finance Manager job market given the pandemic?
D. Pace Porter: I believe the need for accounting and financial expertise will even be greater as a result of the pandemic. First, the increased technical accounting and reporting requirements related to risks disclosures, impairment analysis and so forth, and the tax and compliance requirements as a result of the various Coronavirus relief and stimulus legislation, will prompt an increase in demand whether through in-house personnel or through CPA firms. Trends toward more technologically advanced graduates began before the pandemic but will accelerate as a result of it. More importantly, however, is the need for improving economic and operational efficiencies, and therefore cash flow, for businesses to continue as a going concern throughout this pandemic and position themselves for growth once things return to some sort of normal. Accounting and financial expertise has an increasingly important role to play here.
What general advice would you give to a Controller/Finance Manager?
D. Pace Porter: The accounting profession is made up of several disciplines and is inherent in all businesses from small and medium size to large, publicly traded global companies. You should have a solid idea of where you want to begin. Private industry accounting, which industry, general accounting or tax; or public accounting with a CPA firm and audit, tax or advisory services within that type organization? These are some of the questions that you must answer for yourself, as well as for the potential interviewer. You should have the information necessary to help you answer those after completing your degree and taking all of the required accounting courses. I would also advise you to focus on general skills such as written and oral communication, technology (Excel and beyond), attention to detail, time management and above all, professional integrity.