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Controller vs business manager-finance manager

The differences between controllers and business manager-finance managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-8 years to become both a controller and a business manager-finance manager. Additionally, a business manager-finance manager has an average salary of $106,036, which is higher than the $101,204 average annual salary of a controller.

The top three skills for a controller include CPA, payroll processing and reconciliations. The most important skills for a business manager-finance manager are financial analysis, project management, and financial management.

Controller vs business manager-finance manager overview

ControllerBusiness Manager-Finance Manager
Yearly salary$101,204$106,036
Hourly rate$48.66$50.98
Growth rate17%17%
Number of jobs75,440180,161
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Average age4646
Years of experience88

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.

What does a business manager-finance manager do?

A business manager/finance manager is responsible for handling the financial transactions of an organization, analyzing financial reports, and monitor investment activities. Business managers/finance managers strategize effective techniques to boost the organization's financial performance and identify business opportunities to increase revenues. They also prepare financial statements and assist senior management in making corporate decisions by conducting data and statistical analysis by studying market trends. A business manager/finance manager must have excellent critical thinking and analytical skills, especially in calculating costs and expenses to minimize the company's loss and stabilize profits.

Controller vs business manager-finance manager salary

Controllers and business manager-finance managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

ControllerBusiness Manager-Finance Manager
Average salary$101,204$106,036
Salary rangeBetween $70,000 And $144,000Between $73,000 And $152,000
Highest paying CityPortland, MESan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateNew YorkCalifornia
Best paying companyPerkins CoieZS
Best paying industryTechnologyFinance

Differences between controller and business manager-finance manager education

There are a few differences between a controller and a business manager-finance manager in terms of educational background:

ControllerBusiness Manager-Finance Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Most common majorAccountingBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Controller vs business manager-finance manager demographics

Here are the differences between controllers' and business manager-finance managers' demographics:

ControllerBusiness Manager-Finance Manager
Average age4646
Gender ratioMale, 58.9% Female, 41.1%Male, 58.8% Female, 41.2%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 7.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 14.1% Asian, 10.0% White, 64.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between controller and business manager-finance manager duties and responsibilities

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.
  • Show more

Business manager-finance manager example responsibilities.

  • Project manage implementation of ERP forecasting and budgeting system.
  • Manage accounting operations, accounting period closing, account reporting, and reconciliations.
  • Manage senior financial analysts responsible for evaluating the financial risks of a portfolio of large property and casualty insurance programs.
  • Identify several ongoing reporting mistakes and leverage accounting experience to determine and implement solutions to align with the standard accounting policy.
  • Execute all aspects of management including payroll, A/R, A/P and OSHA.
  • Establish, coordinate, and supervise treasury functions and international currency management for multiple foreign currency accounts in various countries.
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Controller vs business manager-finance manager skills

Common controller skills
  • CPA, 8%
  • Payroll Processing, 7%
  • Reconciliations, 6%
  • Cash Management, 5%
  • Internal Controls, 5%
  • GAAP, 5%
Common business manager-finance manager skills
  • Financial Analysis, 12%
  • Project Management, 5%
  • Financial Management, 4%
  • Oversight, 4%
  • Shared Services, 3%
  • Process Improvement, 3%

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