Controller vs chief operating officer

The differences between controllers and chief operating officers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-8 years to become a controller, becoming a chief operating officer takes usually requires More than 10 years. Additionally, a chief operating officer has an average salary of $136,604, 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 chief operating officer are healthcare, customer service, and oversight.

Controller vs chief operating officer overview

	Controller	Chief Operating Officer
Yearly salary	$101,204	$136,604
Hourly rate	$48.66	$65.67
Growth rate	17%	6%
Number of jobs	75,440	128,993
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 75%	Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Average age	46	52
Years of experience	8	-

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 chief operating officer do?

A chief operating officer, also known as a COO, is a high-ranking official who oversees a company or organization's daily administrative and overall operations. They are typically the second in the chain of command, reporting directly to the company's chief executive officer, also known as a CEO. Among their duties include developing strategies and guidelines, reviewing reports, performing assessments, and implementing the company's policies, standards, and regulations. Additionally, they lead and empower staff to reach goals, helping solve issues and concerns when any arise.

Controller vs chief operating officer salary

Controllers and chief operating officers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Controller	Chief Operating Officer
Average salary	$101,204	$136,604
Salary range	Between $70,000 And $144,000	Between $81,000 And $229,000
Highest paying City	Portland, ME	Jersey City, NJ
Highest paying state	New York	New Jersey
Best paying company	Perkins Coie	Baker McKenzie
Best paying industry	Technology	Manufacturing

Differences between controller and chief operating officer education

There are a few differences between a controller and a chief operating officer in terms of educational background:

	Controller	Chief Operating Officer
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 75%	Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Most common major	Accounting	Business
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	University of Pennsylvania

Controller vs chief operating officer demographics

Here are the differences between controllers' and chief operating officers' demographics:

	Controller	Chief Operating Officer
Average age	46	52
Gender ratio	Male, 58.9% Female, 41.1%	Male, 76.6% Female, 23.4%
Race ratio	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%	Black or African American, 3.7% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 7.5% Asian, 7.5% White, 76.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage	11%	12%

Differences between controller and chief operating officer 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.

Chief operating officer example responsibilities.

Manage the RFP process and present investment packages to local and regional lenders to procure acquisition and long term debt financing.
Develop and integrate care services, achieve and maintain JCAHO accreditation.
Attain ISO registration, resulting in excellent documentation and adherence to operational and administrative process controls.
Manage the implementation of a new supply base global ERP system that reduce inventory and enable just-in-time delivery.
Establish, manage and coordinate activities of this start-up management company specializing in turning around trouble health insurance plans.
Manage all financial functions including controlling/accounting, board and regulatory reporting, treasury and cash management, and asset/liability management.

Controller vs chief operating officer skills

Common controller skills

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

Common chief operating officer skills

Healthcare, 11%
Customer Service, 8%
Oversight, 7%
Financial Management, 7%
Business Strategies, 6%
Human Resources, 6%

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Controller vs Chief Operating Officer

Updated January 8, 2025

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