Controller vs division controller

The differences between controllers and division controllers 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 division controller. Additionally, a division controller has an average salary of $110,117, 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 division controller are GAAP, internal controls, and CPA.

Controller vs division controller overview

	Controller	Division Controller
Yearly salary	$101,204	$110,117
Hourly rate	$48.66	$52.94
Growth rate	17%	17%
Number of jobs	75,440	41,679
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 75%	Bachelor's Degree, 78%
Average age	46	46
Years of experience	8	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 division controller do?

A division controller is typically in charge of overseeing a company division's financial activities and human resources operations. Their role is to set objectives and guidelines, perform audits and assessments, evaluate the workforce performance, handle budgets and timelines, and develop strategies to optimize processes. They must monitor the progress of activities and projects, producing regular reports and presentations to keep the executives informed. Furthermore, as a division controller, it is essential to lead staff and implement the company's policies and regulations.

Controller vs division controller salary

Controllers and division controllers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Controller	Division Controller
Average salary	$101,204	$110,117
Salary range	Between $70,000 And $144,000	Between $76,000 And $158,000
Highest paying City	Portland, ME	Concord, CA
Highest paying state	New York	Illinois
Best paying company	Perkins Coie	KLA
Best paying industry	Technology	Construction

Differences between controller and division controller education

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

	Controller	Division Controller
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 75%	Bachelor's Degree, 78%
Most common major	Accounting	Accounting
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	University of Pennsylvania

Controller vs division controller demographics

Here are the differences between controllers' and division controllers' demographics:

	Controller	Division Controller
Average age	46	46
Gender ratio	Male, 58.9% Female, 41.1%	Male, 77.8% Female, 22.2%
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, 8.0% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 15.0% Asian, 8.5% White, 64.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage	11%	11%

Differences between controller and division controller 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.

Division controller example responsibilities.

Develop long-term financial/ operational strategy for high-tech company as well as managed accounting, finance, and treasury operations.
Provide and interpret monthly portfolio financial results ensuring proper GAAP treatment of accounting transactions.
Review monthly balance sheet reconciliations to general ledger, sub-ledgers and independent supporting documentation.
Identify over $400K in book gain previously unrecognize by outside CPA firm during annual audit.
Plan and develop proper procedures to have an accurate and smooth physical count acceptable to hire CPA firm.
Implement new ERP accounting systems, providing ability to fully job-cost by job/location/salesperson.

Controller vs division controller skills

Common controller skills

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

Common division controller skills

GAAP, 6%
Internal Controls, 6%
CPA, 6%
Payroll, 5%
Financial Analysis, 4%
Oversight, 4%

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Controller vs Division Controller

Updated January 8, 2025

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