Controller vs processor

The differences between controllers and processors 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 processor takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a controller has an average salary of $101,204, which is higher than the $32,098 average annual salary of a processor.

The top three skills for a controller include CPA, payroll processing and reconciliations. The most important skills for a processor are data entry, customer service, and patients.

Controller vs processor overview

	Controller	Processor
Yearly salary	$101,204	$32,098
Hourly rate	$48.66	$15.43
Growth rate	17%	-3%
Number of jobs	75,440	11,448
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 75%	Bachelor's Degree, 35%
Average age	46	50
Years of experience	8	12

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 processor do?

Processors are employees who deal with clients and ensure that the clients' requests are provided. Processors usually handle loans or any other related claims. They are in charge of managing the submission of the clients' rights. They communicate the requirements to clients, schedule appointments, receive requirements submitted by clients, validate the requirements, and endorse further processing and approval requirements. Processors act as the bridge between clients and other institutions. They also communicate the request's status to clients and assist should it be needed after approval.

Controller vs processor salary

Controllers and processors have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Controller	Processor
Average salary	$101,204	$32,098
Salary range	Between $70,000 And $144,000	Between $24,000 And $41,000
Highest paying City	Portland, ME	Randolph, MA
Highest paying state	New York	California
Best paying company	Perkins Coie	Argonne National Laboratory
Best paying industry	Technology	Finance

Differences between controller and processor education

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

	Controller	Processor
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 75%	Bachelor's Degree, 35%
Most common major	Accounting	Business
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	-

Controller vs processor demographics

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

	Controller	Processor
Average age	46	50
Gender ratio	Male, 58.9% Female, 41.1%	Male, 34.0% Female, 66.0%
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, 6.7% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 10.7% Asian, 4.7% White, 72.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	11%	7%

Differences between controller and processor 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.

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Processor example responsibilities.

Manage the project schedule and design the PowerPoint presentation.
Manage a monthly pipeline averaging 100 files from origination to funding per month as a Jr. processor.
Coach fellow team members to help attain higher QA and assist with CANDE questions to ensure efficiency.
Manage the ordering of homeowner's association estoppel letters for payoffs; as well as surveys and clear lien searches.
Obtain title policies and process title claims to expedite REO closings and obtain clear title to properties in numerous states.
Mail clerk, stamp, open, count mail and match checks with EOB 's

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Controller vs processor skills

Common controller skills

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

Common processor skills

Data Entry, 19%
Customer Service, 18%
Patients, 11%
Standard Operating Procedure, 6%
Strong Customer Service, 5%
Bank Deposits, 5%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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