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Controller vs treasurer

The differences between controllers and treasurers 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 treasurer. Additionally, a controller has an average salary of $101,204, which is higher than the $80,467 average annual salary of a treasurer.

The top three skills for a controller include CPA, payroll processing and reconciliations. The most important skills for a treasurer are payroll, fraternity, and bank accounts.

Controller vs treasurer overview

ControllerTreasurer
Yearly salary$101,204$80,467
Hourly rate$48.66$38.69
Growth rate17%17%
Number of jobs75,44018,358
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 74%
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 treasurer do?

The treasurer's general duty is to oversee the financial reports and monitor the expenses of the organization. A treasurer is required to demonstrate strong analytical and critical-thinking skills for financial decision-making. The treasurer is also required to keep documentation and deliver regular financial reports to the management. Treasurers are also responsible to study the current status of the organization to be able to provide suggestions on effectively managing expenses. They also need to be familiarized with the regulatory policies and ensure that the use of funds is compliant with the law.

Controller vs treasurer salary

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

ControllerTreasurer
Average salary$101,204$80,467
Salary rangeBetween $70,000 And $144,000Between $37,000 And $173,000
Highest paying CityPortland, MECambridge, MA
Highest paying stateNew YorkMaine
Best paying companyPerkins CoiePartners Group LTD
Best paying industryTechnologyManufacturing

Differences between controller and treasurer education

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

ControllerTreasurer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Most common majorAccountingBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Controller vs treasurer demographics

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

ControllerTreasurer
Average age4646
Gender ratioMale, 58.9% Female, 41.1%Male, 48.0% Female, 52.0%
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, 7.6% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 14.5% Asian, 10.2% White, 63.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between controller and treasurer 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

Treasurer example responsibilities.

  • Manage accounting department to include A/R and A/P staff.
  • Organize and manage several school functions/activities, assist school personnel, make PTA purchases, and balance the checkbook.
  • Trust with managing all financial accounts associate with the fraternity and prepare organized financial statements for all members and alumni.
  • Champion adoption of consent agenda procedure, streamlining meetings and improving overall effectiveness of alumni leadership.
  • Form PTO s 501 (c) 3 and prepare PTO s 990.
  • Calculate and submit the yearly HOA community tax forms.
  • Show more

Controller vs treasurer skills

Common controller skills
  • CPA, 8%
  • Payroll Processing, 7%
  • Reconciliations, 6%
  • Cash Management, 5%
  • Internal Controls, 5%
  • GAAP, 5%
Common treasurer skills
  • Payroll, 14%
  • Fraternity, 8%
  • Bank Accounts, 8%
  • Community Services, 5%
  • Financial Transactions, 5%
  • QuickBooks, 4%

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