What is a controls manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

5 min read

Quoted expert

Dr. Ben Littlepage

A controls manager oversees the implementation and maintenance of control systems. They ensure that processes and procedures meet regulatory standards and remain efficient, reliable, and secure. This includes designing and testing new systems, monitoring existing systems, and identifying areas for improvement. A controls manager may also train employees to use control systems effectively and troubleshoot technical issues. They work with IT, finance, and operations departments to ensure that the business functions smoothly and complies with regulations.

What general advice would you give to a controls manager?

Dr. Ben Littlepage

Professor, Murray State University

I believe skills associated with organizational systems (e.g. procedures, processes) and hybridized management are essential for the field. Organizations (e.g. schools, institutions) will continue to be lean for a variety of reasons. The ability to achieve results by refining systems and maximizing resources cannot be understated. Hybrid work schedules and communication are not leaving education. Leaders that embrace hybridized technologies for assessment, employee satisfaction and development, and content delivery will remain competitive in the face of a private market looking to capitalize on laggard leaders.

ScoreControls ManagerUS Average

Salary

7.6

Avg. Salary $100,698

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

9.6

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.5

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.47%

Asian 6.35%

Black or African American 6.16%

Hispanic or Latino 15.12%

Unknown 4.33%

White 67.57%

Gender

female 31.04%

male 68.96%

Age - 44

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44

Stress level

9.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

9.2

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

3.6

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a controls manager?

Pros

High salary potential
Demand for skilled controls managers is high
Opportunities for travel and international work
Opportunities for continuing education and professional development
Strong job security and stability

Cons

Requires strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with different teams and stakeholders
May require extensive travel or relocation for work assignments
Can be physically demanding, depending on the industry or project type
Difficult to disconnect from work due to the need to be available for emergencies or urgent issues
May require working in hazardous environments, such as manufacturing facilities or construction sites

Key steps to become a controls manager

Explore controls manager education requirements

Most common controls manager degrees

Bachelor's

62.8 %

Associate

14.8 %

Master's

12.6 %

Start to develop specific controls manager skills

Skills	Percentages
Risk Management	7.65%
Customer Service	7.48%
Oversight	6.25%
Project Management	5.78%
Risk Assessments	4.78%

Complete relevant controls manager training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New controls managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a controls manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real controls manager resumes.

Gain additional controls manager certifications

Controls manager certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific controls manager certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for controls managers include Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and Certified Manager Certification (CM).

More About Certifications

Research controls manager duties and responsibilities

Manage employees to ensure efficient sortation of packages through the facility, minimizing operational cost and maximizing operational quality.
Implement ERP business systems, with emphasis on assisting with manufacturing system.
Identify HIPPA relate data in ERP system and help build security roles for limit and appropriate access.
Certify and disburse payroll, travel and relocation cash disbursement transactions.

Prepare your controls manager resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your controls manager resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a controls manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable controls manager resume templates

Build a professional controls manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your controls manager resume.

Apply for controls manager jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a controls manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How do controls managers rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

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1 star

Controls manager reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on Sep 2019

Pros

I love being able to mold my team and the distribution center to the culture of respect and accountability! Having senior and executive leadership support is a huge positive factor in making this happen!!

A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2019