Corporate controller vs corporate manager

The differences between corporate controllers and corporate managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-8 years to become a corporate controller, becoming a corporate manager takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a corporate controller has an average salary of $144,304, which is higher than the $108,486 average annual salary of a corporate manager.

The top three skills for a corporate controller include payroll, CPA and GAAP. The most important skills for a corporate manager are project management, healthcare, and oversight.

Corporate controller vs corporate manager overview

	Corporate Controller	Corporate Manager
Yearly salary	$144,304	$108,486
Hourly rate	$69.38	$52.16
Growth rate	17%	6%
Number of jobs	57,715	233,928
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 77%	Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Average age	46	44
Years of experience	8	6

What does a corporate controller do?

A corporate controller is an individual who is responsible for supervising the overall daily accounting operations of an organization. Integral to the financial health of the organization, corporate controllers are required to help the organization with strategic financial decisions through forecasting reports and financial statements. They oversee maintaining accounting records by keeping and storing them in an operable system. Corporate controllers are also required to manage the accounting operations of the organization's subsidiaries.

What does a corporate manager do?

A corporate manager is responsible for leading the corporate team in operational processes and ensuring that the company provides the highest satisfaction for the clients. Corporate managers identify business opportunities through data and statistical analysis and review of current market trends to generate more revenue resources and increase the company's profitability. They resolve process gaps, handle the operational budget, and represent the company in regional corporate meetings, requiring them to possess excellent communication and leadership skills.

Corporate controller vs corporate manager salary

Corporate controllers and corporate managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Corporate Controller	Corporate Manager
Average salary	$144,304	$108,486
Salary range	Between $99,000 And $209,000	Between $78,000 And $149,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	California	California
Best paying company	SideCars	Macerich
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	Finance

Differences between corporate controller and corporate manager education

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

	Corporate Controller	Corporate Manager
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 77%	Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Most common major	Accounting	Business
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	University of Pennsylvania

Corporate controller vs corporate manager demographics

Here are the differences between corporate controllers' and corporate managers' demographics:

	Corporate Controller	Corporate Manager
Average age	46	44
Gender ratio	Male, 72.8% Female, 27.2%	Male, 59.8% Female, 40.2%
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, 6.1% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.0% Asian, 6.3% White, 67.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	11%	10%

Differences between corporate controller and corporate manager duties and responsibilities

Corporate controller example responsibilities.

Manage general accounting staff (A/P, A/R, & G/L), financial planning, reporting and analysis functions.
Direct and manage all aspects of the external audit, including implementation of Sarbanes-Oxley requirements.
Lead implementation of SyteLine ERP solution to replace outdate manufacturing software and streamline manufacturing and transaction processes.
Develop long-term financial/ operational strategy for high-tech company as well as managed accounting, finance, and treasury operations.
Facilitate maintenance of treasury and risk management activity serving as primary point of contact for all financially relate matters.
Implement procedures for standard journal entries, monthly reconciliations, account analysis and documentation to support the monthly reporting requirements.

Corporate manager example responsibilities.

Manage temperature control (HVAC system) for office space.
Manage building maintenance and HVAC, contract services (i.e.
Manage all aspects of mailroom operations, reproduction, facsimile department, courier services, and supply ordering and maintenance.
Lead implementation of Sarbanes-Oxley and develop training program used to instruct all domestic and international finance employees.
Manage elaborate software implementation projects relate to national convenience store/gas station point of sale (POS) technology.
Create presentations and training manuals for staff meetings using Microsoft PowerPoint.

Corporate controller vs corporate manager skills

Common corporate controller skills

Payroll, 7%
CPA, 6%
GAAP, 6%
Internal Controls, 6%
External Auditors, 5%
General Ledger, 3%

Common corporate manager skills

Project Management, 10%
Healthcare, 8%
Oversight, 6%
Financial Statements, 5%
Continuous Improvement, 4%
Process Improvement, 4%

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Corporate Controller
Corporate Controller vs Corporate Manager

Updated January 8, 2025

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