Corporate controller vs finance controller

The differences between corporate controllers and finance 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 corporate controller and a finance controller. Additionally, a corporate controller has an average salary of $144,304, which is higher than the $105,869 average annual salary of a finance controller.

The top three skills for a corporate controller include payroll, CPA and GAAP. The most important skills for a finance controller are CPA, payroll, and financial controller.

Corporate controller vs finance controller overview

	Corporate Controller	Finance Controller
Yearly salary	$144,304	$105,869
Hourly rate	$69.38	$50.90
Growth rate	17%	17%
Number of jobs	57,715	97,342
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 77%	Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Average age	46	46
Years of experience	8	8

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 finance controller do?

A financial controller is primarily in charge of the daily finance activities and accounting functions of a company. Their responsibilities typically revolve around preparing and organizing financial reports, analyzing data and looking out for any discrepancies or inconsistencies, and overseeing the company's overall revenues and expenditures. A financial controller must also maintain documentation, participate in risk assessment and budgeting activities, and develop strategies for profit growth. Furthermore, one must coordinate with other department staff to ensure accuracy, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

Corporate controller vs finance controller salary

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

	Corporate Controller	Finance Controller
Average salary	$144,304	$105,869
Salary range	Between $99,000 And $209,000	Between $71,000 And $156,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	Yonkers, NY
Highest paying state	California	New York
Best paying company	SideCars	Sage Memorial Hospital
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	Technology

Differences between corporate controller and finance controller education

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

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

Corporate controller vs finance controller demographics

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

	Corporate Controller	Finance Controller
Average age	46	46
Gender ratio	Male, 72.8% Female, 27.2%	Male, 61.5% Female, 38.5%
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, 7.6% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 14.5% Asian, 10.2% White, 63.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage	11%	11%

Differences between corporate controller and finance controller 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.

Finance controller example responsibilities.

Lead the implementation of a fully integrate ERP system resulting in increase financial integrity.
Supervise a staff of seven in the areas of A/P, A/R, G/L, financial reporting and payroll.
Coordinate annual financial audit with external CPA firm and implement internal controls to satisfy recommendations from auditors.
Develop and implement procedures with internal controls for all financial and operational processes to ensure GAAP compliance.
Prepare all accounts for the month-end closing process and additionally gather information for daily/monthly reconciliations and journal entries.
Work with outside CPA on year-end tax planning; ensure the timely filing and payment of corporate taxes.

Corporate controller vs finance controller skills

Common corporate controller skills

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

Common finance controller skills

CPA, 7%
Payroll, 7%
Financial Controller, 7%
GAAP, 5%
General Ledger, 5%
Internal Controls, 5%

Corporate Controller vs. similar jobs

Corporate Controller related careers

Corporate Controller related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Executive Management Industry
Corporate Controller
Corporate Controller vs Finance Controller

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse executive management jobs