What is a corporate controller and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Gary P Braun

A corporate controller is an individual responsible for managing a company's financial statements and accounting practices. They work closely with other departments to ensure that all financial transactions are accurately recorded and reported. In addition to overseeing financial operations, a corporate controller may also be responsible for developing and implementing internal controls and procedures to safeguard company assets and prevent fraud. Overall, they play a critical role in ensuring the financial stability and success of a company.

What general advice would you give to a corporate controller?

Gary P Braun

Professor, California State University - Chico

Always remember that your employer has a customer that they are trying to serve. They hired you to help them meet that customer's needs. So, to the extent possible, put yourself in the shoes of your employer in an attempt to anticipate the things that will help your employer meet the needs of the customer. For example, in public accounting, at the staff level there is likely to be a senior, manager, and partner on an engagement. It is probably easiest to think of how you can help the senior (essentially the person you report to) get their job done.

ScoreCorporate ControllerUS Average

Salary

8.8

Avg. Salary $144,304

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

7.8

Growth rate 17%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.3

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.34%

Asian 9.37%

Black or African American 7.69%

Hispanic or Latino 14.77%

Unknown 4.11%

White 63.73%

Gender

female 27.22%

male 72.78%

Age - 46

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 - 46

Stress level

7.8

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

9.2

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.6

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a corporate controller?

Pros

High salary and benefits
Opportunity for advancement
Variety of responsibilities
Challenging and dynamic work environment
Develop strong analytical and leadership skills

Cons

Pressure to meet tight deadlines and achieve targets
High level of accountability and scrutiny
Limited creativity in decision making due to strict financial controls
Conflict with other departments or stakeholders over financial decisions
Potential for ethical dilemmas or conflicts of interest.

Key steps to become a corporate controller

Explore corporate controller education requirements

Most common corporate controller degrees

Bachelor's

77.5 %

Master's

17.7 %

Associate

3.3 %

Start to develop specific corporate controller skills

Skills	Percentages
Payroll	7.43%
CPA	6.28%
GAAP	5.94%
Internal Controls	5.62%
External Auditors	5.40%

Research corporate controller duties and 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.

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