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Division controller vs division manager

The differences between division controllers and division 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 division controller, becoming a division manager takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a division controller has an average salary of $110,117, which is higher than the $81,755 average annual salary of a division manager.

The top three skills for a division controller include GAAP, internal controls and CPA. The most important skills for a division manager are customer service, project management, and safety program.

Division controller vs division manager overview

Division ControllerDivision Manager
Yearly salary$110,117$81,755
Hourly rate$52.94$39.31
Growth rate17%6%
Number of jobs41,679349,279
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 78%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Average age4644
Years of experience86

What does a division controller do?

A division controller is typically in charge of overseeing a company division's financial activities and human resources operations. Their role is to set objectives and guidelines, perform audits and assessments, evaluate the workforce performance, handle budgets and timelines, and develop strategies to optimize processes. They must monitor the progress of activities and projects, producing regular reports and presentations to keep the executives informed. Furthermore, as a division controller, it is essential to lead staff and implement the company's policies and regulations.

What does a division manager do?

Division managers supervise a section of the company and are responsible for that division's success. General duties include organizing, planning, allocating resources, and managing the daily operations of the sector. Part of their duty is to evaluate the division's performance and develop strategies for performance improvement. They ensure that compliance to policies and procedures is maintained by the team members. Also, they assist in employee recruitment and performance evaluation for promotion, retention, and termination undertakings. Additionally, division managers need to fix issues that hinder achieving division goals and success.

Division controller vs division manager salary

Division controllers and division managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Division ControllerDivision Manager
Average salary$110,117$81,755
Salary rangeBetween $76,000 And $158,000Between $51,000 And $130,000
Highest paying CityConcord, CASan Mateo, CA
Highest paying stateIllinoisCalifornia
Best paying companyKLADignity Health
Best paying industryConstructionFinance

Differences between division controller and division manager education

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

Division ControllerDivision Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 78%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Most common majorAccountingBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Division controller vs division manager demographics

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

Division ControllerDivision Manager
Average age4644
Gender ratioMale, 77.8% Female, 22.2%Male, 77.4% Female, 22.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.0% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 15.0% Asian, 8.5% White, 64.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.3% Asian, 6.4% White, 67.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage11%10%

Differences between division controller and division manager duties and responsibilities

Division controller example responsibilities.

  • Develop long-term financial/ operational strategy for high-tech company as well as managed accounting, finance, and treasury operations.
  • Provide and interpret monthly portfolio financial results ensuring proper GAAP treatment of accounting transactions.
  • Review monthly balance sheet reconciliations to general ledger, sub-ledgers and independent supporting documentation.
  • Identify over $400K in book gain previously unrecognize by outside CPA firm during annual audit.
  • Plan and develop proper procedures to have an accurate and smooth physical count acceptable to hire CPA firm.
  • Implement new ERP accounting systems, providing ability to fully job-cost by job/location/salesperson.
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Division manager example responsibilities.

  • Achieve $2.5 million increase in EBITDA, from - $2.3 million to + $200K.
  • Exceed budget in years two & three and achieve ISO certification in year one.
  • Exceed budget in years 2 & 3 and achieve ISO certification in year 1.
  • Launch the usage of a CRM tool to assist associates in managing book of business.
  • Develop operational plans, implement schedules, coordinate supply logistics and manage the operational plan from inception to completion.
  • Establish productive working relationships with state and federal regulatory agencies, reorganize and improve operation, and achieve OSHA compliance.
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Division controller vs division manager skills

Common division controller skills
  • GAAP, 6%
  • Internal Controls, 6%
  • CPA, 6%
  • Payroll, 5%
  • Financial Analysis, 4%
  • Oversight, 4%
Common division manager skills
  • Customer Service, 16%
  • Project Management, 7%
  • Safety Program, 6%
  • Oversight, 6%
  • Human Resources, 5%
  • Financial Statements, 4%

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