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Division controller vs projects controller

The differences between division controllers and projects controllers 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 projects controller takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a division controller has an average salary of $110,117, which is higher than the $79,451 average annual salary of a projects controller.

The top three skills for a division controller include GAAP, internal controls and CPA. The most important skills for a projects controller are project management, financial analysis, and project controller.

Division controller vs projects controller overview

Division ControllerProjects Controller
Yearly salary$110,117$79,451
Hourly rate$52.94$38.20
Growth rate17%6%
Number of jobs41,67916,334
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 78%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Average age4644
Years of experience84

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 projects controller do?

A project controller is responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of project management procedures, ensuring that the team adheres to the clients' specifications and requirements, and keeping all project resources and deliverables within the budget goals and set timeframe. Project controllers determine the progress of the project and coordinate the updates to the client, adjusting the project approach as needed to achieve high-quality standards and objectives. They also maintain an organized report of expenditures, as well as generating process reports to identify potential process improvement techniques that will maximize operational efficiency.

Division controller vs projects controller salary

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

Division ControllerProjects Controller
Average salary$110,117$79,451
Salary rangeBetween $76,000 And $158,000Between $53,000 And $118,000
Highest paying CityConcord, CAWashington, DC
Highest paying stateIllinoisNew Jersey
Best paying companyKLACalifornia Resources
Best paying industryConstructionFinance

Differences between division controller and projects controller education

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

Division ControllerProjects Controller
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 78%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Most common majorAccountingBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Division controller vs projects controller demographics

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

Division ControllerProjects Controller
Average age4644
Gender ratioMale, 77.8% Female, 22.2%Male, 55.9% Female, 44.1%
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, 8.5% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 10.8% Asian, 13.9% White, 62.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage11%7%

Differences between division controller and projects controller 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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Projects controller example responsibilities.

  • Develop GAAP compliant reporting and manage software implementations.
  • Manage treasury, open several new accounts, establish new procedures and controls, monitor daily activity.
  • Prepare accruals and revenue recognition calculations.
  • Work with foremen and supervisors to ensure proper WBS elements are charged.
  • Set up and management of charge numbers according to an establish WBS and distribution of project authorizations to team members.
  • Process journal entries and accruals monthly to account for all orders, revenue, and cost in the appropriate period.
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Division controller vs projects controller skills

Common division controller skills
  • GAAP, 6%
  • Internal Controls, 6%
  • CPA, 6%
  • Payroll, 5%
  • Financial Analysis, 4%
  • Oversight, 4%
Common projects controller skills
  • Project Management, 11%
  • Financial Analysis, 7%
  • Project Controller, 5%
  • Earned Value Management, 3%
  • Project Cost, 3%
  • Work Breakdown Structure, 3%

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