Post job

Finance controller vs division controller

The differences between finance controllers and division 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 finance controller and a division controller. Additionally, a division controller has an average salary of $110,117, which is higher than the $105,869 average annual salary of a finance controller.

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

Finance controller vs division controller overview

Finance ControllerDivision Controller
Yearly salary$105,869$110,117
Hourly rate$50.90$52.94
Growth rate17%17%
Number of jobs97,34241,679
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 78%
Average age4646
Years of experience88

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.

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.

Finance controller vs division controller salary

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

Finance ControllerDivision Controller
Average salary$105,869$110,117
Salary rangeBetween $71,000 And $156,000Between $76,000 And $158,000
Highest paying CityYonkers, NYConcord, CA
Highest paying stateNew YorkIllinois
Best paying companySage Memorial HospitalKLA
Best paying industryTechnologyConstruction

Differences between finance controller and division controller education

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

Finance ControllerDivision Controller
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 78%
Most common majorAccountingAccounting
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Finance controller vs division controller demographics

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

Finance ControllerDivision Controller
Average age4646
Gender ratioMale, 61.5% Female, 38.5%Male, 77.8% Female, 22.2%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black 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%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between finance controller and division controller duties and responsibilities

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.
  • Show more

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.
  • Show more

Finance controller vs division controller skills

Common finance controller skills
  • CPA, 7%
  • Payroll, 7%
  • Financial Controller, 7%
  • GAAP, 5%
  • General Ledger, 5%
  • Internal Controls, 5%
Common division controller skills
  • GAAP, 6%
  • Internal Controls, 6%
  • CPA, 6%
  • Payroll, 5%
  • Financial Analysis, 4%
  • Oversight, 4%

Browse executive management jobs