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Finance controller vs finance supervisor

The differences between finance controllers and finance supervisors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-8 years to become a finance controller, becoming a finance supervisor takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a finance controller has an average salary of $105,869, which is higher than the $76,387 average annual salary of a finance supervisor.

The top three skills for a finance controller include CPA, payroll and financial controller. The most important skills for a finance supervisor are customer service, patients, and reconciliations.

Finance controller vs finance supervisor overview

Finance ControllerFinance Supervisor
Yearly salary$105,869$76,387
Hourly rate$50.90$36.72
Growth rate17%6%
Number of jobs97,34280,296
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Average age4644
Years of experience84

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 finance supervisor do?

A finance supervisor is typically in charge of overseeing the budgets and financial activities of a company. Among their responsibilities include coordinating with different departments to gather and analyze financial data, performing audits and assessments, preparing and presenting financial reports and budget plans, updating databases, and developing strategies to optimize the finance department's operations. Moreover, as a supervisor, it is essential to lead and encourage the finance staff to reach goals, all while enforcing the company's policies and regulations.

Finance controller vs finance supervisor salary

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

Finance ControllerFinance Supervisor
Average salary$105,869$76,387
Salary rangeBetween $71,000 And $156,000Between $55,000 And $104,000
Highest paying CityYonkers, NYJersey City, NJ
Highest paying stateNew YorkNew Jersey
Best paying companySage Memorial HospitalPacific Gas and Electric
Best paying industryTechnologyAutomotive

Differences between finance controller and finance supervisor education

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

Finance ControllerFinance Supervisor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Most common majorAccountingBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Finance controller vs finance supervisor demographics

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

Finance ControllerFinance Supervisor
Average age4644
Gender ratioMale, 61.5% Female, 38.5%Male, 47.2% Female, 52.8%
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, 8.8% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.2% Asian, 12.1% White, 63.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage11%7%

Differences between finance controller and finance supervisor 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

Finance supervisor example responsibilities.

  • Lead financial planning & analysis, accounting/general ledger operations and GAAP financial reporting for multiple locations.
  • Supervise month-end close activities, including reviewing journal entries, account reconciliations, financial statement preparation, inventory and capital.
  • Create and update Hyperion reports for various departmental needs.
  • Prepare and update SOX and internal policies and procedures quarterly for the accounting department.
  • Conduct audits of processes to determine compliance with prescribe procedures, accuracy of records and SOX.
  • Team leader for the accounting department during the upgrade of the company's ERP system from FP2 to FP7.
  • Show more

Finance controller vs finance supervisor skills

Common finance controller skills
  • CPA, 7%
  • Payroll, 7%
  • Financial Controller, 7%
  • GAAP, 5%
  • General Ledger, 5%
  • Internal Controls, 5%
Common finance supervisor skills
  • Customer Service, 13%
  • Patients, 6%
  • Reconciliations, 6%
  • Internal Controls, 6%
  • Strong Analytical, 6%
  • Payroll, 5%

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