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The differences between lead finance analysts and finance controllers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a lead finance analyst, becoming a finance controller takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, a finance controller has an average salary of $105,869, which is higher than the $85,672 average annual salary of a lead finance analyst.
The top three skills for a lead finance analyst include financial analysis, hyperion and financial planning analysis. The most important skills for a finance controller are CPA, payroll, and financial controller.
| Lead Finance Analyst | Finance Controller | |
| Yearly salary | $85,672 | $105,869 |
| Hourly rate | $41.19 | $50.90 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 89,105 | 97,342 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 40 | 46 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 8 |
A lead finance analyst is responsible for monitoring the company's financial conditions, analyzing account statements, and resolving payment discrepancies. Lead finance analysts create expense reports and budget forecasting, as well as identifying business opportunities that would minimize loss and generate revenues for the business. They also oversee financial and business transactions, perform bank reconciliations, and manage outstanding payments. A lead finance analyst must have excellent analytical and communication skills, especially in discussing financial results to the management and recommending strategic techniques for cost-reduction activities.
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.
Lead finance analysts and finance controllers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Lead Finance Analyst | Finance Controller | |
| Average salary | $85,672 | $105,869 |
| Salary range | Between $64,000 And $114,000 | Between $71,000 And $156,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Yonkers, NY |
| Highest paying state | California | New York |
| Best paying company | Pacific Investment Management Company LLC | Sage Memorial Hospital |
| Best paying industry | Telecommunication | Technology |
There are a few differences between a lead finance analyst and a finance controller in terms of educational background:
| Lead Finance Analyst | Finance Controller | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Business | Accounting |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between lead finance analysts' and finance controllers' demographics:
| Lead Finance Analyst | Finance Controller | |
| Average age | 40 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 57.0% Female, 43.0% | Male, 61.5% Female, 38.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.6% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.7% Asian, 14.1% White, 68.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 7% | 11% |