How To Become A Unit Controller: What It Is and Career Path

What is a unit controller and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

D. Pace Porter

A unit controller oversees the business and financial operations of an institution and shares responsibility for the organization's economic and financial performance. They perform financial analysis, develop financial planning processes, and design and implement overall business plans.

Some of the tasks that they perform in an organization are leading financial planning and analysis for the business unit and reviewing balance sheets for accuracy and correctness. In addition, they also model financial performance and goals to inform strategic plans, and they gather, analyze, and reconcile financial data, communicating, and disseminating the results. A unit controller must possess both strong quantitative abilities and excellent written and oral communication skills. They are strategic, analytical thinkers who are driven by results and can innovate and develop creative financial solutions. The normal education requirements for this position include a bachelor's degree in business or a related field. Larger organizations may also prefer a person to have a master's degree in administration as well. A controller also must be a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

The average hourly salary for the position is $51.43, which amounts to $106,983 annually. The career is projected to grow substantially in the coming years and create new job opportunities all across the United States.

What general advice would you give to a unit controller?

D. Pace Porter

Assistant Professor, South College

The accounting profession is made up of several disciplines and is inherent in all businesses from small and medium size to large, publicly traded global companies. You should have a solid idea of where you want to begin. Private industry accounting, which industry, general accounting or tax; or public accounting with a CPA firm and audit, tax or advisory services within that type organization? These are some of the questions that you must answer for yourself, as well as for the potential interviewer. You should have the information necessary to help you answer those after completing your degree and taking all of the required accounting courses. I would also advise you to focus on general skills such as written and oral communication, technology (Excel and beyond), attention to detail, time management and above all, professional integrity.

ScoreUnit ControllerUS Average

Salary

7.7

Avg. Salary $104,008

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

7.8

Growth rate 17%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.3

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.34%

Asian 9.98%

Black or African American 7.43%

Hispanic or Latino 14.17%

Unknown 4.10%

White 63.99%

Gender

female 30.74%

male 69.26%

Age - 46

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 46

Stress level

7.8

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

9.2

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.6

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a unit controller

Explore unit controller education requirements

Most common unit controller degrees

Bachelor's

71.5 %

Master's

20.0 %

Associate

6.3 %

Start to develop specific unit controller skills

Skills	Percentages
Financial Analysis	8.93%
Payroll	8.46%
Financial Reports	6.28%
Internal Controls	5.48%
Close Process	5.31%

Research unit controller duties and responsibilities

Manage global consolidation of month end closing including review/analysis of financial statements ensuring adherence of GAAP guidelines.
Maintain and update the ERP system and average actual batch costing.
Provide training to finance and operation staff for the new ERP system.
Implement online expense report system and online account reconciliations along with lead the accounts payable outsourcing project.

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