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Unit controller vs controller

The differences between unit controllers and 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 unit controller and a controller. Additionally, a unit controller has an average salary of $104,008, which is higher than the $101,204 average annual salary of a controller.

The top three skills for a unit controller include financial analysis, payroll and financial reports. The most important skills for a controller are CPA, payroll processing, and reconciliations.

Unit controller vs controller overview

Unit ControllerController
Yearly salary$104,008$101,204
Hourly rate$50.00$48.66
Growth rate17%17%
Number of jobs55,53775,440
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 75%
Average age4646
Years of experience88

What does a unit controller do?

The duties of a unit controller depend on one's line of work or industry of employment. In a corporate setting, their responsibilities typically revolve around performing administrative tasks such as planning and producing business plans, coordinating with different departments or officials to gather data, overseeing sales and expenditures, preparing and processing documentation, managing the schedules and budgets, and devising strategies to identify new business opportunities. They may also present progress reports and sales forecasts to senior managers or executives. Furthermore, as a unit controller, it is essential to lead and encourage the workers to reach goals.

What does a controller do?

Controllers are employees in the accounting department who manage the finances of the organization. They are involved in the budget setting activity at the start of the company's fiscal year. Controllers are responsible for ensuring that all departments work within their respective budgets. They have the power to recommend budget cuts due to any unforeseen circumstances that may happen. They also have the ability to veto or forego budget items. Controllers should have accounting skills and auditing skills. They must also be trustworthy and should work with integrity.

Unit controller vs controller salary

Unit controllers and controllers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Unit ControllerController
Average salary$104,008$101,204
Salary rangeBetween $70,000 And $153,000Between $70,000 And $144,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CAPortland, ME
Highest paying stateCaliforniaNew York
Best paying companyWacker ChemiePerkins Coie
Best paying industryTechnologyTechnology

Differences between unit controller and controller education

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

Unit ControllerController
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 75%
Most common majorAccountingAccounting
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Unit controller vs controller demographics

Here are the differences between unit controllers' and controllers' demographics:

Unit ControllerController
Average age4646
Gender ratioMale, 69.3% Female, 30.7%Male, 58.9% Female, 41.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 10.0% White, 64.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 14.8% Asian, 9.4% White, 63.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between unit controller and controller duties and responsibilities

Unit controller example 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.
  • Assess and close A/P & A/R ledger on a monthly basis, validate content and resolve various issues.
  • Prepare consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
  • Show more

Controller example responsibilities.

  • Manage NAV production, calculation of performance fees, IFRS accounts and subscription/redemption analysis.
  • Lead transition of company from sole proprietor to NYSE list company subsidiary, including implementing new financial reporting system.
  • Manage a team of junior staff accountants and maintaining quality control throughout the entire monthly billing, A/P & A/R processes.
  • Manage treasury, open several new accounts, establish new procedures and controls, monitor daily activity.
  • Produce monthly account reconciliations, post monthly journal entries and review, analyze, correct and issue monthly comparative financial statements.
  • Perform accounting research and special projects as required including cash flow analysis, cost projections, reconciliations and other financial analysis.
  • Show more

Unit controller vs controller skills

Common unit controller skills
  • Financial Analysis, 9%
  • Payroll, 8%
  • Financial Reports, 6%
  • Internal Controls, 5%
  • Close Process, 5%
  • Financial Data, 5%
Common controller skills
  • CPA, 8%
  • Payroll Processing, 7%
  • Reconciliations, 6%
  • Cash Management, 5%
  • Internal Controls, 5%
  • GAAP, 5%

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