What is a controller and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted Expert
Thomas King
introduction image

A controller is a financial manager who oversees a company's accounting and financial operations. They ensure accurate financial statements, budget restrictions, and internal controls to prevent fraud. Controllers also analyze financial data to make strategic business decisions and provide guidance to executives. They may supervise staff and coordinate audits. In addition, controllers handle tax compliance and regulatory reporting. Their role helps maintain an organization’s financial health and ensures compliance with legal and ethical standards.

What general advice would you give to a Controller?

T

Thomas King

Department Chair, Director, Master of Accountancy Program, Professor, Accountancy, Case Western Reserve University

Be dependable. Reputations form quickly after people join organizations. A newly hired professional who demonstrates the ability to get things done rapidly and accurately will soon become a "go-to" person when new opportunities arise. Such exposure early in a career is invaluable.
ScoreControllerUS Average
Salary
7.6

Avg. Salary $101,204

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
7.8

Growth Rate 17%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.4
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.34%

Asian 9.35%

Black or African American 7.69%

Hispanic or Latino 14.77%

Unknown 4.11%

White 63.75%

Gender

female 41.10%

male 58.90%

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

What are the pros and cons of being a Controller?

Pros

  • Opportunity to work in a variety of industries

  • High level of responsibility and autonomy

  • Potential for career growth and advancement

  • Exposure to various aspects of the business

  • Flexibility in work location and schedule

Cons

  • High level of stress and pressure to perform well

  • Long hours, especially during peak periods

  • Need to maintain objectivity and impartiality in decision-making

  • Heavy reliance on data analysis and interpretation

  • High risk for errors or mistakes that could have significant financial consequences

Controller career paths

Key steps to become a controller

  1. Explore controller education requirements

    Most common controller degrees

    Bachelor's

    74.6 %

    Master's

    14.2 %

    Associate

    7.9 %
  2. Start to develop specific controller skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    CPA7.58%
    Payroll Processing7.00%
    Reconciliations6.18%
    Cash Management5.23%
    Internal Controls4.94%
  3. Research controller duties and 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.
  4. Prepare your controller resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your controller resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a controller resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Controller Resume templates

    Build a professional Controller resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Controller resume.
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  5. Apply for controller jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a controller job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Controller Job

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Average controller salary

The average Controller salary in the United States is $101,204 per year or $49 per hour. Controller salaries range between $70,000 and $144,000 per year.

Average Controller Salary
$101,204 Yearly
$48.66 hourly

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How do controllers rate their job?

-/5

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1 Star

Controller reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2020
Pros

Reporting to a CPA Controller or CFO, always learning and not micromanaged. Treated as a professional always.

Cons

Business owners that do not know or understand compliance and GAAP, or the patience to follow the rules... generally common in small companies.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2020
Cons

Everything else. Too much anxiety, debts, low sallary (€700/month).


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A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2019
Cons

I dislike situations where no planning had been done. I am bothered when a client has an accounting problem that could have been avoided by proper planning.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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