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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.
Thomas King
Department Chair, Director, Master of Accountancy Program, Professor, Accountancy, Case Western Reserve University
Avg. Salary $101,204
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth Rate 17%
Growth Rate 0.3%
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%
Genderfemale 41.10%
male 58.90%
Age - 46American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 46Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity Level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work Life balance is fair
6.4 - fair
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
Skills![]() ![]() | Percentages![]() ![]() |
---|---|
CPA | 7.58% |
Payroll Processing | 7.00% |
Reconciliations | 6.18% |
Cash Management | 5.23% |
Internal Controls | 4.94% |
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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.
What Am I Worth?
Reporting to a CPA Controller or CFO, always learning and not micromanaged. Treated as a professional always.
Business owners that do not know or understand compliance and GAAP, or the patience to follow the rules... generally common in small companies.
Everything else. Too much anxiety, debts, low sallary (€700/month).
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.