what you need to know about controller salaries and jobs 9

Crafting a Controller Job Description and Salary Insights

Within 3-5 years on the job, salaries often rise to $65,000 to $95,000 annually. After 5-10 years of proven success and leadership, controllers commonly make between $80,000 and $120,000 per year. Much depends on the size of the company, complexity of operations, and scope of the controller’s role. But the overall trajectory is one of fairly consistent pay growth for high performers. The average base pay for a controller in the manufacturing industry is approximately $110,000 per year.

What is the average salary for a controller in the United States?

“I always know what my hours are each day, but it is not always at the same time. It is consistently inconsistent.” The FAA implemented new rules in 2024 to minimize controller fatigue by raising the minimum rest time between shifts from at least nine hours to at least 10 hours. According to Earley, there are several things controllers do to ensure nothing is missed. Initial tests are pass/fail, according to the agency, and failing certain exams will eliminate applicants from the hiring process.

How Many Financial Controllers are in the United States?

“I work in front of a radar scope, and it can get busy at times, so I am not supposed to work in position more than two hours at a time, so we get a break to keep us refreshed,” he said. “We also do not work more than 10 hours in one day, and there is a certain amount of hours we have to be off before we can work again.” “Controllers are always learning on the job, like updating and refining the processes or learning new rules and procedures,” he explained. Earley said traffic controllers are not just confined to the airport tower but can also work in one of several hundred facilities around and between airports nationwide. ATC is a good option for people looking for a high-salary job that doesn’t require a college degree.

• Would working as a controller suit your business acumen and analytical mindset?
• Again, the controller may not conduct these duties on his own, but he is responsible for reviewing the work of his employees and using their findings to make final decisions on budgeting matters.
• Beyond these day-to-day needs, financial controllers frequently oversee special projects and may also work in other areas like project management or compliance.
• These long-term incentives encourage controllers to drive growth and profitability to increase shareholder value.

competencies and characteristics of controllers

Perhaps the accounting teams need more management and talent development. A financial overhaul of budgets might necessitate a shuffling of duties on your finance teams. A controller can fill a role that overlaps with management, human resources, and accounting. As head of the accounting department, a controller is responsible for managing the finances of an organization.

However, according to the agency, those who already have air traffic control experience can be hired up to 35 years of age. Roles such as Chief Accounting Officer (CAO), Senior Accountant, and Staff Accountant are also integral to the accounting landscape. In this guest article, Eric Bloom of ITML Institute shares how CIOs can use office influence to help drive organizational objectives and personal professional advancement. Technology can help bridge the gap and propel us to reach both short- and long-term career goals.

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• No hard and fast educational requirements exist for those wishing to become company controllers.
• You ensure the accurate and timely completion of monthly financial statements.
• On the other hand, at a smaller company the controller may essentially operate as the CFO (chief financial officer) role in its entirety.
• Soft skills can be learned and practiced in any role, such as building relationships, improving communication, teamwork, time management, and resourcefulness.
• Become an even more valuable contributor by strengthening your finance skills with Udemy’s online courses.

Salaries can span from $90,000 for controllers at small to mid-size manufacturers, ranging up to $130,000+ for those in executive level roles at large multinational corporations. Specific experience in lean manufacturing, ERP systems, and operations management may result in above average compensation. Bonuses are also common, especially for controllers who play a key strategic role in maintaining efficient production and boosting profit margins. In this article, we analyze controller salaries across industries to provide key benchmarks and insights into the factors impacting pay. Understanding typical ranges and variables influencing controller compensation enables both employers and job seekers to make informed decisions. A controller will likely be responsible for creating financial reports and projections, as well as maintaining records and preparing for audits.

All air traffic controllers must retire at 56 due to the higher possibility of memory or hearing loss, inattentiveness, or reduced eyesight in older individuals. Your earnings as a controller depend on your experience and qualifications. When you are new in the role, you start with a low salary since you have minimal experience. As you improve your expertise and qualifications, your salary increases gradually. Having certifications and additional qualifications improves your earning prospects. Would working as a controller suit your business acumen and analytical mindset?

Education Required

A controller’s main responsibilities focus on managing (or controlling) an accounting department or a company’s entire financial life. When it comes to accounting operations, controllers reign over that domain. They are the subject-matter experts the organization relies on to keep things in order. Entry-level controllers typically start out earning between $50,000 and $75,000 per year. Those with little to no prior experience can expect to be on the lower end of that range. Location also plays a role, with higher salaries generally seen in major metropolitan areas and financial hubs.

By aligning what you need to know about controller salaries and jobs job descriptions with your organization’s culture, you not only attract candidates who fit well within your establishment but also enhance employee retention. A strong culture can significantly impact productivity; studies show that 65% of employees believe they would be more productive at home than in the office, highlighting the importance of a supportive work environment. Moreover, almost one-third of employees have departed an organization due to workplace conflict, underscoring the necessity for clarity and alignment in job expectations. The journey to success may be challenging, but a strong culture and determination can lead to victory.

You may consider taking on more responsibility in your current job or asking someone in a more executive role to mentor you. Soft skills can be learned and practiced in any role, such as building relationships, improving communication, teamwork, time management, and resourcefulness. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn’t have a separate category for controllers. But in the current job market, nearly all companies hiring for the controller position want to see at least a bachelor’s degree and preferably a master’s degree, and they also generally want certified public accountants (CPAs). The controller has the final say in most companies on how these records are kept and where they are stored.

Fundamentals of Finance and Accounting – Free Seminar Preview

To be clear, the ranges given for broad regions (e.g., “West Coast”) are averages, and states like California offer salaries that exceed the regional average. As you can see, higher salaries are available in coastal regions, and the highest salaries are in the New England area. A comptroller fulfills many of the responsibilities of a CFO, though most comptrollers are found working for the government, nonprofits, or educational organizations. Together, those techniques will help you craft meaningful, engaging, story-driven answers.

Controller: Job Description and Average Salary

If a company has subsidiaries, the controller oversees their accounting operations and ensures their reporting and control systems fall within the parameters set by the parent company. Generally, accounting personnel at these subsidiary operations report to an accounting manager or vice president at the subsidiary, who in turn reports to the controller at the parent company. Boutique Recruiting offers targeted recruitment services to assist organizations in finding qualified candidates for controller and related positions. In the financial sector, recruitment challenges are significant, and addressing them requires a strategic approach. Understanding labor laws that impact hiring practices is crucial for both compliance and attracting the right candidates.

Usually, the controller duties go far beyond a typical accountant job description. In most cases, they do a bit of both, keeping a watchful eye over the operations while also handling some of the nitty-gritty. Hiring a full-time accountant in the U.S. comes with a significant financial burden. While the average annual salary for an accountanting role varies by state, often exceeding $70,000–$85,000 per year, not including benefits, payroll taxes, and overhead costs. In contrast, remote staffing from LATAM—who are experienced in U.S. accounting standards and fluent in English—can be hired for 40% to 60% less while delivering the same level of expertise.