Accounting Manager vs. Controller: What Are the Differences?

If you’re interested in a career in accounting, you may be wondering what the difference is between an accounting manager and a controller. Both positions are important in an organization, but they have different responsibilities. In this article, we’ll discuss the similarities and differences between these two job titles, and we’ll provide some tips on how to choose the right position for you.

What is an Accounting Manager?

Accounting Managers typically oversee a team of accountants and bookkeepers who handle the day-to-day tasks of keeping financial records accurate and up-to-date. They may also be responsible for preparing financial reports, analyzing financial data and making recommendations to company leadership about financial planning and strategy. In larger organizations, Accounting Managers may specialize in a particular area, such as auditing, tax accounting or accounts payable/receivable. They typically work in offices and may have some travel required to meet with clients or attend conferences.

What is a Controller?

Controllers are responsible for the financial health of their organization. They produce financial reports, direct investment activities and develop strategies to manage risk. They also establish and maintain an organization’s accounting principles, practices and procedures. Controllers work closely with other members of senior management to ensure that the organization meets its financial goals. In large organizations, controllers may oversee a team of accountants and financial analysts.

Accounting Manager vs. Controller

Here are the main differences between an accounting manager and a controller.

Job Duties

Accounting managers have a broader range of duties than controllers. Accounting managers oversee the entire accounting department, so they help with all aspects of accounting operations. This includes providing guidance and direction on projects, evaluating employee performance and providing feedback to help employees improve their work and achieve goals. Accounting managers also assist with hiring and firing staff, as well as offering salary increases or bonuses based on job performance.

Controllers have more specific job responsibilities within an organization. They provide financial reporting for different departments, such as sales and finance, and ensure that each department complies with accounting regulations. Controllers are responsible for maintaining accurate records of transactions and ensuring secure data storage. They’re also responsible for creating budgets for different departments and making sure spending is within approved limits.

Job Requirements

To become an accounting manager or controller, you need a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration or a related field. For consideration in more advanced positions, it may help to pursue a master’s degree, but it is not a prerequisite for either position.

In addition to college, both professions may continue education through additional certifications. A CPA license, which teaches accountants how to file taxes, is accredited through the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and offered as a national exam. A CFA license allows financial analysts to advise clients through decision-making in investment opportunities. Certifications are not mandatory in either position but allow for more growth opportunities and can be an outlet for gaining more experience in the financial field through extensive training hours.

Work Environment

Accounting managers and controllers typically work in different environments. Accounting managers often work for companies as internal auditors, which means they perform audits on the company’s accounting practices to ensure that all financial transactions are accurate. They may also work for external auditing firms or consulting companies.

Controllers usually work in an office environment where they can access the necessary information to complete their daily tasks. Some controllers may travel to visit clients or attend meetings with other departments within a company.

Skills

Both accounting managers and controllers need to have excellent math skills. They use these skills on a daily basis when they are reviewing financial reports, preparing budgets and forecasting future needs. Both of these professionals also need to be detail-oriented to ensure accuracy in their work.

While both accounting managers and controllers develop and oversee financial plans, there can be some differences in the specific skills each uses on the job. For example, an accounting manager may benefit from having project management skills to coordinate the efforts of the accounting team and ensure deadlines are met. A controller may need to have more advanced financial analysis skills to identify trends and make recommendations for improving the financial health of the organization.

Salary

The average salary for an accounting manager is $89,252 per year, while the average salary for a controller is $127,160 per year. The salary for both positions may vary depending on the size of the company, the location of the job and the level of experience the employee has.