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The Global Insight

What is the next step for a controller?

Author

John Johnson

Updated on March 31, 2026

As a controller, you already have a number of skills that will serve as a foundation for the role of CFO. Putting it all together is the next step. Chances are, you’ve already been responsible for the accounting, budgeting, cash-flow management, and all the financial data coming in and out of your organization.

How do you progress to a financial controller?

Once you gain either your degree or accounting qualification, you will need to start by building up experience as an accountant or in a financial position before being able to progress to a Financial Controller. You may also need some experience in a supervisory role.

How much does accounting controller make?

The 2020 Robert Half Salary Guide for Accounting and Finance Professionals reports that the salary midpoint (or median national salary) for a controller in financial services is $132,000. Controller salaries in corporate accounting can be even higher. The midpoint salary for a corporate controller is $177,750.

Are financial controllers in demand?

Is a financial controller considered an in-demand career? Job growth for financial managers controllers largely depends on the industry, according to the BLS, but growth for these careers is projected to be 16% from 2018 to 2028, far faster than the average for all jobs.

Does the controller report to the CFO?

A controller is a company executive that is responsible for all the organization’s accounting activities. They typically report to the company’s CFO if there is one. In a larger organization, a controller will oversee payroll processing and financial reporting, and they might help the CFO to prepare operating budgets.

How many hours does a financial controller work?

A Berkeley analysis of controllers between 2013 and 2015 estimated that the average controller works 170 hours per month, or a little less than 43 hours a week. Like their accounting counterparts, controllers tend to experience a much better work/life balance than others in the financial industry.

How many years does it take to become a financial controller?

It can take anywhere from six to eight years to become a financial controller. There are a few different paths to success for financial controllers, though you will always have to earn a four-year undergraduate degree in finance or accounting.

Where can I get a job as an accounting controller?

Vaco FinancialCO – DenverFull Time Vaco is partnering with an international start-up company in the Aerospace industry who is searching for a driven Financial Controller to lead their accounting department. Our client, a high profil…

How long has accounting controller been in business?

Accounting Manager/ Plant Controller – Immediate Opportunity About the Company and Opportunity: Has been in business for almost 10 years Manufacturing and distribution facilities located around the… Easy Apply 10 days ago Assistant Controller, Accounting Services

What do you need to know to become a financial controller?

After that take a dive into the accounting and make sure you understand the current accounting and the team. When you speak with the CFO he will want to understand the financial performance of the company. You will need to be able to talk to the P&L by general ledger account but also by line of business.

Which is the best entry level accounting job?

Entry Level Accounting Job Titles Entry Level Accounting Job Title Candidate Searches per mo. Employer Searches per mo. Accounting Clerk 1,400 2,000 Accounting Assistant 1,300 1,100 Junior Accountant 200 200 Accounting Intern 60 300