Earning an online Bachelor of Arts in Accounting degree from Florida Institute of Technology will help individuals find success in pursuing corporate controller careers. Controllers are financial leaders found in many types of businesses and organizations. Executives in this role may also be known as financial managers, treasurers or finance officers.
Controllers generally direct the financial reporting of a business, including standard income statements, balance sheets, statements of future earnings and specialized audit reports. They often supervise a company’s accounting department, spanning various types of accounting and according responsibilities.
Job Outlook for Controllers
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in occupational groups that include controllers will increase steadily over the coming years. Specifically, BLS projects 6% job growth for accountants and auditors between 2023 and 2033 (faster than average) and 17% job growth for financial managers (much faster than average). Job growth will originate in an expanding economy, continued globalization, a complex regulatory environment, technological change and a greater need for financial expertise surrounding areas of current emphasis such as risk management.
Competition for controller jobs can be extremely tough. Applicants with advanced education and certifications should be more marketable to employers and enjoy the best controller career opportunities.
Controller Job Duties
Controllers are typically responsible for the overall creation, monitoring and maintenance of a company’s accounting and financial information. They often provide a leadership role in business planning and growth. Depending on the employer, controllers may oversee human resources, internal auditing or accounting departments.
Some controllers’ careers involve analyzing manufacturing efforts or coordinating capital projects such as property acquisition and building initiatives. Controllers usually work in corporate headquarter offices, banks or government buildings. Controller may have to travel to visit additional offices or partner firms. Due to the nature of this high-level occupation, controller careers often require long working hours and ongoing education to stay current on financial standards and regulations.
Accounting Controller Salary Potential: What Does a Controller Make?
BLS reports that financial managers earned a median annual salary of $156,100 in 2023, with top earners making more than $239,200. In specific, March 2025 ZipRecruiter data shows the average salary for controllers to be $119,497 per year, with the majority of controllers earning between $97,000 and $138,500.
Recent bachelor’s graduates will generally start out in entry- or intermediate-level accounting or finance positions before transitioning into a controller career. The top controller salaries go to those with the most experience, certifications and advanced education.
Education and Training for Controllers
To be successful in their careers, controllers must have extensive knowledge of accounting and finance, cost and budget analysis, and the industry in which they work. Most controller jobs require a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field. Accountants aspiring to a controller career often choose to pursue professional certification or a master’s degree in accounting in order to boost their chances of advancement. Certifications in functions related to controller job duties are available from organizations like the Institute of Management Accountants and the Association for Financial Professionals.
The first step to a controller career is typically earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Program coursework may include subjects such as principles of accounting, statistics, economics, finance, cost accounting, accounting information systems, finance for managers and strategic management. Employers can be confident that graduates of a quality accounting education program are able to:
- Accurately apply accounting fundamentals to various business situations
- Adhere to financial rules and regulations
- Use computers and specialized software to analyze budgets and expenditures
- Investigate financial records and identify instances of fraud and waste
- Apply knowledge gained from a bachelor’s program toward an advanced degree or industry certification
Pursuing a Controller Career
An interest in lifelong learning is important for those pursuing controller careers. Candidates must also have extensive knowledge of accounting principles and the ability to analyze complex financial data.
Controllers should possess excellent oral and written communication skills and proven leadership qualities. Becoming a controller requires hard work and dedication, but it can be an extremely challenging and rewarding career.
Learn more about Florida Tech’s online BA in Accounting program.
