How many hours should a controller work?

A controller should work a standard full-time schedule, typically around 40 hours a week, but the actual hours may vary depending on the organization, industry, and specific job requirements, with some controllers working up to 43 hours a week or more. The work schedule of a controller can be demanding, especially during busy seasons or when dealing with financial reporting and budgeting, requiring them to put in extra hours to meet deadlines and ensure the smooth operation of the organization’s financial management system.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

1. What is the typical workweek for a controller? A typical workweek for a controller has an average of 43 hours, but this can vary depending on the organization and industry, with some controllers working more than 40 hours a week.
2. Do controllers work long hours? Yes, many controllers work long hours, often exceeding 40 hours a week, especially during peak periods or when dealing with complex financial issues.
3. How many hours a week do controllers work? Controllers typically work full-time hours, with many working more than 40 hours a week, although the exact number of hours can vary depending on the organization and industry.

Career Development

4. What position comes after controller? After becoming a controller, the next career step may be to assume the same position in a larger organization or a different industry, or it may be to seek a role as group finance director or a move to operational finance, with the ultimate goal of becoming a CFO.
5. What is the next career step after controller? A controller should strive to add to their skill set to make them a potential candidate to become a CFO, which requires careful planning and a deep understanding of strategic finance and leadership.
6. Is a controller a high-level job? Yes, a controller is a higher-level position within a firm, requiring more skills and qualifications than traditional accounting, and typically commanding a higher salary.

Salary and Compensation

7. Do controllers make a lot of money? Yes, controllers are generally well-compensated, with an average salary ranging from $110,000 to $180,000 per year, depending on factors such as experience, company size, and industry.
8. Why do controllers make so much money? Controllers make a high salary due to the significant responsibility and management expected of them, as well as their specialized skills and qualifications in financial management and accounting.

Work Environment and Challenges

9. Is controller a stressful job? Yes, being a controller can be stressful, due to the high volume of work, tight deadlines, compliance demands, team oversight, and the need for impeccable accuracy in financial reporting and budgeting.
10. What problems do controllers face? Controllers may encounter various problems, including financial reporting issues, budget deviations, losses due to theft or mismanagement, unbalanced budgets, errors due to improper techniques, and incorrect data.

Personality and Skills

11. What personality type is a controller? Controllers are typically self-disciplined and fast-paced, with strong attention to detail and a results-driven approach, often with a straightforward, responsible, and factual personality.
12. What makes a good controller? A good controller possesses attention to detail, leadership skills, and a strong understanding of financial management and accounting principles, with the ability to manage teams and make strategic decisions.

Education and Certification

13. How hard is it to be a controller? Becoming a controller requires a significant amount of education, training, and experience, typically a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience, as well as specialized certifications such as CPA or CMA.
14. Is a controller higher than a CPA? A controller is generally considered a higher-level position than a CPA, with broader responsibilities and management expectations, although both roles require strong accounting and financial management skills.

Industry and Organization

15. Is controller a VP level? No, a controller is not typically considered a VP-level position, but rather a department head or middle management role, reporting to the CFO or other senior executives, although the specific organizational structure can vary depending on the company and industry.