Understanding the Roles: Controller vs. Accounting Manager

Difference between an Accounting Manager and a Controller?

Insight from TGG

What's the difference between a Controller and an Accounting Manager?

At the heart of it, both Controllers and Accounting Managers are all about operational accounting. They're the ones making sure all the financial transactions are recorded, the books are balanced, and the numbers add up at the end of the day.

But, there are some key differences in the scope and seniority of these roles. Here's how I break it down:

The Controller is the head honcho of the accounting team. They're responsible for overseeing all things related to financial reporting, systems, and operations. This includes:

• Closing the books with financial statements for investors

• Managing the accounting tech stack and making sure everything is running like a well-oiled machine

• Contributing to big-picture financial strategy and decision-making

The controller makes sure everything is humming along. An Accounting Manager is usually a step below the Controller in the org chart. They're more focused on the day-to-day operations of the accounting function like:

• Making sure invoices are going out and payments are coming in on time

• Keeping a hawk eye on cash flow and making sure the company has enough in the bank to keep the lights on

• Managing and mentoring the more junior members of the accounting team

So while the Controller is more of the big-picture strategist, the Accounting Manager is the one down in the trenches. Accounting Managers make sure all the i's are dotted and t's are crossed.

If you're a scrappy startup looking for your first finance hire, you might want a Controller who's not afraid to get their hands dirty in the day-to-day details.

But if you're a more established company, you might be looking for a leader who can focus on the big picture while delegating the tactical stuff.

The sweet spot is someone who's been an Accounting Manager at a larger company and is hungry to step into a Controller role at a smaller, fast-growing startup.

They'll have the technical chops and best practices from their big-company experience, but they'll also be excited to build something from the ground up and won't expect to have a huge team right out of the gate.

The bottom line? Controllers and Accounting Managers are key players in keeping your company's financial house in order. The exact scope of their roles might vary.

But ultimately, you want someone who's equal parts strategic thinker and detail-oriented doer with a passion for all things accounting.

Learn More: The career path of a controller