Controllers: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more

Controllers direct the preparation of financial reports that summarize and forecast the organizations financial position, such as income statements, balance sheets, and analyses of future earnings or expenses. Controllers also are in charge of preparing special reports required by governmental agencies that regulate businesses. Often, controllers oversee the accounting, audit, and budget departments of their organization.

Education Required
A bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, economics, or business administration is often the minimum education needed for financial managers. However, many employers now seek candidates with a masters degree, preferably in business administration, finance, accounting, or economics. These academic programs help students develop analytical skills and learn financial analysis methods and software.
Job Outlook
The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: 19% (Much faster than average)
(The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.)
Advancement
Experienced financial managers can advance to become chief financial officers (CFOs). These executives are responsible for the accuracy of an entire companys or organizations financial reporting.
Licenses/Certifications
Although professional certification is not required, some financial managers still get it to demonstrate a level of competence. The CFA Institute confers the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification to investment professionals who have at least a bachelors degree, 4 years of work experience, and pass three exams. The Association for Financial Professionals confers the Certified Treasury Professional credential to those who pass an exam and have a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience. Certified public accountants (CPAs) are licensed by their states board of accountancy and must pass an exam administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
Median pay: How much do Financial Managers make?
$121,750 Annual Salary
$58.54 per hour

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