What is a Controller and Do I Need One?

We get asked this a lot so we wanted to give you the 411. The information below is based on our experience in the small/medium sized business market.

What does a Controller cover?

  • Day to Day Accounting Operations

  • Month End Close and Financial Statements

  • Financial Integrity and Compliance

  • Facilitation of CPA Audit and Tax Filings

  • Government Filings

  • Budget and Cost Analysis

  • Due Diligence Support

  • Accounting/Administration Team Management

  • Benefits Support or Management

  • Payroll Execution or Support

  • Banking and Reconciliations

Full Time Salary: ~$85K-$175K

Hourly: $75-$200/hour

What is a Comptroller?

Same as Controller, just generally in a government or non-profit institution

What does a Bookkeeper or Staff Accountant cover?

  • Scanning and Filing

  • Data Entry or Review of OCR/Automated Bill Entry

  • Vendor Balance Reconciliations

  • Customer Invoicing and Contract management

  • Employee Onboard and Payroll Support

  • Support of Controller and CFO tasks

Full Time Salary: ~$45K to $85K per year

Hourly $25-$80/hour

What does a CFO cover? 

(Not E-Squared’s preferred focus)

  • High level Strategy

  • Equity and Financing Facilities

  • Models and Forecasts

  • Management Team Interaction/Planning

  • Investor Relations and Board Meetings

  • Risk Management

  • Mergers, Exits, IPOs

Full Time Salary: ~$150K to $300K per year

Hourly: $150-$350/hour