Treasurer vs Controller – what are the differences? Learn everything you need to know about the differences between treasurers and controllers.
In many organizations, the roles of treasurer and controller are often confused or misunderstood. While both positions play important roles in financial management, they have distinct responsibilities and focus on different aspects of the organization’s financial operations.
In this article, we will explore the differences between a treasurer and a controller, including their areas of focus, responsibilities, and reporting relationships. Understanding these distinctions can help clarify the roles and responsibilities of these important positions and better inform decision-making within an organization.
What Does a Treasurer Do?
A treasurer is a financial officer responsible for managing and overseeing the financial affairs of an organization. This can include tasks such as preparing financial reports, managing budgeting and forecasting, handling financial transactions, and implementing financial strategies.
The treasurer is often responsible for developing and maintaining financial policies and procedures and ensuring that the organization complies with financial regulations.
In managing the organization’s financial affairs, the treasurer may also communicate financial information to stakeholders and decision-makers. The specific responsibilities of a treasurer may vary depending on the size and type of organization, as well as the specific role of the treasurer within the organization.
What Does a Controller Do?
A controller is a financial management professional responsible for overseeing an organization’s accounting and financial reporting functions. The controller is typically responsible for preparing financial statements, monitoring and analyzing financial performance, and developing and implementing financial policies and procedures.
The controller may also be responsible for managing a team of accounting professionals and ensuring that the organization’s financial records are accurate and up-to-date.
In addition to managing the organization’s financial reporting and accounting functions, the controller may also be responsible for implementing internal controls to safeguard the organization’s financial assets and ensure compliance with financial regulations. The specific responsibilities of a controller may vary depending on the size and type of organization, as well as the specific role of the controller within the organization.
Treasurer vs. Controller
Below we discuss the main differences between the job duties, job requirements, and work environment of treasurers and controllers.
Related: Director of Accounting vs. Controller: What’s The Difference?
Treasurer Job Duties
The primary job duties of a treasurer include managing and overseeing the financial affairs of an organization. This may involve preparing financial reports, analyzing financial performance, developing and implementing financial policies and procedures, and handling financial transactions.
A treasurer is also responsible for ensuring that the organization complies with financial regulations and for communicating financial information to stakeholders and decision-makers.
In addition to these core responsibilities, the treasurer may also be responsible for managing the organization’s budget, forecasting future financial performance, and implementing financial strategies to achieve the organization’s financial goals. The specific job duties of a treasurer may vary depending on the size and type of organization, as well as the specific role of the treasurer within the organization.
Controller Job Duties
A controller’s primary duties include overseeing an organization’s accounting and financial reporting functions. This may involve preparing financial statements, analyzing financial performance, developing and implementing financial policies and procedures, and managing a team of accounting professionals.
A controller is also responsible for ensuring that the organization’s financial records are accurate and up-to-date and for implementing internal controls to safeguard the organization’s financial assets.
In addition to these core responsibilities, the controller may also be responsible for ensuring compliance with financial regulations and communicating financial information to stakeholders and decision-makers within the organization. The specific job duties of a controller may vary depending on the size and type of organization, as well as the specific role of the controller within the organization.
Related: Corporate Controller vs. Financial Controller – What’s The Difference?
Treasurer Job Requirements
The job requirements for a treasurer may vary depending on the size and type of organization, as well as the specific role of the treasurer within the organization. However, some common requirements are typically necessary for this position.
One common requirement is a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as finance, accounting, or business administration. Some organizations may also require a master’s degree in a related field.
Experience in financial management is also typically required for the treasurer position. This may include experience in budgeting, financial analysis, and financial reporting.
In addition to education and experience, a treasurer should possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills and excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Attention to detail, the ability to work under pressure, and the ability to meet deadlines are important qualities for a treasurer.
Some organizations may also require the treasurer to be certified in a specific area, such as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or a Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) designation.
Overall, the job requirements for a treasurer will depend on the organization’s specific needs and the treasurer’s role.
Related: Comptroller vs. Treasurer – What’s The Difference?
Controller Job Requirements
The job requirements for a controller may vary depending on the size and type of organization, as well as the specific role of the controller within the organization. However, some common requirements are typically necessary for this position.
One common requirement is a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as finance, accounting, or business administration. Some organizations may also require a master’s degree in a related field.
Experience in accounting and financial management is typically required for the controller position. This may include experience in preparing financial statements, managing budgets, and analyzing financial performance.
In addition to education and experience, a controller should possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills and excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Attention to detail, the ability to work under pressure, and the ability to meet deadlines are important qualities for a controller.
Some organizations may also require the controller to be certified in a specific area, such as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation.
Overall, the job requirements for a controller will depend on the organization’s specific needs and the controller’s role within that organization.
Related: Comptroller vs. Controller – What’s The Difference?
Treasurer vs. Controller Work Environment
There is often overlap between the work environments of treasurers and controllers, as both positions involve financial management and decision-making. However, there are differences in the specific tasks and responsibilities for which these professionals may be responsible, which can influence their work environment.
One key difference between the work environments of treasurers and controllers is the scope of their responsibilities. Treasurers are responsible for managing and overseeing the organization’s financial affairs, which may include preparing financial reports, handling financial transactions, and implementing financial strategies. Controllers, on the other hand, are responsible for overseeing the organization’s accounting and financial reporting functions, which may include tasks such as preparing financial statements, analyzing financial performance, and implementing financial policies and procedures.
Another difference between the work environments of treasurers and controllers is the level of authority and decision-making power that each position holds.
Treasurers may have a greater level of authority and decision-making power within the organization, as they are responsible for managing the overall financial affairs of the organization. Controllers, on the other hand, may have a more focused role centered around the organization’s financial reporting and accounting functions.
Overall, the work environments of treasurers and controllers may be similar in some respects. Still, there are also some key differences in the specific tasks and responsibilities that each position is responsible for.
Treasurer vs. Controller Skills
Treasurers and controllers require a strong foundation in finance and accounting principles and excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. However, some key differences exist in the specific skills required for these two positions.
One key difference between the required skills of treasurers and controllers is the scope of their responsibilities. Treasurers are responsible for managing and overseeing the organization’s financial affairs, which may include preparing financial reports, handling financial transactions, and implementing financial strategies.
As a result, treasurers may be required to have a broader range of financial skills, including the ability to analyze financial performance, develop and implement financial policies and procedures, and communicate financial information to stakeholders and decision-makers within the organization.
Controllers, on the other hand, are responsible for overseeing the organization’s accounting and financial reporting functions, which may include tasks such as preparing financial statements, analyzing financial performance, and implementing financial policies and procedures.
As a result, controllers may be required to have a more focused set of financial skills, including the ability to manage accounting professionals and ensure the accuracy and timeliness of financial records.
Treasurer vs. Controller Salary
The salary for a treasurer and a controller can vary depending on several factors, including the size and type of organization in which they work, their level of education and experience, and their specific responsibilities within the organization. However, there are some general trends in the salaries of these two positions.
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for financial managers, including treasurers and controllers, was $129,890 as of May 2020. However, the BLS notes that the lowest 10% of financial managers earned less than $74,020, while the highest 10% earned more than $208,000.
It is worth noting that the salary for a treasurer and a controller may vary depending on the specific responsibilities of each position. Treasurers are responsible for managing and overseeing the organization’s financial affairs, which may involve a broader range of financial tasks and responsibilities. As a result, treasurers may typically earn a higher salary than controllers.
Overall, the salary for a treasurer and a controller can vary widely depending on several factors, including the size and type of organization in which they work, their level of education and experience, and their specific responsibilities.
Related: What Does a Business Controller Do?
