Salary of a Financial Controller 

Charlotte: "Are you interested in a career as a Controller? Then starting in a ‘Big4’ environment is ideal. With an initial experience in audit, you have a good foundation for a versatile financial reporting role, allowing you to progress to a Financial Controller position. Professionals with previous experience in general accounting and strong analytical skills often move into a role as a Financial Controller." 

As a Financial Controller, you can expect a gross annual salary between 110k and 140k CHF. "Your exact salary depends of course on the size of the organization and the sector it operates in," Charlotte adds. 

Salary of a Business Controller 

"A Business Controller acts as a partner and supports the CEO, COO, and CFO. Their tasks – unlike those of the Financial Controller – are more focused on operational matters than on compliance, taxation, and accounting," explains Charlotte. 

The demand for Business Controllers has never been greater. Good news for Business Controllers seeking a new professional challenge: they are in a strong position to negotiate their salary. "A Business Controller with a few years of experience, can expect a gross annual salary between 110k and 140k CHF," says Charlotte. 

Salary of a Group Controller 

Charlotte: "With the Group Controller position, we need to make a small nuance. In some organizations, a Group Controller is described as the person who acts as the ‘Head of Controlling’ and supervises the entire controlling team at the group level, in different entities. But often, this job title refers to the classic Business or Financial Controller role of a person working at group level, in the organization’s headquarters. In terms of remuneration, an experienced Group Controller can expect a gross annual salary of 140k-180k CHF." 

Is controlling the right field for you? 

If you have recently graduated in finance and are looking for a challenging career, you may want to discover if controlling is the right field for you. "The ideal way to find out is by starting as an interim Controller. Working as a temporary Financial or Business Controller offers the opportunity to quickly gain experience in various sectors and work environments while continuously developing new skills," Charlotte explains. 

An additional advantage of temporary work is the flexibility it brings. With a temporary position, you have more control over your own work schedule, allowing you to often find a better balance between work and private life. This is particularly useful if you want to alternate work periods with travel, for example. 

"It can also be interesting in terms of remuneration to work as a temporary employee in controlling," Charlotte continues. "A starting Business Controller and a Financial Controller with up to 3 years of experience earn an average of 290-380 CHF gross per day. If you have 3 to 6 years of experience in controlling and are considering exchanging a permanent position for an interim opportunity, you can expect a gross salary of 370-460 CHF per day. Interim Controllers with more than 6 years of experience can expect a salary of 450-680 CHF per day." 

Keen to know more? 

Find out how much you’re worth with our salary guide. This digital tool provides an overview of the latest salary trends for controllers and other financial roles, the required skills, and the latest market trends for finance professionals.