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Compensation Controller Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Controller

Dayton, TN ยท On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

Greater Chattanooga area Compensation: Competitive base + bonus + strong work-life balance Our client, a well-established manufacturing organization , is seeking a Controller to lead day-to-day ...

The Controller is responsible for overseeing all financial and accounting operations for the ... Responsible for monitoring payroll documents to ensure employees receive accurate compensation per ...

Controller

Brentwood, TN ยท On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Title: Controller Location: Brentwood, TN Work Site: In Office Job Type: Full-Time Pay ... Enjoy competitive compensation, benefits, and career growth opportunities. About FOCUSPOINT:

In addition to your base compensation, this position also offers: Health (Medical, Dental, Vision ... Controller Directs the department's activities and resources to ensure alignment with the mission ...

Assistant Controller

Nashville, TN ยท On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

Nashville, TN Compensation: $120,000 to $130,000 base salary Employment Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire Position Summary A growing steel company based in Nashville, TN is seeking an Assistant Controller ...

Assistant Controller

Nashville, TN ยท On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

Nashville, TN Compensation: $120,000 to $130,000 base salary Employment Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire Position Summary A growing steel company based in Nashville, TN is seeking an Assistant Controller ...

Nashville, TN Compensation: $120,000 to $130,000 base salary Employment Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire Position Summary A growing steel company based in Nashville, TN is seeking an Assistant Controller ...

Financial Controller

Chattanooga, TN ยท Hybrid

$150K - $175K/yr

HHM Talent is assisting a logistics client search for a Controller in Chattanooga, TN. Position ... Compensation * Salary: $150,000 to $175,000 * Equity or profit interest opportunity may be ...

Position: Controller Client Industry: Environmental Services / Recycling Location: Tennessee ... Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment Compensation & Benefits * Competitive ...

Assistant Controller

Knoxville, TN ยท On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Waste Connections is seeking a high-energy Assistant Controller to join our team in Knoxville, TN ... We offer a competitive compensation package and excellent family benefits, including: * Competitive ...

Plant Controller

Chattanooga, TN ยท On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

Plant Controller Location: Chattanooga, TN Industry: Manufacturing - Foam / Polyurethane Production ... Experience supporting high-volume, multi-shift production environments Compensation Base Salary ...

Plant Controller Location: Chattanooga, TN Industry: Manufacturing - Foam / Polyurethane Production ... Experience supporting high-volume, multi-shift production environments Compensation Base Salary ...

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Showing results 1-20

Compensation Controller information

See Tennessee salary details

$49.9K

$108.5K

$159.3K

How much do compensation controller jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for compensation controller in Tennessee is $108,457.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,000.00 and $125,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Compensation Controllers?

Compensation Controllers are finance professionals responsible for overseeing and managing an organization's compensation programs, such as salaries, bonuses, and benefits. They ensure that compensation practices comply with legal regulations and align with the company's pay philosophy. Their duties often include analyzing compensation data, preparing reports, budgeting for employee compensation, and collaborating with HR and management to develop competitive pay structures. By maintaining effective compensation controls, they help attract and retain talent while managing costs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Compensation Controller, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Compensation Controller, you need strong analytical and financial skills, in-depth knowledge of compensation structures, and typically a degree in finance, accounting, or a related field. Familiarity with HRIS systems, payroll software, and advanced Excel or data analytics tools is essential, along with relevant certifications such as CCP (Certified Compensation Professional). Exceptional attention to detail, discretion, and strong communication skills help you collaborate effectively with HR and leadership teams. These competencies ensure accurate compensation management, regulatory compliance, and support for strategic decision-making within the organization.

How does a Compensation Controller typically collaborate with HR and finance teams to ensure accurate payroll and benefits administration?

A Compensation Controller works closely with both HR and finance departments to ensure that payroll, bonuses, and benefits are administered accurately and in compliance with company policies and legal requirements. They often coordinate with HR to interpret compensation policies and analyze market data, while partnering with finance to reconcile payroll expenses and manage compensation budgets. Regular cross-departmental meetings and data-sharing are common, allowing the Compensation Controller to identify discrepancies, resolve issues, and support strategic compensation planning. Effective collaboration is key to maintaining transparency and ensuring all employee compensation is processed correctly and on time.

What is the difference between Compensation Controller vs Payroll Manager?

AspectCompensation ControllerPayroll Manager
Primary FocusOversees compensation policies, salary structures, and complianceManages payroll processing, employee payments, and related operations
CredentialsOften requires HR or finance certifications, experience in compensationTypically requires payroll certifications or HR experience
Work EnvironmentCorporate HR or finance departments in various industriesPayroll or HR departments, often within larger organizations
Employer UsageUsed in organizations with complex compensation structuresCommon in companies with large payroll operations

The Compensation Controller focuses on designing and managing compensation strategies and policies, ensuring compliance and competitiveness. In contrast, the Payroll Manager handles the day-to-day processing of employee payments. While both roles require understanding of compensation and payroll systems, the Compensation Controller has a broader strategic role, whereas the Payroll Manager is more operational.

What are popular job titles related to Compensation Controller jobs in Tennessee? For Compensation Controller jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Compensation Controller jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Compensation Controller job openings:
Infographic showing various Compensation Controller job openings in Tennessee as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, and 98% Full Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,457 per year, or $52.1 per hour.
Controller

Controller

Robert Half

Dayton, TN โ€ข On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

This search is being conducted by Steve Spinello.


Controller

Location: Greater Chattanooga area

Compensation: Competitive base + bonus + strong work-life balance

Our client, a well-established manufacturing organization, is seeking a Controller to lead day-to-day accounting operations and provide financial insight that supports key business decisions. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for an experienced accounting professional who enjoys balancing technical accounting oversight with operational finance support.

Reporting into senior leadership, the Controller will oversee a small accounting team and play a critical role in ensuring the accuracy of financial reporting, managing costing and inventory processes, and delivering analysis that helps drive business performance. This organization offers a collaborative, team-oriented culture with a strong emphasis on work-life balance, making it an attractive opportunity for someone seeking both stability and visibility.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead all accounting operations, including month-end close, general ledger activity, and financial reporting
  • Supervise, mentor, and develop a team of 3 accounting professionals
  • Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements
  • Oversee cost accounting processes, including standard costing, job costing, and product costing
  • Manage inventory analysis, reconciliations, and controls surrounding physical inventory
  • Perform and explain variance analysis across materials, labor, and overhead to support operational decision-making
  • Partner closely with operations leadership to improve financial visibility and enhance performance
  • Ensure compliance with GAAP, internal controls, and accounting best practices
  • Identify and implement opportunities to improve processes, systems, and reporting efficiency

What Sets This Role Apart

  • Excellent work-life balance compared to many manufacturing environments
  • Stable, team-oriented culture with strong leadership support
  • High visibility role with the ability to influence decision-making
  • Opportunity to oversee both core accounting and operational finance activities

Ideal Background

  • Current Controller or a strong Accounting Manager ready for the next step
  • Comfortable working in a mid-sized manufacturing environment
  • Analytical and detail-oriented, with the ability to communicate effectively across operations and leadership
  • Proven track record of leading teams and improving accounting processes

If youโ€™re interested in learning more about this opportunity, please apply today.

Based on general knowledge.

Qualifications

  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in Accounting required
  • 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, including strong experience in manufacturing
  • Demonstrated cost accounting and inventory experience required
  • Prior people management experience with direct supervisory responsibility
  • Strong understanding of financial statements and month-end close
  • Advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables, lookups, and data analysis
  • ERP experience required; experience with a manufacturing ERP is a plus



Robert Half logo

About Robert Half

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in 1948, Robert Half pioneered the idea of professional talent solutions to connect opportunities at great companies with highly skilled job seekers. As business needs changed, we evolved to offer specialized talent solutions for finance and accounting, technology, administrative and customer support, creative and marketing, and legal fields. In 2002, we introduced our subsidiary, Protiviti, a global independent risk consulting and internal audit service, to support companies as they faced more strategic business challenges.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Ramon, CA, US

Year founded

1948