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Legal Entity Controller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Legal Entity Controller

New York, NY · On-site

$90K - $155K/yr

The Legal Entity Controller group is responsible for overseeing the financial reporting and regulatory adherence of our legal entities, ensuring accurate and timely financial statements, and ...

The Legal Entity Controller group is responsible for overseeing the financial reporting and regulatory adherence of our legal entities, ensuring accurate and timely financial statements, and ...

Legal Entity Controller

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$135K - $155K/yr

Summary The Controller is responsible for all phases of accounting, financial reporting, and other financial activities within the Legal Entity. The Controller will assist in the continual ...

Legal Entity Controller

Plymouth, MN · Hybrid

$135K - $155K/yr

Summary The Controller is responsible for all phases of accounting, financial reporting, and other financial activities within the Legal Entity. The Controller will assist in the continual ...

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Legal Entity Controller information

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$80.5K

$135K

$177.5K

How much do legal entity controller jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for legal entity controller in the United States is $135,000.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $170,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Legal Entity Controller vs Financial Controller?

AspectLegal Entity ControllerFinancial Controller
CredentialsCPA, ACCA, or equivalent accounting certificationsCPA, ACCA, or equivalent accounting certifications
Work EnvironmentFocuses on specific legal entities within a corporationOversees overall financial reporting and controls for entire organization
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in multinational corporations, finance, and legal sectorsWidely used across industries for financial management
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for roles managing legal entity financesBroader financial oversight roles

The Legal Entity Controller specializes in managing the financial reporting, compliance, and controls for specific legal entities within a larger organization. In contrast, the Financial Controller oversees the overall financial health, reporting, and accounting functions for the entire company. While both roles require similar certifications and work in finance, the Legal Entity Controller focuses on individual entities, whereas the Financial Controller has a broader organizational scope.

Do controllers make a lot of money?

Legal Entity Controllers typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on industry, experience, and location. In general, they earn above-average compensation compared to other accounting roles, with senior controllers often earning six-figure salaries. Certifications like CPA or CMA can also influence earning potential.

What is a Legal Entity Controller?

A Legal Entity Controller is a finance professional responsible for overseeing the financial integrity, reporting, and compliance of a specific legal entity within a larger organization. They ensure that all financial statements are accurate and comply with local and international accounting standards. Their duties include managing audits, maintaining internal controls, and liaising with regulatory authorities. Legal Entity Controllers play a crucial role in ensuring transparency and accountability for the legal entities they manage.

What Is a Legal Entity Controller?

A legal entity controller, or a legal entity consultant, is involved in the financial management of a company. In this career, your duties involve organizing financial controls around all the different entities within your firm. This career requires skills in technical accounting. You must also be able to work with the financial department team and have experience communicating information with executives and management. Job qualifications generally include a bachelor’s degree and certification in accounting. Investment firms and other financial companies often hire legal entity controllers.

How does a Legal Entity Controller typically interact with other departments within an organization?

As a Legal Entity Controller, you’ll regularly collaborate with teams such as tax, treasury, compliance, and internal audit. Your role often requires coordinating closely with these departments to ensure accurate financial reporting, compliance with regulatory requirements, and timely completion of audits. Strong communication skills are essential, as you may need to explain complex financial information to non-finance colleagues and support decision-making at various organizational levels. This cross-functional interaction provides valuable exposure and networking opportunities, which can be beneficial for career growth.

Do I need a CPA to become a controller?

A CPA is not strictly required to become a legal entity controller, but it is highly valued and can enhance credibility and career prospects. Many controllers have accounting degrees and relevant experience in finance and accounting systems; professional certifications like CPA or CMA can be advantageous but are not mandatory.

Is controller higher than CFO?

A controller is responsible for overseeing accounting and financial reporting within an organization, while a CFO (Chief Financial Officer) holds a higher executive position that includes strategic financial planning, risk management, and overall financial leadership. Typically, the CFO is senior to the controller and reports to the CEO, with the controller often reporting to the CFO or finance director.

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

To thrive as a Legal Entity Controller, you need a solid background in accounting, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance, usually supported by a CPA or equivalent qualification. Expertise in ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle and familiarity with consolidation and reporting tools are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication set top performers apart in this role. These skills are essential to ensure accurate financial statements, compliance with regulations, and clear guidance to stakeholders.

How much is the salary of a controller?

The salary of a legal entity controller typically ranges from $80,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Controllers with advanced certifications like CPA or CMA and strong financial management skills tend to earn higher salaries, especially in large organizations or financial hubs.
What cities are hiring for Legal Entity Controller jobs? Cities with the most Legal Entity Controller job openings:
What states have the most Legal Entity Controller jobs? States with the most job openings for Legal Entity Controller jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Legal Entity Controller jobs? For Legal Entity Controller jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Legal Entity Controller job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% Full Time, 80% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,000 per year, or $64.9 per hour.
Legal Entity Controller

Legal Entity Controller

Morgan Stanley

New York, NY • On-site

$90K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Morgan Stanley rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 138 rated financial services


Job description

We are looking for an experienced professional to join our team as a Director in the Legal Entity Controller Group. The Legal Entity Controller group is responsible for overseeing the financial reporting and regulatory adherence of our legal entities, ensuring accurate and timely financial statements, and maintaining compliance with industry standards and regulations. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in finance, accounting, and regulatory frameworks.
This is a Director level position within the Corporate Controllers, Reporting & Accounting job family which is responsible for the accuracy and control of the Firm's books and records to produce the consolidated firm, segment and legal entities financial statements. The group owns the Firm's financial reporting under US GAAP, International GAAP and the global regulatory regimes. Responsibilities include the development, management and oversight of financial accounting & reporting systems as well as database management. Includes capital and liquidity reporting and external reporting functions.
What you'll do in the role:
> Review detailed monthly analytics and commentary to ensure completeness and accuracy of the financial statements.
> Prepare quarterly analytics on cost allocations.
> Oversee timely and accurate preparation of legal entity financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
> Collaborate with other departments to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.
> Responsible for review of external financial statements as well as related disclosures for various footnotes.
> Be control-oriented and have an ability to efficiently interface with both internal and external auditors as required.
> Investigate, analyze, and resolve issues, and respond to ad-hoc queries.
What you'll bring to the role:
> Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
> 5+ of years of work experience in financial services, consulting,
> Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple priorities.
> Strong communication skills with collaborative mindset.
> Familiarity with FOCUS reporting and broker-dealer financial and operational requirements.
> Ability to manage multiple tasks, operate within deadlines, and escalate when appropriate.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM MORGAN STANLEY:
We are committed to maintaining the first-class service and high standard of excellence that have defined Morgan Stanley for over 89 years. Our values - putting clients first, doing the right thing, leading with exceptional ideas, committing to diversity and inclusion, and giving back - aren't just beliefs, they guide the decisions we make every day to do what's best for our clients, communities and more than 80,000 employees in 1,200 offices across 42 countries. At Morgan Stanley, you'll find an opportunity to work alongside the best and the brightest, in an environment where you are supported and empowered. Our teams are relentless collaborators and creative thinkers, fueled by their diverse backgrounds and experiences. We are proud to support our employees and their families at every point along their work-life journey, offering some of the most attractive and comprehensive employee benefits and perks in the industry. There's also ample opportunity to move about the business for those who show passion and grit in their work.
To learn more about our offices across the globe, please copy and paste https://www.morganstanley.com/about-us/global-offices into your browser.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM MORGAN STANLEY:
At Morgan Stanley, we raise, manage and allocate capital for our clients - helping them reach their goals. We do it in a way that's differentiated - and we've done that for 90 years. Our values - putting clients first, doing the right thing, leading with exceptional ideas, committing to diversity and inclusion, and giving back - aren't just beliefs, they guide the decisions we make every day to do what's best for our clients, communities and more than 80,000 employees in 1,200 offices across 42 countries. At Morgan Stanley, you'll find an opportunity to work alongside the best and the brightest, in an environment where you are supported and empowered. Our teams are relentless collaborators and creative thinkers, fueled by their diverse backgrounds and experiences. We are proud to support our employees and their families at every point along their work-life journey, offering some of the most attractive and comprehensive employee benefits and perks in the industry. There's also ample opportunity to move about the business for those who show passion and grit in their work.
To learn more about our offices across the globe, please copy and paste https://www.morganstanley.com/about-us/global-offices into your browser.
Expected base pay rates for the role will be between $90,000 and $155,000 per year at the commencement of employment. However, base pay if hired will be determined on an individualized basis and is
only part of the total compensation package, which, depending on the position, may also include commission earnings, incentive compensation, discretionary bonuses, other short and long-term incentive packages, and other Morgan Stanley sponsored benefit programs.
Morgan Stanley is an equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a workforce that is diverse in experience and background. Our recruiting efforts reflect our strong commitment to a culture of inclusion, where individuals are hired, developed, and advanced based on their skills and talents.
Our workforce reflects a broad cross-section of the global communities in which we operate, bringing a variety of backgrounds, talents, perspectives, and experiences.
For more information, please visit: https://www.morganstanley.com/people-opportunities/eeo.

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