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Legal Entity Controller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Manulife

AVP, US FSSC and Legal Entity Reporting

Boston, MA · Hybrid

$47K - $65K/yr

The Associate Vice President (AVP), US FSSC and Legal Entity Reporting is a seasoned leadership ... controllership roles, preferably within insurance or financial services and a multi entity ...

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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.
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Legal Entity Controller jobs near you
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 Controllers Vice President

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc.

Jersey City, NJ • Hybrid

$124K - $175K/yr

Other

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

 SMBC Group is a top-tier global financial group. Headquartered in Tokyo and with a 400-year history, SMBC Group offers a diverse range of financial services, including banking, leasing, securities, credit cards, and consumer finance. The Group has more than 130 offices and 80,000 employees worldwide in nearly 40 countries. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. (SMFG) is the holding company of SMBC Group, which is one of the three largest banking groups in Japan. SMFG's shares trade on the Tokyo, Nagoya, and New York (NYSE: SMFG) stock exchanges.

In the Americas, SMBC Group has a presence in the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Peru. Backed by the capital strength of SMBC Group and the value of its relationships in Asia, the Group offers a range of commercial and investment banking services to its corporate, institutional, and municipal clients. It connects a diverse client base to local markets and the organization's extensive global network. The Group's operating companies in the Americas include Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. (SMBC), SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc., SMBC Capital Markets, Inc., SMBC MANUBANK, JRI America, Inc., SMBC Leasing and Finance, Inc., Banco Sumitomo Mitsui Brasileiro S.A., and Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Co., Ltd.

The anticipated salary range for this role is between $124,000.00 and $175,000.00. The specific salary offered to an applicant will be based on their individual qualifications, experiences, and an analysis of the current compensation paid in their geography and the market for similar roles at the time of hire. The role may also be eligible for an annual discretionary incentive award. In addition to cash compensation, SMBC offers a competitive portfolio of benefits to its employees.

Role Description

Support accounting operations and internal / external financial and regulatory reporting requirements in a dynamic environment within SMBC AD.


This position supports the workflow and processing of all accounting areas and is responsible for preparation of internal and external financial and regulatory reports for various legal entities within SMBC AD. Activities are tactical and performed according to prescribed U.S. GAAP and IFRS standards. Complex and out of the ordinary accounting transactions are escalated to the next level of management.

Responsibilities
  • Preparation and posting of USGAAP month end / daily journals required for books close or for USGAAP regulatory reporting
  • Assistance with Daily Reporting for Total CUSO Assets and Trading Assets/liabilities, as needed
  • Preparation of internal and external financial and regulatory reports including audited financial statements and quarterly reporting packages
  • Providing support to Accounting Managers by execution of various daily accounting tasks
  • Interface with Bank's accounting department with respect to various reporting requirements and projects
  • Supporting month-end and quarter-end accounting closing to ensure full reporting compliance within SMBCAD
  • Preparation of monthly financial analytics, variance analysis and various management reporting packs
  • Preparation of various month-end reconciliations
  • Preparation of various tax related reports and work closely with Tax dept. to ensure internal / external tax compliance
  • Accounting research as needed
  • Special projects and reports as needed
Qualifications and Skills
  • Knowledge of financial and regulatory reporting, consolidation balance sheets and general accounting practices including U.S. GAAP and IFRS
  • Experience with creating financial statements including footnotes and working with external auditors
  • Experience with general ledger functions and the month-end/year close process
  • Strong analytic and problem- solving skills
  • Strong organizational skills, detail oriented with ability to manage multiple assignments concurrently
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Extensive Excel experience required; Oracle Cloud GL and Alteryx knowledge a plus
  • CPA preferred
  • Recommended years of experience: 5 to 12 years of specialized experience
Additional Requirements

SMBC's employees participate in a Hybrid workforce model that provides employees with an opportunity to work from home, as well as, from an SMBC office. SMBC requires that employees live within a reasonable commuting distance of their office location. Prospective candidates will learn more about their specific hybrid work schedule during their interview process. Hybrid work may not be permitted for certain roles, including, for example, certain FINRA-registered roles for which in-office attendance for the entire workweek is required.

SMBC provides reasonable accommodations during candidacy for applicants with disabilities consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please let us know at accommodations@smbcgroup.com.

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