Business Unit Controller, Sr. Salary in the United States

How much does a Business Unit Controller, Sr. make in the United States?

As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Business Unit Controller, Sr. in the United States is $180,036 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $87.

However, a Business Unit Controller, Sr.'s salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $216,833
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $164,374 to $199,297
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $150,115
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View as table View as graph 25% $164,374 10% $150,115 90% $216,833 75% $199,297 $180,036 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Business Unit Controller, Sr. Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $199,297 $16,608 $3,833 $96
Average $180,036 $15,003 $3,462 $87
25th Percentile $164,374 $13,698 $3,161 $79
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Key Factors That Influence Business Unit Controller, Sr. Salaries

A Business Unit Controller, Sr.'s salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Business Unit Controller, Sr. Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Business Unit Controller, Sr.'s salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $174,192
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $174,893
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $176,530
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $178,400
  • Expert (over 8 years): $180,611
Levels Salary
Entry Level Business Unit Controller, Sr.$174,192
Intermediate Level Business Unit Controller, Sr.$174,893
Senior Level Business Unit Controller, Sr.$176,530
Specialist Level Business Unit Controller, Sr.$178,400
Expert Level Business Unit Controller, Sr.$180,611
$174,192 0 yr
$174,893 < 2 yrs
$176,530 2-4 yrs
$178,400 5-8 yrs
$180,611 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Business Unit Controller, Sr.s

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $227,079
  • San Francisco: $224,847
  • Oakland: $219,860

What Skills Can Increase a Business Unit Controller, Sr.'s Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 14.02% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • User Stories (Mentioned in 2.03% Job Postings): In software development and product management, a user story is an informal, natural language description of one or more features of a software system. User stories are often written from the perspective of an end user or user of a system. They are often recorded on index cards, on Post-it notes, or in project management software. Depending on the project, user stories may be written by various stakeholders including clients, users, managers or development team members. User stories are a type of boundary object. They facilitate sensemaking and communication; that is, they help software teams organize their understanding of the system and its context. User stories are often confused with system requirements. A requirement is a formal description of need; a user story is an informal description of a feature.
  • Test Plans (Mentioned in 1.35% Job Postings): A test plan is a document detailing the objectives, resources, and processes for a specific test for a software or hardware product. The plan typically contains a detailed understanding of the eventual workflow.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 14.02%
User Stories 2.03%
Test Plans 1.35%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Business Unit Controller, Sr.'s salary.
  • Decision Making: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • PowerPoint: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
  • Leadership: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Decision Making
$189,038
5%
PowerPoint
$187,237
4%
Leadership
$185,437
3%
Oracle
$185,437
3%
Customer Service
$185,437
3%
Prioritization
$183,637
2%
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Business Unit Controller, Sr. Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Business Unit Controller, Sr.'s annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on March 01, 2026

Business Unit Controller, Sr. Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Business Unit Controller, Sr., the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Financial Control Director role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $177,410 - a projected growth of -1% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Business Unit Controller, Sr.

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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FAQ about Business Unit Controller, Sr.

1. Where can a Business Unit Controller, Sr. earn the most?

A Business Unit Controller, Sr.'s earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Business Unit Controller, Sr. earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Business Unit Controller, Sr. is $227,079.

2. What is the highest pay for Business Unit Controller, Sr.?

The highest pay for Business Unit Controller, Sr. is $216,833.

3. What is the lowest pay for Business Unit Controller, Sr.?

The lowest pay for Business Unit Controller, Sr. is $150,115.

4. What are the responsibilities of Business Unit Controller, Sr.?

Directs the overall accounting functions for a large business unit. Collects and compiles financial data at the business unit level and oversees the preparation of forecasts, tax filings, financial, budget, auditing and other reports. Ensures that the business unit complies with accounting regulations and standards and adheres to company policies and procedures. Requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent. Typically reports to a director. Typically manages through subordinate managers and professionals in larger groups of moderate complexity. Provides input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of responsibility. May give input into developing the budget. Typically requires 3+ years of managerial experience. Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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