Close complexity
Transaction volume, reconciliations, accruals, deferred revenue, inventory, WIP, debt, or multiple entities can change review depth.
Controller Cost Calculator
Estimate the real cost of hiring a Controller.
Use this planning calculator to compare salary, benefits, hiring burden, payroll taxes, and overhead with fractional controller support ranges. The goal is not a quote. It is a clearer starting point before a focused finance conversation.
Planning Comparison
Compare first-year and recurring Controller cost.
Use current market assumptions and choose the finance outcome you need. Results are directional, not a hiring recommendation or advisory quote.
Use one annual period. Benefits, payroll taxes, and recruiting are calculated from base salary. Payroll tax uses a directional 7.65% employer assumption and does not model wage bases, state taxes, bonuses, equity, severance, or vacancy risk.
Methodology, formulas, assumptions, and limitations
Benefits = salary × benefits rate. Employer payroll taxes = salary × 7.65%. Recruiting = salary × recruiting rate and is included only in first-year cost. Recurring annual cost = salary + benefits + payroll taxes + annual overhead. First-year cost = recurring annual cost + recruiting. Monthly equivalent = recurring annual cost ÷ 12. The comparison range annualizes TruePoint Financial Leadership's general starting range of $3,500-$6,500+ per month to $42,000-$78,000+ per year. Final advisory scope and pricing require discovery. Reviewed August 21, 2026. This calculator is directional and is not compensation, tax, recruiting, legal, or hiring advice.
First-year full-time Controller costN/A
- Base salaryN/A
- BenefitsN/A
- Payroll taxesN/A
- Recruiting, first yearN/A
- Annual overheadN/A
Recurring comparisonFinance-path context
- Recurring annual full-time costN/A
- Monthly full-time equivalentN/A
- Financial Leadership planning range$42,000-$78,000+ / year
- First-year difference vs. rangeN/A
Management interpretation
Enter complete assumptions.
The result will separate first-year hiring cost from recurring cost and connect the stated finance need to the appropriate next path.
What is driving the comparison- Complete the inputs to see the cost drivers.
- Validate compensation assumptions.
- Define the finance outcome required.
Cost Drivers
What changes the right controller scope?
The most useful estimate starts with the work the finance function actually needs to handle each month.
Reporting needs
Leadership dashboards, margin views, budget variance, cash forecasts, and board-ready commentary increase the required finance cadence.
Internal capacity
A strong bookkeeper or accounting manager may reduce scope, while unresolved cleanup or unclear ownership can expand it.
Decision cadence
Monthly, twice-monthly, or leadership-team review rhythms affect the level of controller involvement and preparation.
How to Use the Result
The calculator is a planning tool, not a quote.
Use the full-time estimate to understand the hiring alternative, then decide whether automated Intelligence, Intelligence Pro, Financial Leadership, or Executive Advisory is the better starting point.
IntelligenceLeadershipAdvisoryAutomated insightCFO-level support
Next Step
Turn the estimate into a cleaner finance plan.
Want help interpreting the estimate?
Schedule a focused conversation about your current finance function, reporting needs, cash visibility, and whether fractional controller support is the right next layer.