Controllers Could See Major Pay Increases Next Year

Canadian employers are increasingly hiring corporate controllers and IT experts, according to Robert Half's 2011 Accounting & Finance salary guide.

On the IT side, advanced knowledge of company-specific planning systems will be well-rewarded, the survey says. Also sought is expertise with regulatory compliance and financial reporting.

Some of the biggest starting-salary increases between will be awarded to controllers for small and midsize companies with $50 to $100 million (Canadian) in sales, with salaries expected to range from $85,500 to $113,750 next year. That is a 4.9 percent increase from this year's salary range, which topped out at $108,500.

Controllers at large companies, with over $250 million in sales, can look forward to beginning salaries ranging as high as $158,000 - a 3.4 percent increase over 2010's ceiling of $150,500.

The most lucrative pay schemes will be awarded in Calgary. Vancouver is also a high-paying Lower-paying regions include Quebec City and Regina.