Salary Expectations for Assistant Controller in a Startup
Not long ago, I interviewed for a senior accountant position but ultimately received a rejection email that lacked specific feedback. About a month later, I received a call from the company informing me that they felt I was overqualified for the original position. They mentioned that they were restructuring the role and were interested in offering me an assistant controller position instead. I was impressed by the company and its benefits, so I expressed my enthusiasm for discussing the new opportunity. The initial call seemed more like a formality to gauge my interest, without delving into salary or job responsibilities.
The senior accountant role had a salary range of $85k-$95k without a bonus. Given my experience—7 years in Accounting, including 2 years in the startup environment—and my involvement in two ERP implementations (noting that they plan to switch ERP systems), what would be a reasonable salary expectation for the assistant controller role?
Currently, I earn just under $90k, and I’m targeting a 20-30% salary increase due to the promotion and the additional responsibilities. Would a salary of $115k be too high for an assistant controller position in Columbus, Ohio? Additionally, would it be reasonable to negotiate for a bonus as well?
One response
It sounds like you have a great opportunity ahead of you, especially since the company recognized your potential for a more advanced role. Given your experience and the responsibilities typically associated with an Assistant Controller position, your salary expectations seem reasonable.
Considering the senior accountant role had a salary range of $85k-$95k, moving into an Assistant Controller role generally warrants an increase, especially with your background in ERP implementations and startup experience. Aiming for a salary around $115k aligns well with the typical compensation structures for this type of position, particularly in a market like Columbus, Ohio.
Negotiating a bonus is also a standard practice, especially in startups where performance incentives can be part of the compensation package. Make sure to highlight your contributions and the value you bring to the role when discussing salary and bonuses. It’s not unusual for Assistant Controller positions to include performance-based bonuses, so it’s worth bringing up during your discussions.
Overall, be confident in your worth and the skills you bring to the table, and don’t hesitate to advocate for the compensation that reflects your qualifications and the responsibilities of the new role. Good luck!