Controller SaaS Salary (2026) — $120K Avg, 60 Verified

Controller Salary Overview

$54,210

Bottom 25% Average

Early-stage startups

$121,468

Middle 50% Average

Growth companies

$164,047

Top 25% Average

Late-stage/public companies

Controllers at SaaS companies oversee accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal controls. They manage the close process, ensure GAAP compliance, and report directly to the CFO. Controllers work closely with VP of Operations on budgeting and with Directors of Operations on financial process improvements.

Controller compensation reflects the role's fiduciary responsibility and technical accounting expertise. The position is a natural stepping stone to CFO and involves close collaboration with the CEO and Chief of Staff during board reporting and audit cycles. View all SaaS salary benchmarks.

Detailed Controller Compensation Breakdown

Percentile Band	Average Base Salary	# of salaries
Top 25%	$164,047	20 salaries
Middle 50%	$121,468	26 salaries
Bottom 25%	$54,210	14 salaries

What Drives Higher Controller Pay?

Company ARR and complexity — multi-entity SaaS companies pay 20–30% more
CPA licensure and Big Four or public-company audit experience
Revenue recognition expertise (ASC 606 for subscription billing)
IPO readiness and SOX compliance experience

Controller Compensation Structure

Base salary is the primary component (70–80% of total comp)
Equity grants typical at growth-stage companies (0.1–0.5%)
Performance bonuses tied to audit outcomes and close timelines (10–20%)
Retention packages common ahead of IPO or fundraising events

Frequently Asked Questions

The median SaaS Controller base salary is $130,000, with a typical range of $100,000–$150,594. The average base is $119,967 across 60 verified salaries. Total compensation including equity and bonuses can push 20–40% above base at growth-stage companies.

CFOs typically earn 40–70% more in total compensation than Controllers. The CFO carries strategic and fiduciary responsibility for the entire financial function, including fundraising and board management, while Controllers focus on accounting operations, compliance, and reporting accuracy.

The most common progression is from Controller to VP of Finance to CFO. Controllers with strong strategic skills may also transition to COO roles, particularly at smaller SaaS companies where financial and operational leadership overlap.

Yes, equity is standard for Controllers at growth-stage SaaS companies. Typical grants range from 0.1–0.5% depending on company stage and seniority. Combined with a median base of $130,000, total compensation at growth-stage companies often exceeds base by 20–40%.

Yes, significantly. Our data shows a $100,000–$150,594 typical range across 60 salaries. Early-stage SaaS companies may combine the Controller and CFO function, while larger organizations offer higher base salaries and more structured equity packages for a dedicated Controller.

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