Controller Salary in Canada
Controller Salary Range
$121,445
$190,990
Low Range
High Range
Midpoint
This salary range represents a national benchmark in CAD. Regional salary adjustment factors can be applied below to estimate how compensation may shift by province or territory.
Salary benchmarks are based on a mix of TQR internal data and external market research for specialized manufacturing and technical roles in Canada.
Controller salaries in the packaging manufacturing industry typically range from $121,445 to $190,990, with a midpoint of approximately $150,535. Compensation varies based on manufacturing accounting experience, cost accounting expertise, financial reporting responsibilities, ERP systems knowledge, leadership scope, and overall business complexity.
What the Salary Percentiles Mean
The following range has been generated based on real salary data across North America.
$121,445
$190,990
$121,445
25th percentile
Employees in this section often have a lower level of experience or skills and
are still growing into their role. This role may also be at a small to medium-sized business.
$150,535
50th percentile
Employees in this section typically demonstrate the required level of experience plus many skills that are deemed an asset. This role is likely at a medium-sized business.
$190,990
75th percentile
Employees in this section typically demonstrate a higher-level of expertise and/or enhanced qualifications. They should also have a proven track record and cultural fit. This role is likely at a larger business.
Regional Salary Adjustments
Salary ranges can vary by region based on cost of living, labor competition, industry concentration, and talent availability. The map below shows regional adjustment factors that can be applied to the national salary benchmark as a directional guide.
Factors That Affect a Controller's Salary
Controller compensation can vary based on manufacturing experience, company size, financial reporting responsibilities, cost accounting expertise, ERP knowledge, geographic location, and the scope of leadership responsibilities. Employers may need to adjust compensation when the role includes multi-site accounting, inventory costing, budgeting and forecasting, financial analysis, ERP implementation, cross-border operations, or oversight of accounting teams.
Controller Job Description:
A Controller is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day accounting operations and financial reporting activities of a manufacturing organization while ensuring financial accuracy, regulatory compliance, and strong internal controls. This role helps companies improve financial performance, support operational decision-making, maintain accounting integrity, and drive continuous process improvements across the business.
Controllers typically oversee general accounting, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, inventory accounting, fixed assets, budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, cash management, and month-end and year-end close activities. Their work may include managing manufacturing cost accounting, financial analysis, inventory valuation, internal controls, audits, tax compliance, ERP systems, and partnering with operations, executive leadership, external auditors, financial institutions, and other business stakeholders.
Controllers are often expected to understand how financial performance impacts manufacturing operations, inventory, profitability, working capital, and business growth. Strong candidates typically combine technical accounting knowledge with analytical ability, leadership skills, attention to detail, communication skills, and sound business judgment while supporting continuous improvement and maintaining financial compliance.
Common Responsibilities:
Managing general accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and month-end and year-end close activities.
Overseeing accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, inventory accounting, fixed assets, and cash management.
Monitoring manufacturing costs, inventory valuation, financial analysis, and operational performance metrics.
Maintaining internal controls, accounting policies, regulatory compliance, and financial reporting accuracy.
Supporting budgeting, forecasting, ERP improvements, process optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Coordinating audits, tax reporting, banking relationships, and external financial partnerships.
Leading, mentoring, and developing accounting teams while partnering with operations and executive leadership to support business objectives.
Explore Current Openings
TQR recruits for specialized roles across packaging, industrial automation, manufacturing, food production, life sciences, and related technical markets. Current openings may include engineering, operations, maintenance, quality, supply chain, and plant leadership roles.
View current opportunities or submit your resume to be considered for future roles that match your background.
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