Already over 2.000 vacancies this year: how much do you earn as a Controller?

Are you a controller or considering a career in controlling? Then this is the perfect time to explore the job market. More than 2.000 vacancies for controller positions have already been published in Belgium since the beginning of this year (source: Jobs Data). This offers great opportunities for both starters and experienced controllers looking for a new challenge. 

But what can you actually earn in this role? Marie Parmentier, manager at global talent solutions specialist Robert Walters and a specialist in recruiting controllers, provides an overview of current salaries based on the 2025 Salary Survey.

Financial controller salary 

Marie: "Are you almost or just graduated and interested in a career as a controller? If so, starting in a "Big4" environment is ideal. With 3 to 4 years' experience in audit, you will have a good foundation for a versatile financial reporting position, allowing you to advance to a financial controller position. Also, professionals with previous experience in general accounting and strong analytical skills often progress to a financial controller position."

As a starter in this position, you will earn € 2.500 - € 3.800 gross per month. After 3 to 6 years of experience you can count on a gross monthly salary between € 4.000 and € 6.000. Your exact salary obviously depends on the size of the organization and the sector in which it operates. In most organizations, this salary is supplemented with fringe benefits such as a company car and fuel card, group and hospitalization insurance, meal vouchers, a cell phone and a laptop computer.

If you have more than 6 years of experience, your gross monthly salary is around €5.500 to €6.700. “Again, you can count on a range of fringe benefits, often supplemented by a net allowance and bonus. Senior financial controllers with more than 15 years of experience can count on a gross monthly salary of around €7.300, and in exceptional cases up to around €9.000.”

Business controller salary 

"A business controller acts as a partner and supports the CEO, COO and CFO. His or her duties - unlike those of the financial controller - are more focused on operational matters than compliance, taxation and accounting," Marie explains.

The demand for business controllers has never been higher. Great news for business controllers looking for a new professional challenge: they are in a strong position to negotiate their salaries.

“For example, a business controller with 3 to 6 years of experience can count on a gross monthly salary between €4.000 and €6.000. After 6 years, this salary rises to €5.500 to €6.700 and those with more than 15 years of experience in business control can count on a gross monthly salary between €7.300 and €9.000. However, €9.000 is rather exceptional,” says Marie. As with financial controllers, this salary is supplemented by a large number of fringe benefits.

Plant controller salary  

As a plant controller, you work at an organisation's production site and ensure that the entire site operates according to set budgets, schedules and standards. You also collect and analyse financial data and costs and prepare financial statements. The duties of a plant controller also include conducting audits and risk assessments across the site. 

Marie: “In terms of remuneration, we see that plant controllers are advancing faster in their salaries. For example, a plant controller with 5 to 7 years of experience earns on average between €4.300 and €6.000 gross per month. After 7 years, this gross monthly salary increases to about €7.400 and senior plant controllers with 15 years of experience or more can earn up to €9.500 gross per month. This salary is complemented by a package of fringe benefits.”

Group Controller salary  

"When it comes to the Group Controller position, we need to make a little nuance. In some organisations, people describe a Group Controller as the person who acts as 'Head of Controlling', supervising the entire controlling team at group level, i.e. in different entities. But often this job title refers to a classic Business or Financial Controller position of a person working at group level, in the headquarter of an organisation. As far as remuneration is concerned, a group controller with more than 7 years of experience can count on a gross monthly salary of €5.500 to €7.000. Those with more than 15 years of experience can count on a gross monthly salary of up to €9.000, plus fringe benefits.”

Controlling Manager / Director salary 

The head of the controlling team is the Controlling Manager or Controlling Director, who supervises the team. Marie: "This person usually reports directly to the CFO and will work on very operational projects directly with the business, and act as a leader to optimise financial systems. Excellent people management skills are essential in this role, as are strong communication skills and a very solid business acumen. After all, the Controlling Manager or Director is expected to communicate fluently with various stakeholders within the organisation." On a monthly basis, a controlling manager with more than 15 years of experience earns between €8.300 and €12.800. However, this salary cap only applies if you work at the headquarters of a large group, have an international reach and lead a large team. This salary naturally includes fringe benefits.

Find out more 

Discover the controller positions we currently offer or contact one of our offices for a personal interview. Find out how much you're worth with our salary guide. This digital tool provides an overview of the latest salary trends for controllers and other finance roles, the skills required and the latest market trends for finance professionals.  

Looking for a controller to join your finance team? Send your vacancy to Robert Walters and one of our consultants will be happy to help.