Controller Jobs in Ithaca, NY

Ithaca, New York$143,100 USD/yearFull-timeTech Hub
Updated: March 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

Controller Salary in Ithaca

Entry Level
$90,100
Median
$143,100
Senior Level
$207,230

Controller salaries in Ithaca are in line with national averages, offering competitive compensation for the region.

Purchasing power in Ithaca is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Financial ReportingGAAPTeam ManagementInternal ControlsERP Systems

Controller Job Market in Ithaca

Ithaca, NY is a specialized market with unique career opportunities for Controller professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Ithaca offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. While Education leads the local economy, there's growing demand for Controller roles across various sectors. The market for Controller positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Controllers in Ithaca

Regional banksCredit unionsNational financial services

Major employers hiring Controllers in Ithaca include Regional banks, Credit unions, National financial services. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Controllers in Ithaca

Living in Ithaca as a Controller means navigating a cost of living that's slightly above the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. At median Controller salary, housing is quite affordable at 15% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

106
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Yes
Tech Hub
Tier 4
Market Size

Commuting as a Controller in Ithaca

Ithaca Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Controllers in Ithaca: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Controller professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in New York

New York has relatively high state income taxes. A Controller earning $143,100 might pay approximately $11,448 in state income tax. However, New York's strong job market and quality of life often offset the higher tax burden.

Career Outlook for Controllers

The job outlook for Controllers in Ithaca is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Ithaca offers opportunities for those seeking specialized roles or better work-life balance. In-demand skills include Financial Reporting, GAAP, Team Management, Internal Controls.

Relocating to Ithaca

New York has higher state income taxes. Factor this into salary negotiations, as gross salary comparisons can be misleading.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Controller salary in Ithaca, NY?

The average Controller salary in Ithaca, NY is $143,100 per year. Entry-level Controllers typically start around $90,100, while experienced professionals can earn $207,230 or more. The national average for Controller roles is $135,000.

How many Controller jobs are available in Ithaca?

Ithaca has a growing job market with steady opportunities for Controller professionals. Major employers hiring Controllers include Regional banks, Credit unions, National financial services. The Education and Technology sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Ithaca a good city for Controllers?

Ithaca is an excellent choice for Controllers. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. The cost of living is reasonable compared to major coastal cities. The city's education industry creates strong demand for finance & accounting professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Controllers in Ithaca?

Top skills for Controllers in Ithaca include Financial Reporting, GAAP, Team Management, Internal Controls, ERP Systems. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Controllers in Ithaca?

Ithaca's cost of living is near the national average (106% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Ithaca is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Controllers in Ithaca?

Ithaca Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

More Finance & Accounting Jobs in Ithaca