Controller Awards

The annual Controller of the Year Awards™ program recognizes effectiveness and results of Controllers and related roles/titles (CFOs, Chief Accounting Officers, Comptrollers, VP Accounting, etc.). Each year, Winners are determined via a screening algorithm*, and a panel of blue-chip judges select a “Winner” and “Runner-Up” for each of 7 categories, along with Private and Public sub-categories (up to 25 total winners selected). Importantly, a National Controller of the Year is also selected from the category winners.

Nominations for the 2025 Controller of the Year Awards will open in October 2025! Registration is free for both Controllers Council members and non-members. Registrants may self-nominate, or nominate a colleague or peer via a brief online application form (below). Depending on quantity of entrants, there will be 2024 Controller of the Year award for each category below.

Winners for the 2025 Controller of the Year Awards will be notified via email, and announced publicly. All winners will receive a frame-quality Controller of the Year Awards Certificate, and be featured in a national news announcement. The 2025 National Controller of the Year will receive a gold-plated and engraved statuette, manufactured by the makers of the Oscar Awards. 

View 2024 winners here. View 2023 winners here. View 2022 winners here. View the 2022 Awards Event here. View 2021 winners here. View the 2021 Awards Event here. View 2020 winners here. View the 2020 Awards Event here.

Controller of the Year Categories: 

  • Small Business (<100 employees; both Public and Private categories)
  • Medium Business (<1,000 employees; both Public and Private categories)
  • Enterprise (>1,000 employees; both Public and Private categories)
  • Startup (<5 years old; both Public and Private categories)
  • Not-For-Profit
  • Government (Comptrollers/Comptroller of the Year Awards)
  • Other (list below)

*Screening algorithm criteria includes financial performance/results, work experience, education, and volunteerism/charity/cause/philanthropic activities.

Nomination Form 

The 2025 Controller of the Year Awards Nomination will open in October 2025. Note that all information submitted is strictly anonymous and confidential. Questions? Please use the Contact Form.