Job Description

Controller – Job Description

Position Summary

The Controller is responsible for the overall accuracy and integrity of the organization’s financial reporting, internal controls, and accounting operations. This role oversees daily accounting functions, ensures compliance with GAAP and regulatory requirements, leads month-end and year-end close processes, and provides strategic financial guidance to senior leadership. The Controller manages the Accounting Department and serves as a key financial steward, safeguarding assets and ensuring a strong control environment.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Strategy

• Lead the financial reporting function to ensure timely and accurate financial statements in compliance with GAAP.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on financial performance, risks, and opportunities.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, profitability analysis, and long-range financial planning.
• Provide financial guidance for organizational initiatives, products, and operational changes.

Internal Controls & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with internal policies, GAAP, NCUA, and relevant accounting regulations.
• Strengthen internal controls to safeguard assets and maintain data integrity.
• Oversee the documentation of accounting policies, procedures, and workflows.
• Monitor liquidity, accounting risks, unusual variances, aging GL items, and potential fraud indicators.
• Lead remediation of audit findings and implement process improvements.

Team Leadership

• Supervise, coach, and develop the Accounting Team to ensure accuracy and operational excellence.
• Set clear expectations, KPIs, and performance standards.
• Foster a culture of accountability, compliance, and continuous improvement.

Systems & Technology

• Serve as Administrator for GL structures, financial systems, and accounting configurations.
• Maintain system access controls, user permissions, and GL mapping integrity.
• Lead automation and workflow improvements to enhance efficiency in reporting and reconciliations.
• Oversee development and maintenance of financial and accounting records.

Accounting Operations

• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets, leases, and prepaid schedules.
• Ensure accurate GL coding, approval workflows, and timely vendor payments.
• Lead month-end and year-end close, including journal entries, reconciliations, accruals, and variance analysis.
• Oversee reconciliations of cash, investments, loans, member deposits, payroll, and other balance sheet accounts.
• Prepare financial reports and budget variance analyses for senior leadership and the Board.
• Ensure timely and accurate regulatory filings, including call reports and compliance submissions.

Operational & Project Support

• Partner with leadership on financial planning, capital strategy, and cost management.
• Support product development through accurate GL setup, mapping, and financial impact review.
• Prepare audit and regulatory documentation for internal and external reviews.
• Participate in cross-functional initiatives and lead accounting-related projects.
• Support ALM reporting, CECL modeling, investment accounting, and liquidity management.
• Lead accounting components of system upgrades, integrations, and automation initiatives.

Required Knowledge & Skills

• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Extensive knowledge of GAAP, internal controls, and financial reporting best practices.
• Understanding of regulatory requirements applicable to financial institutions.
• Advanced proficiency in accounting systems, GL structures, and reporting tools.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) required.
• 5–8 years of progressive accounting leadership experience, preferably in a financial institution.
• Demonstrated experience managing financial operations, controls, and month-end close.