Controller; Bank/Financial Services Job Columbia area,South Carolina USA,Accounting

Position: Controller (Bank/Financial Services experience only)
Job description:

Controller (Bank/Financial Services experience only)

Principal Responsibilities:

Lead all accounting operations for the Bank and holding company, including general ledger, reconciliations, and financial close processes
Oversee the preparation and accuracy of all internal financial reporting and external regulatory filings, including Call Reports and related schedules

Manage and continuously improve the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring consistency, timeliness, and audit readiness
Partner with the CFO on annual budgeting and ongoing forecasting, including variance analysis and financial performance reporting
Maintain and enhance the Banks internal control environment, including FDICIA compliance, documentation, and testing coordination
Serve as primary liaison for external audits and regulatory examinations, coordinating responses and ensuring readiness
Oversee preparation of audited financial statements and annual reports in accordance with GAAP and regulatory expectations
Maintain holding company and shareholder accounting, including dividend activity and related reporting
Evaluate, implement, and optimize accounting systems, processes, and controls to support growth and operational efficiency
Support strategic initiatives, including M&A activity, balance sheet strategy, and finance-related projects as required

Team Leadership & Management

Lead, develop, and retain a high-performing accounting team, establishing clear accountability and performance standards Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and development to ensure team capability keeps pace with organizational complexity Ensure appropriate staffing, succession planning, and cross-functional knowledge within the department Drive a culture of accuracy, ownership, and continuous process improvement Oversee workflow management, prioritization, and resource allocation across the function

Qualifications:

Controller (Bank/Financial Services experience only)

What we are looking for

Bachelors degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA strongly preferred (active or previously active)
7+ years of progressive accounting experience, with a significant portion within the banking industry or auditing financial institutions

Prior experience as a Controller, Assistant Controller, or senior accounting leader within a community or regional bank ($1B+ assets) or equivalent complexity
Demonstrated ownership of full-cycle accounting operations, including month-end close, financial reporting, and audit coordination
Direct experience with bank regulatory reporting, including Call Reports, with a clear understanding of related schedules and supporting processes
Strong working knowledge of U.S. GAAP as applied to financial institutions, including areas such as:
Loan accounting and interest income recognition
Allowance for credit losses (ACL/CECL) frameworks and governance
Investment securities (AFS/HTM), fair value considerations, and OTTI/impairment analysis
Deposits, borrowings, and funding structures
Experience operating within an FDICIA-controlled environment, including documentation, control design, and interaction with internal/external auditors
Proven ability to manage external audit processes and regulatory examinations with minimal disruption to operations
Exposure to financial systems commonly used in banking (e.g., Jack Henry, FIS, or similar core/accounting platforms) and reporting tools
Experience supporting or integrating acquisitions is a plus but not required

Technical & Professional Capabilities
Deep understanding of bank financial reporting, regulatory expectations, and internal control frameworks

Ability to interpret and apply new accounting standards and regulatory guidance in a practical operating environment
Strong analytical capability with the ability to identify trends, risks, and inconsistencies within financial data
High attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy and data integrity
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a complex, evolving environment

Leadership & Personal Attributes

High level of professional judgment, discretion, and accountability

Self-directed with the ability to operate independently while maintaining alignment with executive leadership
Effective communicator capable of interfacing with senior management, Board members, auditors, and regulators
Calm, steady presence in high-pressure situations, particularly during audits, exams, and reporting cycles
Organized and disciplined, with a strong…

Controller; Bank​/Financial Services

Controller; Bank/Financial Services