Controller, Accounting, Financial Compliance

Pay Type:

per year Benefits:
Employer sponsored Retirement Plan and 401k after one year of service;
Employer paid HDHP Medical for employees and employer subsidized HDHP Medical for Dependents;
Employer paid dental and vision for employees and dependents; HSA; HRA;
Vacation, Sick Leave, Holidays;
Employer paid Life Insurance for employees;
Tuition Reimbursement;
Premium Life Lock with Norton

Southside Electric Cooperative is seeking an experienced, hands-on Controller to help lead the financial operations that support safe, reliable, affordable, and innovative electric service across Southside Virginia. This is an excellent opportunity for a strong accounting professional who has grown from entry-level accounting work to controller-level responsibility-and who is ready to bring both technical expertise and people-centered leadership to a mission-driven cooperative.

The Controller works closely with the Chief Financial Officer and plays a key role in accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, purchasing, warehouse oversight, internal controls, audits, and financial decision support. The right candidate will be comfortable with details, confident leading people, and able to explain complex financial information clearly to any audience.

At SEC, our work supports reliable service and the communities we serve. This role offers the opportunity to lead meaningful financial operations, develop an exceptional team, improve processes, and contribute to the long-term strength of a cooperative that values people, service, accountability, and trust.

Lead accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, audits, and internal controls to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant financial information.

Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, including financial statements, regulatory reports, account reconciliations, and regular financial analysis.

Maintain the accuracy and integrity of the general ledger.

Guide annual operating and capital budget planning by working with departments to develop assumptions, evaluate spending needs, prepare recommendations, monitor performance, and explain variances.

Provide financial analysis and decision support for capital projects, operating initiatives, major purchases, cost-management opportunities, cash needs, and other business decisions.

Monitor financial trends, operating results, budget performance, and business activity to help Cooperative leadership and the Board make informed decisions.

Oversee cash management, banking relationships, bank reconciliations, authorized access, segregation of duties, internal controls, and related financial procedures.

Provide leadership and oversight for purchasing and warehouse functions, including procurement controls, vendor relationships, contract-related processes, inventory accuracy, materials management, receiving, issuing, and coordination with accounting and work order records.

Provide recommendations on processes, internal controls, documentation, accountability, and financial procedures across accounting, payroll, purchasing, and warehouse.

Serve as a trusted resource for employees, supervisors, management, Board members, auditors, vendors, lenders, regulators, and other stakeholders.

Lead, coach, and develop direct and indirect reports by setting clear expectations, supporting performance, encouraging professional growth, addressing concerns when needed, and encouraging a collaborative, service-focused team culture.

Someone who knows the numbers, understands how they affect the Cooperative, and can use that knowledge to support good business decisions.

A high level of accuracy and attention to detail in accounting, budgeting, purchasing, warehouse, payroll, and reporting processes.

Clear, professional communication skills with employees, management, the Board of Directors, vendors, auditors, and other stakeholders, including the ability to explain financial information to both financial and non-financial audiences.

Strong analytical ability, including experience interpreting financial results, large datasets, trends, variances, risks, and alternatives and translating findings into practical recommendations and solutions.

Proven budget and financial planning ability, including developing assumptions, building and analyzing operating and capital budgets, forecasting results, evaluating variances, and communicating financial impacts.

Strong knowledge of GAAP, RUS Uniform System of Accounts, SCC reporting requirements,…