Controller, Accounting, Financial Compliance

Controller

Bank First Manitowoc - Manitowoc, WI 54220

At Bank First, we're not just a bank—we're a community. Consistently ranked among the top-performing banks in the U.S. and Wisconsin, and recognized by American Banker as one of the "Best Banks to Work For". We combine professional excellence with a culture that truly values people. When you join Bank First, you're joining a team that invests in your growth, supports your well-being, and celebrates your contributions.

Why You'll Love Working Here

Imagine a workplace where:

• Your career growth is supported through training, mentoring, and advancement opportunities
• Flexibility allows you to balance work and life without compromise
• Your contributions directly impact guests and communities you care about
• You're part of a culture built on respect, collaboration, and empowerment

At Bank First, you don't just fill a role—you make a difference. Every interaction matters, and every team member helps shape the experience our guests love.

About the Role:

Controller

The Controller is responsible for leading the Bank's accounting and financial reporting functions while ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of financial information. This position oversees general accounting, financial reporting, internal controls, regulatory reporting support, audit coordination, and accounting policy governance. The Controller partners closely with SVP-Finance, executive leadership, business unit leaders, Risk Management, Compliance, Internal Audit, and external auditors to support strategic decision-making and maintain a strong control environment.

The role is responsible for advancing process improvement initiatives, automation, and operational excellence across the Finance Department.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the accounting and financial reporting functions, ensuring accurate and timely financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, regulatory requirements, and Bank First accounting policies.
• Oversee month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes, accounting operations, reconciliations, and financial reporting activities.
• Maintain and enhance internal controls over financial reporting, including control documentation, testing support, and remediation efforts.
• Coordinate internal and external audits and Finance-related compliance activities.
• Provide technical accounting guidance on new products, business initiatives, acquisitions, and complex transactions.
• Drive process improvements, automation initiatives, and operational efficiencies across Finance functions.
• Maintain accounting policies, procedures, and governance practices that support a strong control environment.
• Support Bank First's mission, values, and commitment to exceptional service while fostering a culture of operational excellence.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
• Minimum 10 years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership responsibilities.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting, internal controls, and banking operations.
• Experience overseeing month-end close, financial statement preparation, audits, and regulatory interactions.
• Proven leadership, team development, and project management skills.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Preferred

• Experience with in a regulated banking or financial services environment.
• Experience with regulatory reporting and bank examinations.
• Prior interaction with federal and state banking regulators.
• Experience leading accounting system implementations, automation projects, or process transformation initiatives.
• MBA, master's in accounting, or other advanced degree.

About Bank First

Headquartered in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, Bank First serves communities across Wisconsin and the Illinois Stateline region. Our growth is built on relationship-based banking—getting to know our guests personally and helping them create lasting value.

Our Culture & Vision

We foster curiosity, creativity, and responsiveness while embracing individual differences. Employees are empowered with tools to succeed and supported in their careers. Our vision is to remain the top-performing, independent provider of financial services, delivering personalized solutions and value to guests and communities alike.

Our Values

Relationship Based | Community Focused | Innovative Solutions | Value Driven

Join Bank First and build a career where your contributions matter, your growth is supported, and your work makes a difference every single day.