Firm Controller

Controller

Ketel Thorstenson, LLP, a full‑service accounting firm serving the Black Hills region since 1936, is seeking an experienced finance professional to lead our operations team as Controller. The role focuses on financial stewardship, compliance, and strategic growth.

The Controller is responsible for the Firm's financial processes.

• Oversee budgeting, expenditures, and financial forecasting.
• Monitor financial activities, including cash flow and reserve levels.
• Develop and maintain relationships with banking, insurance, and external accounting personnel to facilitate financial activities.
• Develop and enforce internal control policies for budget administration, cash management, and accounting practices.
• Manage the Firm's accounts payable, collections, and billing processes.
• Maintain aging records, collections, and perform data entry tasks.
• Advise management on depreciation rates for capitalized items and guide decisions on purchases, leases, and disposals.
• Conduct or coordinate audits of company accounts to ensure compliance with state and federal laws.
• Analyze operating costs and identify areas for potential cost reduction.
• Oversee preparation of accurate monthly, quarterly, and year‑end financial statements ensuring GAAP compliance.
• Manage month‑end and year‑end close processes with timely account reconciliation.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax laws and regulatory filings.
• Coordinate internal and external audits and prepare supporting documentation.
• Coordinate financial reporting and compliance across multiple states and three offices.
• Supervise and provide guidance to accounts payable, accounts receivable clerks, and payroll coordinator.
• Train and mentor accounting staff on procedures, software systems, and compliance requirements.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing feedback to direct reports.
• Coordinate workload distribution and ensure timely completion of tasks across the accounting team.
• Serve as point of contact for the Firm 401k external audit.
• Create a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Review and approve regular employee bi‑weekly payroll processing for accuracy and compliance.
• Manage partner payroll administration, including compensation calculations and distributions.
• Oversee payroll tax filings and ensure compliance with multi‑state requirements.
• Monitor payroll‑related benefits administration and deductions.

The Firm Controller will be responsible for the supervision of the financial admin staff.

• Education:
  
  Minimum of a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field.
• Experience:
  
  At least 5 years of proven related experience.
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to multi‑task and prioritize tasks.
• Strong attention to detail and problem‑solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Proficiency in accounting, data management, and office administration practices.
• Advanced computer skills, with proficiency in office software applications including Quick Books, , and IRIS software systems.

• Proven expertise in financial management and reporting.
• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem solving abilities.

• Truth
• Excellence
• Innovation
• Community
• Diversity

• Work life balance: PTO, Extended Illness Leave, 8 paid holidays, Flex Hours – outside of peak season, Community Service Opportunities, Paid Volunteer Time, & Dress for your day.
• Health and Wellness: High Deductible Health Plan, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability, Basic and Voluntary Life Insurance, Voluntary Accident Insurance, & Voluntary Critical Illness Insurance.
• Financial Wellness: 401k Retirement Plan, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA), Financial Advising through Morgan Stanley, Tax Season Incentives, Employee Referral Program.
• Career Growth: AICPA‑NASBA's Experience, Learn, and Earn Program, Tuition Assistance, Assistance with Professional Certifications, Promotional Opportunities, Path to Partner.
• For…