Controller

Burke & Herbert Bank & Trust; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

Burke & Herbert Bank & Trust in Alexandria, VA is seeking a Controller to lead the Bank’s accounting operations, close processes, and general ledger governance.

Reporting to the Chief Accounting Officer, you will oversee accounts payable, accruals, fixed assets, reconciliations, intercompany activity, NIM reporting, and executive financial reporting, while strengthening internal controls and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or business administration.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive accounting experience, including 5+ years managing staff.
• Significant experience in bank accounting operations, financial close, general ledger, reconciliations, and financial reporting processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead accounting operations, including supervision, staffing, and performance expectations for accounting personnel.
• Maintain general ledger governance, chart of accounts, posting, approvals, and controls.
• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close activities and timely reporting.
• Coordinate with Treasury and other departments on accounting implications of products and processes.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP, regulatory guidance, and internal controls.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

General ledger management

Reconciliations

Leadership/People management

Financial reporting

Analytical skills

Intercompany accounting

Excel

Accounting operations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration

CPA preferred

Tools

Excel

Financial systems

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Controller

Full Time Alexandria, VA, US

CLASSIFICATION
Exempt

REPORTS TO

Chief Accounting Officer

JOB DESCRIPTION

Summary/Objective

The Controller leads the Bank’s accounting operations, financial close process, general ledger administration, reconciliation program, and core accounting control environment. Reporting to the Chief Accounting Officer, this role ensures the accuracy, completeness, and integrity of the Bank’s financial records while overseeing accounting operations across accounts payable, accruals, fixed assets, prepaid expenses, reconciliations, cash accounting, intercompany accounting, and general ledger governance.

The Controller is accountable for timely close execution, management reporting, variance analysis, Net Interest Margin (NIM) reporting, and key accounting schedules for executive management and Board reporting. The role partners with Operations, Treasury, Technology, Retail Banking, and other business units to ensure products, systems, and processes are accurately reflected in the accounting records and supported by effective internal controls.

Essential Functions
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Accounting Operations Leadership

• Lead accounting operations, including supervision, staffing, performance expectations, and development of accounting personnel
• Maintain departmental policies, procedures, operating standards, and staffing plans to support growth and organizational complexity
• Serve as a key advisor to the Chief Accounting Officer and Chief Financial Officer on accounting, financial reporting, operational efficiency, and strategic finance initiatives impacting the Bank and holding company.
• Partner with executive leadership to identify, evaluate, and implement process improvement opportunities that enhance scalability, control effectiveness, reporting efficiency, and overall finance organization performance.
• Lead the development, maintenance, review, and continuous enhancement of accounting policies, procedures, and governance frameworks to ensure consistency, accuracy, and compliance with U.S. GAAP, regulatory guidance, and internal control requirements.
• Monitor emerging accounting standards, regulatory developments, industry practices, and business changes; assess impacts to the Bank and recommend appropriate accounting policies, operational changes, and implementation strategies.
• Review trends in revenue, expenses, profitability, and key financial metrics; identify unusual fluctuations, emerging risks, and opportunities for operational and financial improvement.
• Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, sound judgment, and continuous improvement throughout the accounting and finance organization.

Financial Close & General Ledger Administration

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close activities and ensure timely completion of reporting requirements
• Maintain general ledger integrity, including chart of accounts administration, account maintenance, journal entries, adjustments, and accounting transactions
• Identify and implement accounting process improvements and close optimization initiatives

General Ledger Governance & Controls

• Maintain general ledger governance over account creation, maintenance, posting activities, approval workflows, and accounting system controls
• Oversee user access, segregation of duties, security controls, and coordination with Technology and Information Security

Reconciliations & Balance Sheet Integrity

• Oversee the account reconciliation program and ensure balance sheet accounts are reconciled accurately, completely, and timely
• Review aging, unresolved reconciling items, and material exceptions; establish standards and ensure timely resolution and escalation

Accounts Payable, Accruals, Fixed Assets & Prepaid Accounting

• Oversee Accounts Payable, disbursement controls, accruals, fixed assets, capital expenditures, depreciation, amortization, disposals, prepaid expenses, and related schedules
• Ensure accounting treatment complies with Bank policy and applicable accounting standards

Cash & Intercompany Accounting

• Oversee accounting for cash position, settlement activity, significant cash movements, intercompany transactions, and related general ledger activity
• Coordinate with Treasury and other departments to ensure accurate accounting, reconciliation, reporting, and supporting controls
• Prepare and review monthly financial statements, management reporting packages, and variance analysis
• Prepare and maintain Net Interest Margin (NIM) reporting, supporting schedules, and accounting schedules for Board reporting

Banking Operations & Business Partnership

• Partner with Deposit Operations, Loan Operations, Treasury, Retail Banking, Technology, and other business units on accounting implications of products, services, systems, processes, and strategic initiatives
• Ensure accurate accounting treatment for operational activities and identify related accounting risks and control considerations

Other Duties

• Comply with all Bank policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements, including Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), Anti-Money Laundering (AML), and related compliance programs.
• Support the Bank's commitment to sound risk management and internal controls.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
• Work additional hours as necessary to meet reporting deadlines and business requirements.

Skills/Abilities

• Strong knowledge of banking accounting operations, U.S. GAAP, financial institution accounting practices, and regulatory reporting requirements
• Extensive experience with general ledger management, reconciliations, accrual accounting, financial close, and financial statement preparation
• Strong process management, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with attention to accuracy and deadlines
• Proven ability to lead accounting teams, develop staff, manage change, and support organizational growth
• Advanced Excel and financial systems proficiency with strong written and verbal communication skills

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has direct responsibility for managing the Bank's accounting team, such as the Assistant Controller and other Accounting Manager roles.

This position operates primarily in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment. The role requires extensive interaction with Finance leadership, Operations leadership, auditors, regulators, and business line managers.

Physical Demands

This position requires the ability to perform work in a professional office environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Travel

Occasional travel may be required for training, regulatory, audit, business, or acquisition-related activities.

For Applicants located in Northern Viriginia (VA): The pay range for this position is $175k-$225k Annually.

The ranges listed for Viriginia and/or Maryland represent the good-faith compensation the Company reasonably expects to pay for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's skills, qualifications, experience, education, certifications, internal equity, and business needs. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as bonuses or incentive pay, where applicable.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration; CPA exam passed and/or active CPA license preferred
• Minimum 10 years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 5 years managing accounting personnel
• Significant experience in bank accounting operations, financial close management, general ledger systems, reconciliations, accounting controls, and financial reporting processes

Please note this job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, qualifications, or working conditions associated with this position. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time based on business needs and organizational requirements.