Controller

firstnationalbankofamerica; East Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

Dental coverage

Vision plan

Childcare discounts

Pet insurance

PTO

401k match

Sit-stand desks

Job summary

First National Bank of America is seeking a Controller to direct accounting, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance under U.S. GAAP and RAP.

You will lead month-end close, coordinate audits, and maintain robust internal controls while partnering with the CFO on financial strategy and capital optimization. The role requires 8+ years in banking/financial services, CPA preferred, and hands-on experience with FFIEC Call Reports and regulatory examinations; strong ERP and GL systems

Qualifications

• Regulatory reporting experience and filings readiness (FFIEC 031/041).
• Strong GAAP knowledge and regulatory accounting principles.
• Experience with CECL and internal control frameworks.
• Proven leadership and team supervision in accounting/finance.

Responsibilities

• Lead regulatory filings and accurate financial reporting.
• Oversee month-end and year-end close processes and audit deliverables.
• Manage internal controls and accounting operations (GL, AP, AR, payroll).
• Collaborate with CFO and ALCO on risk, tax, and liquidity reporting.

Skills

Regulatory reporting

GAAP knowledge

CECL knowledge

Financial analysis

Leadership

Internal controls

Education

CPA license

Tools

Core banking software

ERP systems (Great Plains/BC)

FFIEC reporting tools

Job description

The Controller directs and oversees the accounting, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance functions for First National Bank of America . This role ensures the accuracy of financial statements under U.S. GAAP and regulatory accounting principles (RAP) , manages the month-end and year-end close processes, leads federal and state regulatory examinations, and maintains robust internal controls. As a key member of the finance leadership team, the Controller partners with the CFO to support financial reporting, strategic planning, and capital optimization.

Responsibilities:

• Regulatory & Financial Reporting
  • Regulatory Filings: Lead the accurate and timely preparation and submission of core regulatory reports, including Call Reports (FFIEC 031/041), and other federal/state banking authority submissions
  • Financial Statements: Oversee the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, board-level reporting packages, and external audit deliverables in accordance with U.S. GAAP
  • Audits & Examinations: Serve as a primary point of contact and coordinator for external auditors, internal auditors, and federal/state bank examiners (OCC and Federal Reserve)
• Accounting Operations & Internal Controls
  • General Ledger & Close: Manage the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and fixed assets, ensuring a tight, reliable monthly close calendar
  • Internal Controls: Design, implement, and monitor internal control policies and procedures to safeguard bank assets and ensure operational integrity
  • Technical Accounting: Research and document technical accounting positions regarding loan loss reserves (CECL), investments, derivatives, leases, and consolidated entity structures
• Asset/Liability & Treasury Support
  • ALM Collaboration: Support the CFO and Asset/Liability Committee (ALCO) by providing granular data on interest rate risk, liquidity, investment portfolio accounting, and deposit mix
  • Tax Compliance: Coordinate federal, state, and local bank tax returns and provision-for-taxes calculations with internal tax staff or external advisors
• Leadership & Systems
  • Team Supervision: Mentor, supervise, and evaluate the accounting and reporting team; foster a culture of accuracy, professional growth, and cross-training
  • ERP & Systems: Maintain and optimize core banking and general ledger systems leading process automation and system upgrades

Qualifications:

• CPA (Certified Public Accountant) active license is preferred
• 8+ years of progressive accounting and financial management experience within the banking or financial services sector (experience at a $1B-$10B+ financial institution strongly preferred)
• Direct hands-on experience preparing FFIEC Call Reports and managing regulatory exams
• Deep mastery of U.S. GAAP, regulatory banking principles, CECL methodology, and internal control frameworks
• Proficiency in core banking software and enterprise general ledger/close tools
• Proficiency in Microsoft Great Plains or Business Central a plus
• Experience with ERP conversions a plus
• Exceptional analytical, communication, and organizational skills with the ability to present complex financial data clearly to executive leadership and the Board Audit Committee

Employee benefits:

• Medical - Multiple plans to choose from including HSA and traditional. Premiums as low as $0.00
• Dental - Premiums as low as $0.00
• Vision - Low premium Plan
• Discounted childcare
• Pet Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 401k with employer match
• Adjustable desks that can be raised or lowered to sit or stand

At First National Bank of America , we are looking for exceptional individuals with a "servant's heart" or a natural humility that recognizes the importance of prioritizing others' needs. We celebrate and acknowledge efforts that exceed expectations, whether it's delivering added value to customers or supporting colleagues. Just as interest compounds over time, the little things we do can make a substantial difference.

First National Bank of America recognizes that the quality of our people is the foundation for our success. Attracting exceptional individuals who value a challenging work environment that rewards the contributions of its people is the cornerstone of our hiring philosophy.

Note: These statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work involved for this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for this job.

First National Bank of America uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility as per E-Verify guidelines.

First National Bank of America is an Equal Opportunity Employer.