Controller

Clark Fork Valley Hospital; Town of Montana, Northern (WI, KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Clark Fork Valley Hospital in Plains, MT seeks an experienced Controller to lead the Fiscal Services Department and ensure GAAP compliance. You will oversee accounting operations, payroll, accounts payable, and financial reporting while guiding budgeting and forecasting for a rural hospital system.

The role requires strong analytical skills, integrity, and the ability to communicate complex financial information to non-financial leaders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field with an accounting concentration.
• Master's degree preferred (Accounting/Finance/Business Administration).
• CPA certification preferred; HFMA certification considered.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all accounting functions including general ledger, accounts payable, payroll, fixed assets, cash management, and financial reporting.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements with timely accuracy.
• Develop management reports and collaborate with Revenue Cycle and leaders to improve processes.
• Prepare operational stats, metrics, and KPIs; lead annual budgeting across departments.
• Provide financial analysis, forecasting, and decision support to executive leadership.
• Manage month-end/year-end close, reconciliations, and consolidations; monitor cash flow.
• Ensure GAAP, HIPAA, internal controls; coordinate audits, tax reporting, surveys, cost reporting.
• Develop and monitor accounting policies and internal controls to safeguard assets.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Tools

Accounting software/ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Controller

Reports To:Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

About Clark Fork Valley Hospital

Clark Fork Valley Hospital is a financially strong, growing16-bed Critical Access Hospitalserving the residents of Sanders County in beautiful western Montana. In addition to a full range of hospital services, we operate three Rural Health Clinics, a long-term care facility, and hospice services, providing comprehensive care close to home for our community.

Clark Fork Valley Hospital is seeking an experienced accounting professional to serve as ourController, reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer. This leadership position oversees the Fiscal Services Department and offers an outstanding opportunity for a collaborative, resourceful professional who enjoys leading a high-performing team and is interested in growing into executive leadership.

Nestled in the scenic Clark Fork Valley, Plains offers an outstanding quality of life with breathtaking mountain views, excellent schools, and abundant outdoor recreation, including fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, and boating. Conveniently located approximately 70 miles from both Missoula and Kalispell and less than an hour from Flathead Lake, Plains provides the peace and affordability of rural living with easy access to the amenities of larger communities.

The hospital offers a competitive salary and benefit package including relocation.

Position Summary

The Controller manages the Fiscal Services Department and oversees all accounting operations, including Accounts Payable and Payroll functions, maintains the organization’s financial records, and prepares accurate financial reports and analyses. The individual in this role ensures compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements, strict adherence to internal controls, and GAAP. The position requires a solid understanding of healthcare reimbursement models and Medicare cost reporting. The Controller is a critical member of the Leadership Team and reports to the CFO.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

• Oversee all accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable, payroll, fixed assets, cash management, and financial reporting.
• Prepare timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Develop management reports and collaborate with Revenue Cycle and operational leaders to resolve accounting issues and improve financial processes.
• Prepare and maintain operational statistics, financial metrics, and key performance indicators.
• Lead the annual budgeting process across all clinical and support departments.
• Provide financial analysis, forecasting, and decision support to executive leadership.
• Manage month-end and year-end close processes, account reconciliations, and financial consolidations.
• Monitor and manage organizational cash flow.

Regulatory Compliance & Reimbursement

• Ensure compliance with GAAP, HIPAA, internal controls, and all applicable federal and state regulations.
• Coordinate external financial audits, tax reporting, annual surveys, cost reporting, and other required regulatory filings.
• Develop, implement, and monitor accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls that safeguard organizational assets and improve operational efficiency.

Leadership

• Supervise, mentor, and develop the Fiscal Services team while fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.
• Participate as an engaged member of the Leadership Team and contribute to strategic organizational initiatives.
• Support and promote the Mission, Vision, and Values of Clark Fork Valley Hospital.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field with an accounting concentration.
• Five to eight years of progressively responsible accounting experience.
• Minimum of two years of supervisory or management experience.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, budgeting, and internal controls.
• Proficiency with accounting software/ERP systems and Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain strict confidentiality.
• High level of integrity and commitment to ethical financial practices.

Preferred

• Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
• Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) certification relevant to the position. Candidates without certification will be expected to obtain it within one year of hire.
• Healthcare accounting experience.

If you are an experienced accounting leader who values collaboration, enjoys making a meaningful impact, and is excited about helping shape the financial future of a thriving rural healthcare organization, we encourage you to apply and become part of the Clark Fork Valley Hospital leadership team.