Controller

BDS Yarmouth & Choate; United States; On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

BDS Yarmouth & Choate is seeking a Controller to lead the accounting and financial reporting functions for the Bank and its holding company. This role ensures GAAP compliance, accuracy, and timely reporting across entities while building a scalable finance infrastructure.

The position partners with the CFO on financial reporting, budgeting, and control oversight, and serves as liaison with external auditors, regulators, and the Board.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience in banking or financial institutions.
• Experience as Controller or senior accounting leader within a community/regional bank ($1B+ assets) or equivalent complexity.
• Strong knowledge of US GAAP for financial institutions and related regulatory reporting.
• Experience with bank regulatory reporting and Call Reports.
• Advanced Excel proficiency and strong financial systems aptitude.

Responsibilities

• Lead all accounting operations for the Bank and holding company, including general ledger, reconciliations, and financial close processes.
• Oversee the preparation and accuracy of internal financial reporting and external regulatory filings, including Call Reports and related schedules.
• Manage and continuously improve monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring audit readiness.
• Partner with the CFO on annual budgeting and ongoing forecasting, including variance analysis and financial performance reporting.
• Maintain and enhance the Bank’s internal control environment, including FDICIA compliance, documentation, and testing coordination.
• Serve as primary liaison for external audits and regulatory examinations, coordinating responses and ensuring readiness.
• Oversee preparation of audited financial statements and annual reports in accordance with GAAP and regulatory expectations.
• Maintain holding company and shareholder accounting, including dividend activity and related reporting.
• Evaluate, implement, and optimize accounting systems, processes, and controls to support growth and efficiency.
• Support strategic initiatives including M&A activity, balance sheet strategy, and finance-related projects.
• Lead, develop, and retain a high-performing accounting team with clear accountability.

Skills

CPA

US GAAP

Banking experience

Regulatory reporting

Audit coordination

Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

Jack Henry

FIS

Core banking systems

Job description

The Controller is responsible for the leadership, execution, and continuous improvement of the Bank’s accounting and financial reporting functions, with direct accountability for the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of all financial information across both the Bank and its holding company.

Operating in a large and complex community bank environment, this role requires a balance of technical depth, operational discipline, and leadership capability. The Controller serves as the Bank’s internal authority on accounting and financial reporting matters, ensuring compliance with U.S. GAAP and all applicable regulatory requirements while supporting a scalable, well-controlled finance infrastructure.

The Controller partners closely with the CFO on financial reporting, planning cycles, and control oversight, while also serving as a key interface with external auditors, regulators, and the Board. This role demands a hands‑on leader who can manage complexity, anticipate issues, and drive consistent execution in a highly scrutinized environment.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead all accounting operations for the Bank and holding company, including general ledger, reconciliations, and financial close processes
• Oversee the preparation and accuracy of all internal financial reporting and external regulatory filings, including Call Reports and related schedules
• Manage and continuously improve the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring consistency, timeliness, and audit readiness
• Partner with the CFO on annual budgeting and ongoing forecasting, including variance analysis and financial performance reporting
• Maintain and enhance the Bank’s internal control environment, including FDICIA compliance, documentation, and testing coordination
• Serve as primary liaison for external audits and regulatory examinations, coordinating responses and ensuring readiness
• Oversee preparation of audited financial statements and annual reports in accordance with GAAP and regulatory expectations
• Maintain holding company and shareholder accounting, including dividend activity and related reporting
• Evaluate, implement, and optimize accounting systems, processes, and controls to support growth and operational efficiency
• Support strategic initiatives, including M&A activity, balance sheet strategy, and finance-related projects as required
• Lead, develop, and retain a high‑performing accounting team, establishing clear accountability and performance standards
• Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and development to ensure team capability keeps pace with organizational complexity
• Ensure appropriate staffing, succession planning, and cross‑functional knowledge within the department
• Drive a culture of accuracy, ownership, and continuous process improvement
• Oversee workflow management, prioritization, and resource allocation across the function

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA strongly preferred (active or previously active)
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, with a significant portion within the banking industry or auditing financial institutions
• Prior experience as a Controller, Assistant Controller, or senior accounting leader within a community or regional bank ($1B+ assets) or equivalent complexity
• Demonstrated ownership of full‑cycle accounting operations, including month‑end close, financial reporting, and audit coordination
• Direct experience with bank regulatory reporting, including Call Reports, with a clear understanding of related schedules and supporting processes
• Strong working knowledge of U.S. GAAP as applied to financial institutions, including areas such as:
• Loan accounting and interest income recognition
• Allowance for credit losses (ACL/CECL) frameworks and governance
• Investment securities (AFS/HTM), fair value considerations, and OTTI/impairment analysis
• Deposits, borrowings, and funding structures
• Experience operating within an FDICIA‑controlled environment, including documentation, control design, and interaction with internal/external auditors
• Proven ability to manage external audit processes and regulatory examinations with minimal disruption to operations
• Exposure to financial systems commonly used in banking (e.g., Jack Henry, FIS, or similar core/accounting platforms) and reporting tools
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and strong overall financial systems aptitude
• Experience supporting or integrating acquisitions is a plus but not required

Technical & Professional Capabilities

• Deep understanding of bank financial reporting, regulatory expectations, and internal control frameworks
• Ability to interpret and apply new accounting standards and regulatory guidance in a practical operating environment
• Strong analytical capability with the ability to identify trends, risks, and inconsistencies within financial data
• High attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy and data integrity
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a complex, evolving environment

Leadership & Personal Attributes

• High level of professional judgment, discretion, and accountability
• Self‑directed with the ability to operate independently while maintaining alignment with executive leadership
• Effective communicator capable of interfacing with senior management, Board members, auditors, and regulators
• Calm, steady presence in high‑pressure situations, particularly during audits, exams, and reporting cycles
• Organized and disciplined, with a strong orientation toward execution and follow‑through

Additional Expectations

• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies, including BSA and OFAC requirements
• Support and reinforce the Bank’s culture, values, and operating standards
• Perform additional duties as required to support the broader finance function and organizational objectives