Controller (Bank/Financial Services experience only)

NPAworldwide; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 130,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

NPAworldwide in Columbia, SC is seeking a Controller to lead accounting and financial reporting for the Bank and holding company. The role ensures GAAP compliance, regulatory filings, and a strong internal control environment, while partnering with the CFO on budgeting and strategic finance initiatives.

This on-site position demands a CPA and extensive banking experience, with significant audit and regulator interaction.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance required.
• CPA certification strongly preferred and advantageous.
• 7+ years in progressive accounting, banking preferred.
• Experience with bank regulatory reporting and Call Reports.

Responsibilities

• Lead accounting operations for Bank and holding company, including GL and close processes.
• Oversee internal financial reporting and external regulatory filings.
• Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual close, audit readiness.
• Partner with CFO on budgeting and forecasting with variance analysis.
• Maintain FDICIA compliance and internal control testing.
• Coordinate external audits and regulatory examinations.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Regulatory reporting

Audit coordination

Financial analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA certification (active or previously active)

Tools

Banking systems experience (Jack Henry/FIS)

Job description

Job Description

Principal 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 Banks 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.

Team Leadership & Management

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.

What We Are Looking For

Bachelors 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
• 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 Banks culture, values, and operating standards
• Perform additional duties as required to support the broader finance function and organizational objectives

Why Is This a Great Opportunity

This is not a Remote/Work From Home opportunity.

Opportunity Description

The Controller is responsible for the leadership, execution, and continuous improvement of the Banks 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 Banks 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.

Salary Type : Annual Salary

Salary Min : $ 130000

Salary Max : $ 185000

Currency Type : USD