Controller (Bank/Financial Services experience only)

NPAworldwide; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 130,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

NPAworldwide seeks a Controller to lead the Bank and holding company’s accounting and financial reporting, ensuring accuracy, GAAP compliance, and timely closes across the organization.

The role partners with the CFO on budgeting, forecasts, and control improvements, while coordinating external audits and regulatory examinations in a large community bank setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA strongly preferred.
• 7+ years in progressive accounting, banking experience or auditing financial institutions.
• Controller or senior accounting leadership in community/regional banking.

Responsibilities

• Lead accounting ops for Bank and holding company, GL, reconciliations, close processes.
• Oversee internal financial reporting and regulatory filings, including Call Reports.
• Manage monthly/quarterly/annual close for timeliness and audit readiness.
• Partner with CFO on budgeting and forecasting, variance analysis.
• Maintain FDICIA compliance and internal control environment; audits coordination.
• Prepare audited financial statements and annual reports per GAAP.
• Oversee holding company and shareholder accounting, including dividends.

Skills

GAAP expertise

Financial reporting

Regulatory reporting

Audits coordination

Monthly close

Budgeting & forecasting

Education

Bachelor's in Accounting/Finance

CPA preferred

Tools

Jack Henry

FIS

Core accounting systems

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 Information

Salary Type : Annual Salary

Salary Min : $ 130000

Salary Max : $ 185000

Currency Type : USD