Controller - Iselin, NJ

Provident Bank; Woodbridge Township (NJ); On-site; USD 240,000 - 270,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Incentive plan

Paid time off

Health and Wellness benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Provident Bank is seeking a Controller to lead the Accounting function, ensuring timeliness and accuracy of financial information. You will oversee close, budgeting, cost management, and GL system administration while driving internal controls and process improvements.

The role requires 10+ years in banking/financial services, a CPA, and deep GAAP knowledge. Collaboration with executives and cross-functional teams is essential as you guide strategic initiatives and financial planning.

Qualifications

• 10+ years progressive accounting and finance experience within banking or financial services.
• Experience in bank accounting, tax accounting, regulatory reporting, and/or financial reporting.
• Experience leading accounting close, budgeting, forecasting, internal controls, and/or audit activities.
• Experience managing large teams within a publicly traded or highly regulated financial institution.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain a strong internal control environment and oversee financial close processes.
• Prepare and enhance financial and management reporting to monitor performance and risk.
• Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning for the Board review.

Skills

Leadership

Financial reporting

Internal controls

Regulatory reporting

Budgeting

Financial systems

Analytical skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance

Certified Public Accountant

Tools

General ledger systems

Budgeting tools

Reporting technologies

Job description

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The Controller is responsible for the leadership and management of the Bank's Accounting function, ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of financial information. This role oversees daily accounting operations, the monthly and quarterly financial close processes, budgeting, cost management, accounts payable, and general ledger system administration. The Controller analyzes the Bank's financial and operating performance, identifies trends and risks requiring management attention, and provides reporting, analysis, and insights to support executive decision-making and organizational effectiveness. The position is responsible for maintaining a strong internal control environment, ensuring compliance with applicable accounting standards, regulatory requirements, and corporate policies, and driving process improvements that enhance efficiency and accuracy. The Controller exercises significant independent judgment and discretion in matters affecting the Bank's financial condition, reporting, and accounting operations and partners closely with executive leadership and cross-functional teams on financial planning, strategic initiatives, and the achievement of organizational objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Reporting, Controls, and Governance

• Establish and maintain a strong internal control environment, including oversight of financial close controls, account reconciliations, accounting policies and procedures, and governance processes designed to ensure the accuracy, integrity, and reliability of financial reporting. Manage internal/external audits and regulatory exams, ensuring timely completion of deliverables and remediation of findings.
• Prepare and enhance financial and management reporting that monitors business performance and financial position, identifies trends and risks, and provides analysis and insights to support executive decision-making and strategic objectives. Collaborate with Financial Reporting and FP&A teams on accounting interpretations, regulatory matters, and reporting requirements.

Budgeting, Forecasting, and Performance Management

• Lead the annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning processes, including presentation of the annual business plan to the Board of Directors. Monitor budget-to-actual results, analyze variances and performance trends, and support incentive compensation programs through performance measurement and reporting.

Expense Management and Accounting Operations

• Provide oversight of the Bank’s expense management framework, including accounts payable, expense reimbursement and corporate card programs, sales and use tax compliance, 1099 reporting, fixed assets, and cost control initiatives to promote financial discipline, policy compliance, and operational efficiency.
• Oversee accounting for employee benefits, including medical, 401(k) and pension, nonqualified benefit programs, Bank-Owned Life Insurance, fringe benefits, etc.; ensuring accurate accounting and reporting.

Financial Systems, Process Improvement, and Strategic Initiatives

• Oversee the administration and integrity of the Bank’s general ledger and related financial systems, leading reporting enhancements, process improvements, automation initiatives, and technology implementations that strengthen financial reporting, operational efficiency, and internal controls. Represent Finance in cross-functional initiatives and special projects.

Team Leadership and Talent Development

• Lead, coach and develop accounting managers and team members by establishing priorities, evaluating performance and supporting succession planning. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and regulatory compliance.

SKILLS AND TRAINING REQUIRED

• Strong leadership, communication, presentation, and analytical skills
• Advanced knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting and internal controls
• Knowledge of Bank regulatory reporting, SEC reporting, tax and financial disclosure requirements
• Proficiency with financial systems, general ledger platforms, budgeting tools, and reporting technologies
• Ability to analyze complex financial data, identify risks and trends, and develop actionable recommendations
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet critical deadlines
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills in a fast-paced, evolving environment
• Ability to build effective relationships with executive management, business, auditors, regulators, and vendors
• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and motivate high-performing teams

WORK EXPERIENCE

• 10+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience within banking or financial services
• Experience in bank accounting, tax accounting, regulatory reporting, and/or financial reporting
• Experience leading accounting close, budgeting, forecasting, internal controls, and/or audit activities
• Experience managing large teams within a publicly traded or highly regulated financial institution

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field required

LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATES

• Certified Public Accountant

Why Join Provident Bank?

At Provident Bank, you'll play a critical leadership role in guiding the Bank's financial strategy, governance, and operational effectiveness. This is an opportunity to influence executive decision-making, partner across the organization on strategic initiatives, lead a high-performing accounting team, and contribute to the continued success of a growing and highly respected financial institution

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Prolonged sitting
• Lifting from 5 to 10 lbs (printer paper, storage boxes)
• Occasional bending or overhead lifting (storing files or boxes)

Work is performed in a normal office environment. Noise levels are usually moderate. May also involve travel to property locations.

HAZARDS

The hazards are mainly those present in a normal office setting and those present in commuting by car. Occasionally, they may be exposed to those conditions present in public forums and meeting places.

Provident Bank recognizes and supports the importance of creating a socially and culturally diverse employee base. We understand, value, and appreciate the unique perspectives that a diverse workforce can contribute to our organization. We put the employee and the customer at the center of strategy because culture is a critical differentiator for why people choose to work here.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other applicable status protected by state or local law.

$240,000 - $270, 000 annually

Please note, the base pay actually offered may vary based upon the candidate's skills and experience, job-related knowledge, education, geographic location, internal equity, and other applicable business and organizational needs.

This role is eligible to participate in a lucrative incentive plan, based upon company, business, and/or individual goal achievement and performance.

Team members accrue paid time-off (PTO), receive Holiday (PTO) and are eligible to participate in the bank’s Health and Wellness benefits including Medical, Dental and Vision Plans, Flexible and Health Savings Accounts, and a 401(k) Retirement Plan. In addition, the company provides Disability Insurance, an Employee Assistance Program, and Basic Life Insurance. Company sponsored Tuition Disbursement and Loan Repayment programs are also available. Voluntary benefits include Supplemental Life Insurance, Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal plans.

About Provident Bank

For more than 180years, Provident Bank has served individuals, families, and businesses in our local communities with personal and business banking services.

Volunteering is a Way of Life

Our brand promise - "Commitment you can count on" - supports the investments we make in the community and donations made by our employees. It’s a promise also reflected in the volunteerism of our employees, who lend time and talent and countless hours to assist hundreds of organizations and thousands of people and animals each year.

Why do we love it?

• We get to volunteer in areas that are meaningful to the bank and impactful in the community.
• Through generous contributions, we have raised over $912,000 in 2022. No item or donation is too small; we find a home for it all.