Strategic Banking Controller

First State Bank and Trust; Monticello (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

First State Bank and Trust is seeking a Financial Controller to oversee financial reporting, accounting operations, and internal controls in Monticello, IL. The role partners with the CFO, ensuring GAAP compliance and timely financial statements while guiding budgeting, audits, and policy adherence.

The successful candidate will bring 7–10 years of accounting experience, including 3–5 years in banking, with CPA/CMA preferred, and strong leadership of a finance team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• CPA or CMA strongly preferred.
• 7–10 years of progressive accounting experience, with 3–5 years in banking or financial services.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the accurate and timely preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
• Oversee general ledger maintenance, reconciliations, accruals, and closing processes.
• Review and approve journal entries, balance sheet reconciliations, and variance analyses.
• Maintain accounting policies, procedures, and documentation for consistency and compliance.
• Support preparation and review of regulatory reports and external financials with CFO and external vendors.
• Serve as primary liaison for external auditors, regulators, and internal audits.
• Design and maintain strong internal controls over financial reporting.
• Assist CFO in annual budgeting, forecasting, and management reporting.
• Lead and develop accounting staff, promoting accuracy and continuous improvement.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Banking/regulatory knowledge

Excel

Data analysis

Leadership

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA or CMA certification

Tools

Core banking systems

Financial reporting software

Excel

Job description

MONTICELLO, IL

The Financial Controller is responsible for the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of the Bank's financial reporting and accounting operations. This role oversees the general ledger, financial statement preparation, regulatory reporting support, internal controls, budgeting, audits, and accounting policy compliance. In a community bank setting, the Controller is both a strategic partner to the CFO and a hands‑on leader who ensures compliance with GAAP, regulatory expectations, and internal policies.

FIRST STATE BANK AND TRUST

MONTICELLO, IL

The Financial Controller is responsible for the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of the Bank's financial reporting and accounting operations. This role oversees the general ledger, financial statement preparation, regulatory reporting support, internal controls, budgeting, audits, and accounting policy compliance. In a community bank setting, the Controller is both a strategic partner to the CFO and a hands‑on leader who ensures compliance with GAAP, regulatory expectations, and internal policies.

The Controller plays a critical role in supporting the Bank's financial strength, transparency, and regulatory standing while helping scale financial processes to support growth.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Accounting

• Ensure the accurate and timely preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
• Oversee general ledger maintenance, account reconciliations, accruals, and closing processes.
• Review and approve journal entries, balance sheet reconciliations, and variance analyses.
• Maintain accounting policies, procedures, and documentation to ensure consistency and compliance.
  
  

Regulatory & External Reporting

• Support preparation and review of regulatory reports and holding company financials in coordination with the CFO and external vendors.
• Serve as a primary liaison for external auditors, regulators, and internal audit engagements.
• Ensure compliance with FDIC, state banking regulators, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
  
  

Internal Controls & Risk Management

• Design, implement, and maintain strong internal controls over financial reporting.
• Monitor adherence to internal policies and corrective action plans.
• Identify accounting risks and proactively recommend improvements to controls and processes.
  
  

Budgeting, Forecasting & Analysis

• Assist the CFO in the annual budgeting and strategic planning process.
• Support forecasting, financial modeling, and management reporting.
• Provide financial analysis and insights to executive management and the Board as requested.
  
  

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and develop accounting staff, including mentoring, performance management, and training.
• Promote a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure adequate cross‑training and succession planning within the accounting function.
  
  

Systems & Process Improvement

• Oversee accounting system integrity and chart of accounts maintenance.
• Partner with IT, operations, and external vendors on system upgrades, conversions, or new implementations.
• Drive automation and process improvements to enhance efficiency and scalability.
  
  

Qualifications

Education & Certification

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• CPA or CMA strongly preferred.
  
  

Experience

• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 3–5 years in a banking or financial services environment.
• Prior experience in a community bank or similarly regulated institution strongly preferred.
• Experience managing audits, regulatory exams, and financial reporting cycles.
• Demonstrated people leadership experience.
  
  

Technical Skills

• Strong working knowledge of GAAP and bank‑specific accounting topics.
• Familiarity with FDIC and Illinois regulatory expectations.
• Experience with core banking systems and financial reporting software.
• Strong Excel and data analysis skills.
  
  

Competencies

• High attention to detail with the ability to see the broader financial picture.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Clear and professional communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to manage deadlines and priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• High ethical standards and commitment to confidentiality.
  
  

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Primarily office‑based with standard business hours.
• May require extended hours during month‑end, quarter‑end, year‑end, audits, or examinations.
• Occasional travel for training, audits, or regulatory meetings.
  
  

Learn a Little About Us

At First State Bank and Trust, we're proud to deliver something increasingly uncommon in financial services: a truly independent, 100% employee‑owned community bank. Fewer than a handful of banks nationwide share our ownership structure, and it's the foundation of everything we do. When you work here, you're not just joining a team - you're becoming an owner with a real stake in our long‑term success.

We have built a strong reputation as a trusted financial institution serving seven communities across Central Illinois. With $500 million in assets, we offer a full range of retail and commercial banking services, supported by a growing mortgage banking group and a dedicated trust and wealth management department. You'll find us in Monticello, Champaign, Bloomington, Heyworth, Tuscola, Atwood, and Hammond.

Equal Opportunity Employer. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender