VP-Controller

Align Credit Union; Lowell (MA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Align Credit Union is seeking a VP Controller to lead the Accounting Department and ensure accurate financial reporting and strong controls. You will partner with the CEO and SLT to drive budgeting, forecasting, and strategic financial decisions.

Responsibilities include coordinating with Risk Management, ALCO, and DNA systems, overseeing regulatory filings, and guiding internal audits. This role requires leadership, deep technical finance knowledge, and effective communication with the Board.

Qualifications

• Five to eight years of progressively responsible accounting or financial management experience, preferably within a credit union, bank, or other regulated financial institution.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field; CPA or MBA preferred.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial institution accounting, financial reporting, general ledger management, reconciliations, internal controls, budgeting, financial analysis, regulatory reporting, CECL, and balance sheet management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Accounting Department, oversee general ledger, accounts payable, reconciliations, month-end and year-end closings, and ensure accurate financial records.
• Oversee timely preparation of monthly/quarterly/annual financial statements, regulatory filings (NCUA Call Report), and Board reporting.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, profitability analysis, and financial planning for senior leadership.
• Oversee Allowance for Credit Losses (CECL) calculations and monitoring with Risk Management and Lending.
• Collaborate with Risk Management on internal controls and risk mitigation across the organization.
• Support ALCO balance sheet management including liquidity, interest-rate risk, NEV, and capital planning.
• Serve as SME for DNA and related financial systems; coordinate changes, testing, and issue resolution.
• Coordinate internal and external audits and regulatory examinations; address findings and corrective actions.
• Provide financial insights and strategic recommendations to the CEO, SLT, and Board; drive continuous process improvement.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Financial reporting

General ledger

Reconciliations

Internal controls

Budgeting

Financial analysis

Regulatory reporting

CECL

DNA core system

Excel

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field

CPA or MBA preferred

Tools

DNA core processing system

Spreadsheet software (Excel)

Job description

Salary Range: $105,000.00 To $135,000.00 Annually

Role:

The VP Controller is a key financial leader responsible for the oversight, integrity, accuracy, and timely completion of the Credit Union's accounting and financial reporting functions. Reporting directly to the President & CEO, the VP Controller provides leadership and oversight of the Accounting Department, works closely with the Risk Management area, and collaborates across Lending, Operations, Information Technology, and other business areas to ensure strong financial controls, accurate reporting, regulatory compliance, and sound financial decision‑making.
The VP Controller works closely with the SVP of Finance, who is responsible for cash management and investments, to ensure a coordinated approach to the Credit Union's overall financial management and strategy.
The VP Controller serves as a member of the Senior Leadership Team and Asset Liability Management Committee (ALCO) and provides financial insight, identifies emerging risks and trends, strengthens internal controls, and supports the Credit Union's strategic objectives.

Essential functions & Responsibilities:

Accounting & Financial Oversight Lead and oversee the Accounting Department, including general ledger activities, accounts payable, reconciliations, month‑end and year‑end closing, and the accuracy and integrity of the Credit Union's financial records.

Financial & Regulatory Reporting Oversee the accurate and timely preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, management and Board reporting, the NCUA Call Report, and other required federal and state regulatory financial filings.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Analysis
Lead and support budgeting, forecasting, variance and profitability analysis, and financial planning. Provide the President & CEO and Senior Leadership Team with meaningful analysis of financial performance, trends, and emerging concerns.

Allowance for Credit Losses / CECL
Oversee the calculation, analysis, documentation, and ongoing monitoring of the Allowance for Credit Losses in collaboration with Risk Management and Lending, including credit quality trends, delinquency, charge‑offs, concentrations, qualitative factors, and economic assumptions.

Risk Management & Internal Controls
Work closely with the Risk Management area to identify and monitor financial and operational risks, support Enterprise Risk Management, strengthen internal controls and reconciliation processes, and ensure significant discrepancies, exceptions, or control weaknesses are appropriately escalated and resolved.

ALCO & Balance Sheet Management
Serve as an active member of ALCO and provide financial analysis supporting liquidity, interest‑rate risk, Net Economic Value (NEV), earnings, funding, capital, and overall balance sheet management. Work closely with the SVP of Finance on cash management, investments, liquidity, and related ALCO strategies.

DNA & Financial Systems
Serve as a key financial subject matter expert for DNA and related financial systems, including general ledger interfaces, transaction flows, reconciliations, data integrity, and financial reporting. Collaborate with Information Technology and other business areas on system changes, testing, upgrades, and issue resolution.

Audit, Examination & Compliance Support Serve as a primary financial contact for internal and external auditors and regulatory examiners. Coordinate requested financial information and work with Risk Management and other areas to ensure findings and corrective actions are appropriately addressed and completed timely.

Senior Leadership & Board Support
Serve as an active member of the Senior Leadership Team, providing financial expertise and strategic insight to support organizational decision‑making. Prepare and present financial information, trends, risks, and recommendations to the President & CEO, Senior Leadership Team, and ALCO, as appropriate.

Leadership, Development & Continuous Improvement
Lead, coach, and develop Accounting employees while promoting accountability, cross‑training, succession planning, and professional development. Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, financial reporting, automation, controls, and organizational efficiency while demonstrating the leadership and strategic capabilities necessary for continued professional growth.
Other job‑related duties, as assigned.

Knowledge & Skills

Five to eight years of progressively responsible accounting or financial management experience, preferably within a credit union, bank, or other regulated financial institution. Previous supervisory or management experience required.

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. CPA, MBA, or other relevant professional designation preferred.

Financial & Technical Knowledge: Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial institution accounting, financial reporting, general ledger management, reconciliations, internal controls, budgeting, financial analysis, regulatory reporting, ACL/CECL, and balance sheet management.

Strong proficiency with spreadsheets and financial reporting applications. Experience with DNA or another financial institution core processing system strongly preferred, including an understanding of transaction flows, general ledger interfaces, reconciliations, and system‑driven accounting processes.

Risk & Regulatory Knowledge: Strong understanding of financial institution risk management, internal controls, audit and examination processes, regulatory reporting, and applicable federal and state requirements.

Leadership & Communication: Demonstrated ability to lead and develop employees, exercise sound judgment, identify and elevate risk, collaborate across departments, manage competing priorities, and communicate complex financial matters effectively to Senior Leadership and the Board of Directors.

At Align Credit Union, we believe in pay transparency and are committed to providing our employees and candidates with access to information about our compensation practices. The expected base pay rate offered for this role is $105,000.00 - $135,000.00 annually. Compensation may vary based on relevant experience, skills, competencies, and certifications.

Monday-Friday 8:00AM-5:00PM
40+ hours per week