AVP Assistant Controller

West Coast Community Bank•Watsonville, CA

just now•Onsite

About The Position

This position will be on-site at one of our locations. Preferably Watsonville or Santa Cruz. The AVP Assistant Controller embraces accounting and financial technologies in transforming accounting process improvements into an AI assisted environment. They are responsible for overseeing daily accounting operations, providing oversight to the Bank’s expenditure process, financial reporting, and supporting month-end and quarter-end close processes. This role manages core accounting functions, including general ledger oversight, financial reporting, reconciliations, fixed assets, accounts payable, business property tax statements, and prepaid expenses, while driving process improvements, automation initiatives, and strong internal controls. The position works closely with the Controller, CFO, and cross-functional departments to resolve accounting issues, support audits and regulatory examinations, and ensure compliance with GAAP, bank policies, and regulatory expectations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field.
5+ years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in banking or financial services.
Experience with GL systems, reconciliation processes, financial close cycles, and internal controls.
Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to work in an entrepreneurial environment.
Experience in a supervisory role
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Accuracy and attention to detail
Ability to manage multiple deadlines
Leadership and team building abilities
Proactive and creative mindset embracing a continuous improvement in an AI assisted working environment

Nice To Haves

Experience in preparation of banking regulatory reports such as CALL reports
Experience in using/implementing AI (CoPilot) in Financial functions
Experience in using Blackline or other accounting reconciliation platforms
Experience in Fiserv accounting and banking core functions
Experience supporting audits, examinations, and system implementations.

Responsibilities

Oversee daily general ledger activity, ensuring proper coding, authorization, and accuracy of postings.
Partner with the Controller and various departments to resolve day to day accounting issues.
Manage accounts payable, fixed assets, prepaid expenses, and cash balance monitoring.
Supervise and assist with the timely and accurate reconciliation of all correspondent bank accounts on a daily to monthly basis.
Communicate outstanding reconciliation items to appropriate departments for resolution.
Maintain strong internal controls and ensure timely certification and reconciliation of general ledger accounts.
Suggest and implement system upgrades, workflow enhancements, and automation initiatives.
Identify opportunities to leverage AI to streamline routine and repeatable processes, including:
Preparation and review of weekly regulatory reporting of public funds for local agency and State of California deposits
Expense approval processes to prevent and detect erroneous or fraudulent transactions
Preparation of Call Reports
Oversee the preparation and review of internal, external, and regulatory financial reports.
Perform monthly and quarterly variance analysis and consolidation.
Ensure financial statements comply with GAAP, bank accounting policies, and regulatory requirements.
Manage the completion and filing of the Bank’s quarterly Call Reports.
Supervise and develop accounting staff through coaching, mentorship, and performance feedback.
Foster strong cross functional relationships to support operational needs and financial accuracy.
Assist with internal and external audits and regulatory examinations.
Support the resolution of audit and examination findings.
Ensure adherence to accounting policies, internal control frameworks, and regulatory guidance.
Lead or participate in initiatives to streamline accounting processes and enhance automation.
Support cross functional projects such as system upgrades, corporate initiatives, and special analyses.
Provide technical accounting research and guidance on complex transactions as needed.