Controller

Surgery Partners, Inc•Altoona, WI

About The Position

The Controller serves as a key financial leader, responsible for directing all accounting, financial reporting, and internal control activities. This position ensures accuracy and integrity of financial information, oversees accounting operations, manages compliance with regulatory and accounting standards, and provides strategic financial insights to support organizational decision-making. This role requires a high level of financial acumen, leadership capability, and operational collaboration to drive the organization’s fiscal success.

Requirements

Advanced knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting standards, audit processes, and healthcare financial operations, including budgeting, payroll, cost containment, capital planning, forecasting, and cost analysis
Proficiency in financial systems, ERP software, and data-driven financial modeling, scenario analysis, and reporting
Ability analyze and interpret financial, operational, and quality data; translate complex information into actionable insights; assess and mitigate risk; and drive informed decision-making
Strong understanding of healthcare regulations and accreditation requirements (e.g., TJC, CMS, OSHA, HIPAA), reimbursement models, and evolving accounting standards
Knowledge of employment laws, human resources policies, and best practices, including employee relations, safety protocols, and compliance requirements
Demonstrated leadership skills, including setting expectations, providing feedback, performance management, coaching, mentoring, and addressing skill gaps to drive team and leadership development
Ability to lead through change, anticipate and respond to shifting priorities, and drive process improvement, innovation, and organizational excellence
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally, build positive relationships, and effectively engage internal and external stakeholders
Commitment to continuous learning, staying current on industry trends, technologies, and policies, and applying new knowledge to improve performance
Strong problem-solving skills, including identifying issues, developing solutions, and implementing effective and innovative actions
Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining quality, accuracy, and attention to detail
Demonstrated commitment to organizational culture and standards, including customer service, ethical judgment, integrity, and fostering a positive, accountable work environment
Ability to interpret and enforce HR, compliance, and safety policies; support organization-wide strategy in partnership with HR; and promote a culture of compliance and safety
Strategic thinking skills, including aligning departmental objectives with organizational goals and using data to evaluate outcomes and drive continuous improvement
Ability to successfully demonstrate and uphold organization-wide performance competencies
Demonstrates eligibility for employment in the U.S.
Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance required
Four (4) years of accounting or finance experience required
Must possess a cell phone that interfaces with the organization’s secure messaging system

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field preferred
Two (2) years of demonstrated accounting or finance leadership experience preferred

Responsibilities

Lead preparation, analysis, and interpretation of financial statements; oversee month-end/year-end close processes to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance
Oversee the development, monitoring, and strategic alignment of annual operating and capital budgets in collaboration with executive and departmental leadership
Direct financial forecasting, projections, trend analyses, and reimbursement/payer mix evaluation to support strategic planning and revenue optimization
Evaluate financial impact of business initiatives, capital projects, and operational changes; conduct risk assessments and implement controls to safeguard assets
Monitor and manage cost control initiatives (including surgical services, supplies, and equipment), identifying opportunities for efficiency and optimization
Develop and present financial and operational reports to executive leadership, including KPI, variance, and trend analysis; perform ad hoc analyses and special projects
Oversee month-end and year-end financial closing processes to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with accounting principles
Lead financial audits, coordinate with external auditors, and ensure strong internal controls and compliance with financial, tax, healthcare, and regulatory requirements
Drive process improvements in financial systems, workflows, and reporting; oversee departmental policy review and approval to ensure alignment with standards and best practices
Collaborate with CFO and leadership to develop and execute financial strategies aligned with organizational goals
Provide leadership oversight to ensure compliance with all regulatory and accrediting bodies (state and federal)
Provide strategic oversight and direction in the development of the capital budget, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and long-term financial goals in collaboration with department leadership
Oversee the review and approval of departmental policies to ensure alignment with organizational standards, regulatory requirements, and best practices
Participate in the administrator on-call rotation
Use the organization's secure messaging platform in accordance with departmental protocols, including timely receipt and responses to communications
Provide leadership, direction, and oversight to Accounting and Accounts Payable teams, ensuring high performance, effective resource utilization, and adherence to organizational policies
Establish and maintain robust internal controls, accounting procedures, and documentation standards in alignment with regulatory requirements and industry best practices
Oversee staff performance management, including evaluations, professional development, training, and corrective actions as needed
Ensure accounting staff are equipped with appropriate resources, tools, and training to perform effectively
Collaborate with cross-functional leaders, Human Resources, and executive leadership to ensure financial alignment, support hiring of key leadership roles, and advance workforce education, leadership development, and competency strategies
Stay current on industry trends, regulatory updates, and accounting standards, updating organizational policies and procedures accordingly
Represent Finance in internal and external meetings (including outside normal business hours) and lead strategic and departmental leadership meetings to communicate priorities, drive alignment, and ensure execution of initiatives
Facilitate effective organizational communication through leadership meetings, executive briefings, department forums, and system-wide communications
Champion a culture of engagement, accountability, and organizational excellence by guiding engagement strategies, supporting leadership development, and driving measurable performance improvement across departments
Provide leadership and direction in the development and execution of workforce strategies in collaboration with front line leadership to ensure staffed models and resource allocation support the organization's long-term objectives
Provide leadership in root cause analyses and high-priority reviews, ensuring cross-functional collaboration, identification of systemic issues, and implementation of corrective actions aligned with organizational objectives
Drive organizational process improvement strategies by leveraging insights from root cause analyses, high-priority reviews, and quality initiatives, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and operational excellence
Leverage data and analytics to guide strategic recommendations that enhance departmental and cross-functional efficiency, patient experience, and clinical outcomes
Oversee and support leaders in the development of quality improvement and patient safety strategies
Perform other duties as assigned