Controller

First National Bank of America • East Lansing, MI

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Controller directs and oversees First National Bank of America’s accounting, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance functions. The role ensures the accuracy of financial statements under U.S. GAAP and regulatory accounting principles (RAP), manages month-end and year-end close processes, leads federal and state regulatory examinations, and maintains robust internal controls. As a member of the finance leadership team, the Controller partners with the CFO to support financial reporting, strategic planning, and capital optimization.

The Controller oversees regulatory filings, financial statements, audits and examinations, accounting operations, and internal controls. The role also supports asset/liability and treasury activities, coordinates tax compliance, supervises the accounting and reporting team, and maintains and optimizes core banking and general ledger systems. The position involves presenting complex financial information to executive leadership and the Board Audit Committee.

Requirements

• At least 8 years of progressive accounting and financial management experience in the banking or financial services sector.
• Direct hands-on experience preparing FFIEC Call Reports and managing regulatory examinations.
• Deep mastery of U.S. GAAP, regulatory banking principles, CECL methodology, and internal control frameworks.
• Proficiency in core banking software and enterprise general ledger and close tools.
• Exceptional analytical, communication, and organizational skills, including the ability to present complex financial data clearly to executive leadership and the Board Audit Committee.

Nice To Haves

• Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license preferred.
• Experience at a financial institution with $1 billion–$10 billion or more in assets strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Great Plains or Business Central is a plus.
• Experience with ERP conversions is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead accurate and timely preparation and submission of Call Reports (FFIEC 031/041) and other federal and state regulatory reports.
• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, board-level reporting packages, and external audit deliverables in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
• Coordinate with external auditors, internal auditors, and federal and state bank examiners, including the OCC and Federal Reserve.
• Manage the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and fixed assets, maintaining a reliable monthly close calendar.
• Design, implement, and monitor internal control policies and procedures to safeguard bank assets and ensure operational integrity.
• Research and document technical accounting positions regarding CECL loan loss reserves, investments, derivatives, leases, and consolidated entity structures.
• Support the CFO and Asset/Liability Committee (ALCO) with detailed information on interest rate risk, liquidity, investment portfolio accounting, and deposit mix.
• Coordinate federal, state, and local bank tax returns and tax provision calculations with internal tax staff or external advisors.
• Mentor, supervise, and evaluate the accounting and reporting team, fostering accuracy, professional growth, and cross-training.
• Maintain and optimize core banking and general ledger systems, leading process automation and system upgrades.
• Present complex financial data clearly to executive leadership and the Board Audit Committee.

Benefits

• Medical insurance with multiple plan options, including HSA and traditional plans; premiums as low as $0.00.
• Dental insurance; premiums as low as $0.00.
• Vision insurance with a low-premium plan.
• Discounted childcare.
• Pet insurance.
• Paid time off (PTO).
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Adjustable sit-stand desks.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed