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Controller
- Stockman Bank of Montana (Billings, MT)
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Position General Responsibilities:
The Controller is a leadership position in the accounting department, responsible for directing all accounting operations for the Bank and its affiliate companies. This position ensures the completeness, accuracy, and integrity of financial results in accordance with GAAP, regulatory accounting rules, federal/state tax requirements, and internal policies.
Key responsibilities include:
• Full accountability for the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process across multiple entities.
• Oversight of technical accounting policies, multi-company consolidations, intercompany eliminations, and cost allocations.
• Design and enforcement of internal controls to safeguard financial integrity.
• Strategic leadership in financial reporting systems, continuous process improvement, and staff development.
This role requires strategic partnership with senior finance leadership to ensure financial information supports external reporting requirements, internal management needs, and profitability objectives. The Controller’s decisions directly influence the financial health and regulatory standing of a $7B+ institution.
Employees Supervised:
Direct oversight, training, and mentoring of accounting department staff, with responsibility for developing a high-performing team capable of managing increasingly complex financial operations.
Education, Experience and Certification Requirements:
Minimum Qualifications
a. Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
b. Five or more years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in banking or financial services.
c. Demonstrated expertise in applying complex accounting rules and structures.
d. Proficiency with IT-based accounting systems and adaptability to continuous change.
e. Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).
f. Proven leadership ability, including delegation, motivation, problem resolution, and staff development.
g. Comprehensive knowledge of management procedures, including strategy development and policy creation.
Preferred Qualifications
a. CPA designation strongly preferred.
b. Experience in a financial institution of comparable size and complexity.
c. Prior supervisory experience in a senior accounting or finance role.
Position Specific Responsibilities, Duties and Competencies:
Accounting Systems / General Ledger
a. Direct oversight of journal entries, reconciliations, and closing processes across multiple entities.
b. Ensure general ledger integrity and compliance with GAAP.
c. Oversee routine and recurring operational accounting processes including accounts payable, fixed asset accounting, investment portfolio accounting, and other core departmental functions.
d. Lead higher-level accounting activities including consolidations, eliminations, intercompany transactions, revenue recognition policies, accruals, reserves, regulatory capital reporting, and other specialized accounting treatments.
e. Design and maintain effective internal controls and accounting policies.
f. Manage high-impact accounting projects requiring technical expertise and strategic oversight.
Financial Reporting
a. Oversee preparation of managerial and board-level internal reports.
b. Ensure external financial reports meet regulatory requirements, including quarterly filings and annual audited statements.
c. Provide strategic insights to senior leadership based on financial performance trends.
Other Accounting Responsibilities
a. Evaluate and implement new regulatory standards, GAAP pronouncements, and COSO-based internal control structures.
b. Assist senior leadership with the gathering of information and coordination with the Bank’s external tax advisors to ensure the accurate and timely completion of corporate federal and state tax returns, as well as other tax reporting requirements.
c. Coordinate with auditors, tax preparers, consultants, and regulators.
d. Lead staff development and team building within the accounting department.
e. Serve as a resource for senior management’s special projects and leadership initiatives.
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