Controller

Who We Are:

Southern Bancorp is more than a bank. As a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), a special certification designated for institutions that serve predominantly underserved communities, Southern Bancorp combines traditional banking and lending services with financial development tools and public policy advocacy to help families and communities grow stronger. Inspired by the principle that building net worth drives economic opportunity, our mission is to be wealth builders for everyone in the communities we serve, with a focus on low-wealth and un(der)banked populations, as well as an emphasis on Black and Brown individuals. 

Job Summary:

This role is responsible for managing the day-to-day accounting operations of the Bank, its holding company, and applicable affiliates/subsidiaries including the general ledger, financial close process, and preparation of financial reporting. Reporting to the Chief Accounting Officer, the Controller ensures the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial information prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and regulatory accounting requirements. This role oversees accounting operations, manages the accounting team, and supports financial reporting while partnering with the Chief Accounting Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and other senior leaders to maintain strong financial controls and operational efficiency.

This role is expected to demonstrate the following leadership competencies: Empowering Leadership, Business and Financial Acumen, Information Decision Making and Problem Solving, Managing Talent, Strategic Execution and Direction, and Owning Results.

Responsibilities:

Accounting Operations and Reporting

• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close process to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Oversee the general ledger, reconciliations, and account analysis to maintain integrity of accounting records.
• Support the Chief Accounting Officer in executing accounting policies and ensuring compliance with GAAP and regulatory standards.
• Prepare and deliver management reporting packages for executive leadership.
• Support complex accounting transactions under the direction of the Chief Accounting Officer, including acquisitions, allowance for credit losses, and investment accounting.
• Oversee quarterly and annual Regulatory reporting.

Internal Controls and Compliance

• Ensure effective execution of internal controls over financial reporting within accounting operations.
• Support internal audits and regulatory examinations related to accounting processes.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen operational efficiency and adherence to control procedures.

Audit and External Relationships

• Coordinate operational aspects of the annual financial statement audit and manage audit deliverables.
• Support external auditors and ensure timely responses to requests under the direction of the Chief Accounting Officer.
• Assist with regulatory examination requests related to accounting operations.

Team Management

• Provide day-to-day oversight of accounting staff, including general ledger, financial reporting, and operational accounting functions.
• Foster a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement.

Strategic and Operational Support

• Partner with executive management and the Chief Accounting Officer to support strategic initiatives and growth.
• Assist with mergers, acquisitions, and other corporate transactions from an operational accounting perspective.
• Support budgeting and financial planning processes as needed.
• Support ALCO committee with Asset & Liability Management process and reporting.
• Identify opportunities for automation and process improvement within accounting operations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (required).
• CPA certification or equivalent experience
• 10 or more years of progressive accounting experience, with significant experience in banking or financial services accounting.
• Prior experience in a Controller, Assistant Controller, or senior accounting leadership role preferred
• Experience leading accounting operations in financial institutions with $1-10B in assets preferred
• Mission-aligned and passionate about community banking and impact
• Strong expertise in financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and internal controls.
• Deep knowledge and experience with US GAAP, banking regulations, and regulatory reporting.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to inspire and manage teams through change and growth.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with executive leadership, auditors, and regulators.
• High level of integrity, professionalism and attention to details

Physical Demand & Work Environment: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

What we offer our employees:

A positive impact on Your Future:

• 401(k)/Roth plan with immediate eligibility and employer match up to 6%
• Employee stock ownership plan
• Discounted rate on primary home mortgage
• Credit and housing counseling as well as free financial education tools available to customers and employees

 Benefits to improve your health:

• Two medical plans available – low-deductible PPO plan or HDHP with Health Savings Account 
• Dental and vision insurance
• Employer paid life insurance, and short- and long-term disability coverage
• Retirement plan with generous company match and employee stock purchase option
• Voluntary life insurance options for employee, spouse, and children

The opportunity to nurture your well-being:

• Paid holidays and paid time off 
• Bonus plan 
• Opportunity for merit raises
• Employee reward and recognition programs
• Community service opportunities

Southern Bancorp is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

As a Community Development Financial Institution, Southern Bancorp desires its workforce to reflect the diversity of the customers and communities that we serve. Racial and ethnic minorities, people from working class backgrounds, women and LGBTQ people are often underrepresented in many financial service industry professions.