Corporate Controller

Job Description

Controller – Financial Services / Banking

Location: New York City

Industry: Banking / Financial Services

CPA Required | Big 4 Strongly Preferred

About the Opportunity

Madison Davis is partnering with a growing financial institution on a high-priority Controller search . This is a senior, high-visibility accounting leadership opportunity for an accomplished CPA with a strong Big 4 foundation and hands-on financial services experience.

Reporting directly to the Chief Accounting Officer, this individual will serve as a key leader within the controllership organization, taking ownership of day-to-day accounting operations, financial reporting, the monthly and quarterly close, and oversight of accounting staff.

The organization is seeking someone who can operate as a true second-in-command to the CAO, independently manage accounting deliverables, and take responsibility for the accounting function when senior leadership is unavailable.

Unlike traditional accounting roles within large financial institutions, this position offers broad exposure across the organization, direct interaction with executive leadership, and the opportunity to play a meaningful role in major systems and finance transformation initiatives.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious accounting professional looking to build toward a future Controller, Chief Accounting Officer, or CFO position .

Key Responsibilities

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• Lead and oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
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• Take direct ownership of financial reporting, general ledger activities, account reconciliations, and accounting deliverables.
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• Manage, mentor, and review the work of accounting professionals, ensuring accuracy, accountability, and timely execution.
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• Serve as a key partner and operational second-in-command to the Chief Accounting Officer.
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• Oversee accounting activities across financial products and balance sheet areas, including loans, deposits, securities, and other financial instruments.
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• Coordinate with external auditors and maintain a strong internal control environment.
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• Support regulatory reporting requirements, including Call Reports.
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• Research and resolve technical accounting matters under U.S. GAAP.
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• Partner with Technology, Operations, Risk, and senior leadership on accounting process improvements.
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• Play a leadership role in upcoming accounting systems implementations and broader finance transformation initiatives.
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• Identify opportunities to strengthen controls, improve efficiencies, and automate accounting processes.
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Qualifications

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• CPA required – candidates who have passed all four sections and are completing licensing requirements may be considered.
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• Big 4 public accounting experience strongly preferred , particularly within Financial Services Audit.
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• Approximately 8–12+ years of progressive accounting experience preferred.
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• Strong background within banking, financial institutions, or broader financial services.
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• Ideally combines Big 4 public accounting experience with hands-on corporate accounting or controllership experience.
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• Demonstrated ownership of monthly and quarterly close processes, financial reporting, and general ledger operations.
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• Experience managing or supervising accounting staff, ideally teams of 2–5 professionals.
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• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, technical accounting, financial reporting, and internal controls.
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• Proven ability to independently manage accounting deliverables rather than simply contribute within a larger accounting organization.
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• Strong communication skills and ability to work directly with senior financial leadership.
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• Ambition to continue progressing toward a Controller, CAO, or CFO-level position.
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Why Consider This Opportunity?

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• Leadership & Ownership: Serve as a key accounting leader with real operational responsibility.
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• Direct CAO Exposure: Work closely with an experienced financial services accounting executive.
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• Career Advancement: Position yourself for continued progression toward Controller, CAO, or CFO.
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• Broad Financial Services Exposure: Gain visibility across the institution's accounting, products, operations, and financial infrastructure.
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• Transformation Initiatives: Help lead major systems modernization and accounting process improvements.
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• Meaningful Impact: Join a midsized institution where your contributions will be visible and directly influence the accounting organization.
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Interested?

If you're a Big 4-trained CPA with financial services experience who is ready to take greater ownership of an accounting function and continue advancing your career, we'd welcome a confidential conversation.

Apply directly or reach out to Madison Davis for additional information.