Controller

About BrightStar

As a member of BrightStar Credit Union, you'll join a dynamic company culture and purpose-driven organization that focuses on its employees and members. We offer excellent benefits, advanced opportunities, and exceptional training. Founded in 1946 as a community-based credit union focusing on educators, we expanded to serve 23 counties across Florida. As a Trusted Advisor, BrightStar offers a diverse range of financial services and opportunities. BrightStar Credit Union is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone has a chance to succeed and a sense of belonging. Our work environment is fun, fast-paced, and service-oriented.

What we offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• 401K Plan with Matching
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Supplemental Benefits
• Engagement Area
• Wellness Studio & Gym
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Health Savings Account with Company Contributions

About the Role:

The Controller is a key leadership position responsible for overseeing the accounting operations of the credit union. This role ensures the integrity of financial reporting in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), regulatory compliance including NCUA Call Reports, and 990 tax filing. The Controller must demonstrate exceptional analytical skills and the ability to untangle complex accounting issues, offering sound recommendations to executive management.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

• Oversee the daily operations of the Accounting Department, including general ledger, accounts payable, fixed assets, and accruals.
• Prepare or oversee the preparation of financial statements, Call Reports, 990 tax filings, and accounting records in compliance with GAAP.
• Manage CECL model inputs and outputs, ensure data integrity, and coordinate with external model provider.
• Coordinate year-end audits and regulatory examinations.
• Analyze and resolve complex accounting issues and recommend appropriate treatments.
• Provide technical accounting guidance and serve as a resource for other departments.
• Maintain and improve internal controls over financial reporting.
• Supervise, train, and develop accounting staff. Recommend promotions, transfers, and salary adjustments.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning activities with the VP of Finance.
• Participate in the formulation and execution of credit union policies and objectives.

Minimum Expectations of Knowledge and Skills:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field. CPA preferred.
• Seven or more years of progressive accounting experience, with prior experience in leadership or supervisory role.
• In-depth knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to interpret and present complex financial data.
• Proficiency in financial systems and accounting software; experience with ERP systems is a plus.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience within the financial services or banking sector is highly desirable.
  

Interpersonal Skills-

• A significant level of trust and diplomacy is required, in addition to normal courtesy and tact. Work involves extensive personal contact with others and is usually of a private or sensitive nature. Work may involve motivating or influencing others. Outside contacts become important and foster sound relationships with other entities (companies and individuals).

Other Skills:

• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills and be proficient with all Microsoft Office applications. Occasionally, this role will be required to assist and support other branch locations based on business needs.

Compliance:

Employees must uphold the credit union's compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money laundering policies and procedures. Specific functions with B.S.C.U. will consider the awareness of unusual or suspicious activity relevant to the department.

• In addition to any other assigned training courses, online B.S.A. and O.F.A.C. courses must be completed at least annually, as made available by the Training and Compliance Department.
• Maintains comprehensive knowledge of the Bank Secrecy Act, Customer Identification Program, U.S.A. Patriot Act, O.F.A.C., Fair Lending, and Credit Card Act.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally stand, stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee may occasionally lift and move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here represent those an employee encounters while performing this job's essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

BrightStar Credit Union is an Equal Opportunity Employer. BrightStar Credit Union is a Drug-Free Workplace