Controller at First Entertainment Credit Union – Hollywood, California

First Entertainment Credit Union is looking for a motivated and forward-thinking Controller who will play an instrumental role in shaping our financial strategy while managing day-to-day accounting operations, financial reporting, fiscal controls, and compliance with GAAP, NCUA regulations, and other applicable regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate will guide and drive the departments priorities in alignment with the Credit Unions strategic objectives.

As the Controller, you will provide meaningful financial insights and recommendations to drive the Credit Unions growth while also ensuring the development and execution of effective strategies, planning and accurate reporting. You will lead our general accounting activities, including transaction recording, account classifications, and balance reconciliations, ensuring adherence to GAAP, and company policies. Your expertise will be important in bringing operational discipline as we prepare for future growth. This role ensures financial integrity, delivers timely and accurate financial information, and strengthens the Credit Unions financial management infrastructure. The Controller serves as a strategic partner to the CFO and contributes to enterprise-wide planning, risk management, and decision-support initiatives.

This is a full-time, hybrid opportunity based in Hollywood, CA and reports to the CFO. The targeted pay in California is between $135,000 and $165,000.

Enhance, implement and maintain scalable accounting software systems, applications or processes to support accurate reporting, operational efficiency, compliance with regulations and solidify the culture of financial ownership and responsibility across business units for better financial representation.

Serve as an additional point of contact for external auditors, examiners, and compliance reviewers.

Collaborate with CFO to support variance analysis and financial planning and performance monitoring to support decision making and resource allocation.

Develop, implement and maintain effective internal controls and accounting policies.

Oversee all aspects of accounting operations functions, including general ledger management, journal entries, reconciliations, expense report processing, invoices, accounts payables, fixed assets, investments accounting, loan accounting, tax, and month-end accrual processes.

Research and write technical accounting memos for compliance with GAAP and implement required actions to ensure quality control over financial transactions/financial reporting.

Compile regular and timely accounting reports, including for lease accounting, loan origination cost studies, and mortgage servicing rights valuations.

Ensure accurate and timely accounting integration with reporting and forecasting software tool (ProfitStars).

Oversee the preparation of all regulatory filings, including quarterly NCUA 5300 Call reports, state regulatory reports (DFPI), and other required local, state and federal government filings. Monitor and interpret regulatory changes affecting financial reporting and accounting practices.

Serve as an active and engaged member of the Senior Leadership Team, serving members, controlling risk and managing the day-to-day operations of the Credit Union.

Lead tax planning, preparation, and compliance activities; partner with external auditors to ensure timely completion.

Develop and analyze KPIs to gauge the success of the team. Backed by data, make informed decisions to enhance overall performance and contribute to business goals.

Exercise exceptional leadership and coaching skills to build and develop a high-performing team.

Prepare schedules for board package, quarterly business review and planning material and ad-hoc reports to the Senior Leadership Team.

Lead, develop, and mentor a high-performing accounting team with a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Foster cross-functional collaboration with Finance, Lending Operations, Technology, and other business units.

Support strategic initiatives including digital transformation, core conversions, and system integrations.

Bachelors degree in accounting, finance, or a related field required.

CPA or CFA highly preferred.

At least 7+ years of progressive accounting/ finance experience, ideally with credit union, banking or financial services industry.

At least 3 years of people leadership/managerial experience.

Deep knowledge of U.S. GAAP, regulatory reporting, and credit union accounting standards.

Proficiency with financial systems and data tools, such as ProfitStars, nCino, Symitar and Concur.

In-depth knowledge of credit union regulations and compliance including NCUA, Federal Reserve and other regulatory bodies.

Strong leadership, team development and communication skills.

Strong at analyzing information and problem solving with excellent attention to detail.

Proficiency in MS Office Suite products. Exceptional command of Excel is required.