Why Work at Bank First
At Bank First, we’re not just a bank—we’re a community. Consistently ranked among the top-performing banks in the U.S. and Wisconsin, and recognized by American Banker as one of the “Best Banks to Work For”. We combine professional excellence with a culture that truly values people. When you join Bank First, you’re joining a team that invests in your growth, supports your well-being, and celebrates your contributions.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
Imagine a workplace where:
- Your career growth is supported through training, mentoring, and advancement opportunities
- Flexibility allows you to balance work and life without compromise
- Your contributions directly impact guests and communities you care about
- You’re part of a culture built on respect, collaboration, and empowerment
At Bank First, you don’t just fill a role—you make a difference. Every interaction matters, and every team member helps shape the experience our guests love.
About the Role: Controller
The Controller is responsible for leading the Bank's accounting and financial reporting functions while ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of financial information. This position oversees general accounting, financial reporting, internal controls, regulatory reporting support, audit coordination, and accounting policy governance. The Controller partners closely with SVP-Finance, executive leadership, business unit leaders, Risk Management, Compliance, Internal Audit, and external auditors to support strategic decision-making and maintain a strong control environment. The role is responsible for advancing process improvement initiatives, automation, and operational excellence across the Finance Department.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the accounting and financial reporting functions, ensuring accurate and timely financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, regulatory requirements, and Bank First accounting policies.
- Oversee month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes, accounting operations, reconciliations, and financial reporting activities.
- Maintain and enhance internal controls over financial reporting, including control documentation, testing support, and remediation efforts.
- Coordinate internal and external audits and Finance-related compliance activities.
- Provide technical accounting guidance on new products, business initiatives, acquisitions, and complex transactions.
- Drive process improvements, automation initiatives, and operational efficiencies across Finance functions.
- Maintain accounting policies, procedures, and governance practices that support a strong control environment.
- Support Bank First's mission, values, and commitment to exceptional service while fostering a culture of operational excellence.
#INDBF
QualificationsWhat We’re Looking For
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field.
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
- Minimum 10 years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership responsibilities.
- Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting, internal controls, and banking operations.
- Experience overseeing month-end close, financial statement preparation, audits, and regulatory interactions.
- Proven leadership, team development, and project management skills.
- Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
Preferred
- Experience within a regulated banking or financial services environment.
- Experience with regulatory reporting and bank examinations.
- Prior interaction with federal and state banking regulators.
- Experience leading accounting system implementations, automation projects, or process transformation initiatives.
- MBA, master’s in accounting, or other advanced degree.
About Bank First
Headquartered in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, Bank First serves communities across Wisconsin and the Illinois Stateline region. Our growth is built on relationship-based banking—getting to know our guests personally and helping them create lasting value.
Our Culture & Vision
We foster curiosity, creativity, and responsiveness while embracing individual differences. Employees are empowered with tools to succeed and supported in their careers. Our vision is to remain the top-performing, independent provider of financial services, delivering personalized solutions and value to guests and communities alike.
Our Values
Relationship Based | Community Focused | Innovative Solutions | Value Driven
Join Bank First and build a career where your contributions matter, your growth is supported, and your work makes a difference every single day.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Minimum 10 years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership responsibilities
- Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting, internal controls, and banking operations
- Experience overseeing month-end close, financial statement preparation, audits, and regulatory interactions
- Proven leadership, team development, and project management skills
- Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving abilities
- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
- Experience within a regulated banking or financial services environment
- Experience with regulatory reporting and bank examinations; prior interaction with federal and state banking regulators
- Experience leading accounting system implementations, automation projects, or process transformation initiatives
- MBA, master's in accounting, or other advanced degree
What We Do
Bank First is headquartered in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Through a combination of acquisitions and de novo offices, our Bank has expanded to serve the financial needs of those throughout Wisconsin. Our growth has been achieved through our relationship-based model of banking. We take pride in knowing our customers on a personal level and working together to create value for themselves, their families, and the communities in which we live. As a result of our growth throughout the State of Wisconsin, our valued customers have access to an increased lending capacity, a wider range of products and services, an expanded branch network, and a larger team of bankers dedicated to providing superior financial solutions that are value driven. Bank First employs over 300 full-time equivalent staff and has been consistently named one of the best banks to work by American Banker. At Bank First, we strive for excellence, not only for our customers, but for our employees, community, and shareholders as well. Our focus on excellence has resulted in Bank First being recognized as one of the top performing banks in the United States. We are one of 26 banks in the country to be awarded the Raymond James Community Bankers Cup. The award recognizes the top 10% of community banks in the nation based on profitability, operational efficiency, and balance sheet metrics. Additionally, we have been recognized on the Keefe, Bruyette & Woods Bank Honor Roll. As Bank First looks to the future, we will continue to focus on our relationship-based model of banking and expanding our reach throughout the State of Wisconsin. Bank First will continue to expand through organic growth and in the form of de novo branches and strategic acquisitions in the coming years and is excited for the opportunity to provide superior products and services to a larger base. Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender.
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