FVP, Assistant Controller - Accounting Operations

Job Description

Posted Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 8:00 AM

People Drive Our Success

Are you enthusiastic, highly motivated, and have a strong work ethic? If yes, come join our team! At Cathay Bank – we strive to provide a caring culture that supports your aspirations and success. We believe people are our most valuable asset and we proudly foster growth and development empowering you to achieve your professional goals. We have thrived for 60 years and persevered through many economic cycles due to our team members’ drive and optimism.

Together we can make a difference in the financial future of our communities.

The Assistant Controller – Accounting Operations is a key leader within the Finance organization, responsible for overseeing the Cathay’s core accounting functions and ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the financial close process. This role manages day‑to‑day accounting operations, leads the general ledger and reconciliation framework, and drives continuous improvement in processes and controls.

DIRECT REPORTS

The position will manage a team.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Lead and manage period-end close processes, ensuring timely, accurate, and well‑controlled financial results.
• Oversee the general ledger, including review and approval of journal entries, accruals, and reconciliations.
• Own the reconciliation framework for key balance sheet accounts, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and timely resolution of discrepancies.
• Review and approve accounting activity across operational areas such as loans, deposits, investments, fixed assets, prepaid assets, and other core financial statement categories.
• Oversee subledger integrity and ensure proper integration between operational systems and the general ledger.
• Prepare monthly internal financial reporting packages and provide meaningful analysis and insights to management.
• Maintain and enhance internal controls over accounting operations, supporting SOX compliance and remediation efforts.
• Partner with Treasury, Credit, Operations, and Risk teams to ensure accurate accounting for loan activity, deposits, investments, derivatives, and other financial instruments.
• Lead monthly lease accounting processes and support CDI and solar ITC impairment analyses.
• Oversee accounting and reporting for the Bank’s subsidiaries, ensuring proper consolidation and documentation.
• Support system governance for accounting platforms, including GL configuration, integration testing, and process automation initiatives.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and control within accounting operations.
• Coordinate with internal and external auditors, preparing and reviewing requested documentation.
• Lead, mentor, and develop accounting staff by setting goals, managing performance, and providing ongoing training and support.
• Serve as a key backup to the Corporate Controller for operational accounting responsibilities and leadership coverage.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance.
• Experience:
  
  7-10 years of progressive accounting experience with including financial close and general ledger oversight. Team management experience required. Banking and/or public accounting experience is highly preferred.
• Skills/Ability:
  Advanced knowledge of Excel and experience with People Soft GL, and IBS is highly preferred. Must be organized, detail and deadline oriented, be able to plan and prioritize, have strong verbal and written communication skills and be responsible and self‑motivated.

OTHER DETAILS

$150k – $190k / year
Pay determined based on job‑related knowledge, skills, experience, and location.
This position may be eligible for a discretionary bonus.

Cathay Bank offers its full‑time employees a competitive benefits package which is a significant part of their total compensation. It is our goal to provide employees with a comprehensive benefits package to fit their needs which includes, coverage for medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, long‑term disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts (FSAs), health saving account (HSA) with company contributions, voluntary coverages, and 401(k).

Cathay Bank may…