Regional Controller

First for a reason:

At First Student, we are a family of 60,000+ employees who take pride in safely transporting more than 5 million students and passengers to and from their destinations each day! Our family of brands include Transco, Total Transportation, Maggies Paratransit, and GVC II. Our employees are at the forefront of safety and innovation; they create and implement the most advanced training and technology the transportation industry has to offer.

The Regional Controller will oversee the financial management and reporting for two key regions, each consisting of multiple locations. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, compliance with company policies, and support for operational leaders. The Regional Controller will work closely with the Region Finance Director, local site managers and senior management to provide financial insights, drive cost control initiatives, and optimize financial performance across all locations in the assigned regions.

Major Responsibilities

• Financial Reporting & Analysis:
  • Work with the Region Finance Director and Local Managers to record revenues based on contractual requirements.
  • Complete various activities and related journal entries for month-end close including fuel and expense accruals.
  • Work with payroll team and operations to ensure accurate payroll reporting and accruals at month-end
  • Work with operations and accounts payable to ensure timely expense recognition and clearance of GRNI.
  • Oversee the preparation of accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for all locations in the assigned regions.
  • Consolidate financial results from multiple locations and ensure compliance with accounting standards and company policies.
• Internal Controls & Compliance:
  • Ensure compliance with all internal controls, accounting policies, and local regulations for each region.
  • Conduct periodic audits of financial records and transactions to ensure accuracy and adherence to company standards.
  • Implement and monitor robust financial systems and procedures to safeguard company assets.
• Cost Management & Efficiency:
  • Identify opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiencies across the location and regions.
  • Collaborate with local leadership to develop strategies for reducing expenses without compromising service or operational effectiveness.
  • Provide financial guidance on capital expenditures, helping to prioritize investments based on ROI and long-term business objectives.
• Team Leadership & Development:
  • Manage and mentor a team of financial professionals across multiple locations within the regions.
  • Foster a collaborative environment to ensure high performance and continuous development within the finance team.
  • Provide training and support to local finance teams, ensuring consistency and adherence to financial processes across all regions.
• Strategic Partnership:
  • Serve as a strategic partner to regional operations leaders, offering financial insight and guidance to improve business performance.
  • Support decision-making by providing financial analysis on key initiatives, business development opportunities, and capital projects.
  • Partner with corporate finance teams to align regional objectives with overall company strategy.
• Ad Hoc Projects:
  • Lead or participate in special financial projects, acquisitions, integrations, or system implementations as required.
  • Assist in the implementation of new financial systems or improvements to existing processes.

Minimum Education or Certifications Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA or MBA is a plus.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in accounting or finance, including at least 3 years in a managerial or regional finance leadership role.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, financial reporting, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience working across multiple locations or regions and managing a diverse team.
• Proven track record of driving financial performance improvements and cost savings initiatives.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to communicate complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
• Advanced proficiency with financial software (e.g., ERP systems, Microsoft Excel) and a general understanding of business intelligence tools.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Minimum Experience or Skills Required

• At least eight to ten years’ experience in all aspects of accounting and be well versed in issues encountered by controller.
• Displays the ability to inspire, motivate, and influence others to achieve goals and objectives.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Exceptional analytical and problem solving abilities.
• Ability to work and interact with departments throughout the organization.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient knowledge of Excel and Word.

This role may require up to 20% travel between locations within the regions.

In the state of Washington, all technician and driving positions, including but not limited to van drivers and any other position requiring employees to drive a company-owned vehicle, are considered safety-sensitive and are therefore subject to drug and alcohol testing, including cannabis.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. First is also committed to providing a drug-free workplace. First will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, and any other fair chance law. Philadelphia’s Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Ordinance Poster is at this link or upon request https://www.phila.gov/media/20210423160847/Fair-Chance-Hiring-law-poster.pdf.