System Controller

System Controller
Bristol Health
Bristol, Connecticut

Kirby Bates Associates has been exclusively retained by Bristol Health to conduct a search for their next System Controller.

The Controller provides enterprise-wide financial leadership for Bristol Hospital and Healthcare Group, overseeing accounting operations, internal controls, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cash management, audits, and cost reporting across a complex healthcare system. This role ensures the integrity of financial data, compliance with GAAP and regulatory requirements, and the strength of internal controls, while serving as a key partner to executive leadership in financial planning, scenario analysis, and long-term sustainability. The Controller also leads and develops the accounting team, building bench strength and advancing financial discipline across the organization.

Opportunity Highlights:

  • Enterprise financial stewardship: Owns internal controls, general accounting, audits, cost reports, and cash management for a multi-entity health system.
  • Strategic financial partner: Leads budgeting, rolling forecasts, scenario planning, and bondholder reporting in collaboration with executive leadership.
  • Culture and community: The organizational culture is strongly family-oriented, extremely community-based with extensive partnerships and volunteer work.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s and a master’s degree in relevant fields required. CPA preferred.
  • Minimum of 10 years of progressive acute care hospital finance experience.
  • Deep expertise in general accounting, AP, fixed assets, cost accounting, audits, and cost reports.
  • Strong knowledge of GAAP, healthcare reimbursement, and regulatory requirements.
  • Demonstrated experience with budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and capital/financing structures.
  • Proven ability to design and enforce enterprise-wide internal controls.
  • Advanced proficiency with spreadsheets and financial systems/databases.
  • Track record of ethical financial leadership, sound judgment, and operational rigor.
  • Clear understanding of healthcare industry trends with the ability to anticipate financial risks and opportunities including M&A activity.

EEO Statement
Kirby Bates Associates is an EEO/AA Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, national origin, age, disability or protected veteran status. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all of our associates.