Controller

Position Summary

The Controller serves as the senior financial leader responsible for managing all aspects of the Accounting Department at West Ascension Parish Hospital, a small rural Critical Access Hospital in Donaldsonville, LA. This position reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and oversees the financial health and integrity of the hospital by ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting, budget development, revenue integrity, and strong internal controls.

The Controller provides direct leadership and oversight of Accounting Operations, Accounts Payable (AP), Accounts Receivable (AR), Budget Management, General Ledger (GL), Billing/Impact, Information Technology (IT), Audit & Internal Controls, and Investment Management. This role requires a hands-on leader who is adept at working in a mission-driven, resource-conscious environment and who can collaborate across departments to support operational excellence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

· Lead and manage all accounting functions including GL, AP, AR, payroll interface, and financial statement preparation.

· Direct the hospital’s budgeting process, including the annual budget, forecasting, and variance analysis.

· Ensure timely and accurate month-end and year-end close procedures.

· Oversee the hospital’s billing and reimbursement systems, including payer impact analysis and revenue optimization.

· Supervise the IT department to ensure integration and efficiency of key systems (ADP, AthenaHealth, and Sage).

· Coordinate and manage internal and external audits, ensuring compliance with GAAP, Medicare/Medicaid regulations, and critical access hospital requirements.

· Maintain and monitor internal control systems to protect hospital assets and ensure data integrity.

· Manage cash flow, capital planning, and investment portfolios to support the hospital’s short- and long-term financial strategies.

· Prepare and present monthly financial reports and dashboards for the CEO and Board of Commissioners.

· Provide leadership and mentorship to the accounting team, fostering accountability, professional growth, and process improvement.

· Serve as liaison with external partners including auditors, vendors, banks, and governmental entities.

· Remain current on healthcare financial regulations, reimbursement changes, and best practices relevant to rural healthcare.

Qualifications, Education & Certification:

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; Master’s degree or CPA designation strongly preferred.

Experience:

Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 3 years in a healthcare finance leadership role.
Experience in a critical access hospital or rural healthcare setting is highly desirable.

Skills & Competencies:

· Strong knowledge of GAAP, healthcare billing/reimbursement practices, and cost reporting.

· Proficient with ADP, AthenaHealth, and Sage accounting systems.

· Exceptional leadership, organizational, and communication skills.

· Ability to present complex financial data clearly and concisely to hospital leadership and the board.

· High ethical standards and commitment to fiscal transparency and stewardship.

· Strong analytical and strategic thinking capabilities with attention to detail.

Working Conditions

Primarily office-based with standard business hours. Occasional extended hours during audits or budget planning periods.
Regular interaction with hospital department leaders, staff, and board members.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Holidays
• Monday to Friday
• No weekends

Supplemental Pay:

• Bonus opportunities

Ability to Commute:

• Donaldsonville, LA 70346 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Donaldsonville, LA 70346: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Donaldsonville, LA 70346

Salary : $85,000