OceanFirst Bank Selects its Next SVP, Corporate Controller
April 2025 – Smith & Wilkinson was retained by $14B OceanFirst Bank to lead the executive search for its next SVP, Corporate Controller. OceanFirst sought a seasoned accounting executive to lead all aspects of external reporting, technical accounting, regulatory reporting, tax oversight, internal controls, and acquisition-related accounting in support of the Bank’s continued growth.
Given OceanFirst’s public company profile and acquisitive history, the Bank required a candidate with deep SEC reporting expertise, strong technical accounting acumen, and the ability to partner closely with executive leadership, auditors, and regulators. The role required hands-on leadership across 10-K and 10-Q filings, regulatory reporting, purchase accounting, SOX 404 compliance, and the implementation of new accounting standards, along with oversight of the tax provision and compliance process.
Smith & Wilkinson conducted a targeted market search, focusing on senior accounting leaders within public accounting and publicly traded financial institutions who combined technical depth with operational leadership and integration experience. After a comprehensive review of the market, Matt Boyer was selected for the role.
Boyer joins OceanFirst from Ernst & Young’s Financial Accounting Advisory Services practice, where he most recently served as Senior Manager. Over the course of his career, he has led and supported numerous SEC reporting and capital markets readiness engagements. He brings significant experience interpreting and implementing complex SEC and US GAAP requirements, managing accounting and reporting considerations for large regional banks, advising on acquisition accounting and finance integration initiatives, and leading SOX and controls-focused transformation efforts. A CPA licensed in New York and New Jersey, Boyer combines technical rigor with strong leadership and project execution skills, positioning him well to serve as OceanFirst’s SVP, Corporate Controller and support the Bank’s ongoing growth and regulatory discipline.
The OceanFirst Bank engagement was managed by Darcy Flaherty, Consultant.
About OceanFirst Bank
OceanFirst Bank is one of the largest regional banks providing financial services throughout New Jersey and in the metropolitan markets of Philadelphia, New York, Baltimore, and Boston. They are focused on what they believe is most important: building long-term relationships with customers and giving back to the communities they serve.
OceanFirst was established in 1902 as the Point Pleasant Building and Loan Association. In 1996 OceanFirst completed an initial public offering (IPO) creating OceanFirst Financial Corp. (NASDAQ: OCFC). OceanFirst has grown organically and through several whole bank acquisitions and the team continues to build relationships with families and businesses in the local communities.
About Smith & Wilkinson
For over 25 years, Smith & Wilkinson has been a trusted executive search and talent advisory partner. Our Financial Services team serves banks, credit unions, service providers, associations, nonbank lenders, financial technology companies, community and economic development organizations, and government-sponsored enterprises in attracting, promoting, and retaining senior leaders who drive long-term business success.
Our financial services executive search work includes Board, C-suite, and Director level engagements across executive leadership, strategy, risk, finance, operations, lending, technology, and wealth management, and more. With industry-leading market insight and a consultative approach, we provide both clients and candidates with exceptional visibility into today’s evolving talent landscape.
Looking to fill a leadership role similar to this position? Please contact us to learn more about partnering with Smith & Wilkinson’s Financial Services executive search team to attract, promote, and retain the talent your organization needs to grow and compete.