Corporate Controller

Oliver James is proud to partner with a top-ranked, Ward's 50 insurance carrier in the search for a Corporate Controller. This high-impact leadership role oversees key accounting functions including GAAP reporting, consolidations, investment accounting, and cash flow management. Ideal candidates bring 10+ years of experience, a strong technical foundation, and a roll-up-your-sleeves approach. CPA preferred; insurance or financial services experience strongly valued.

Job Summary:

We're partnering with a top-tier insurance carrier to hire an AVP, Controller to lead critical financial operations at the corporate level. This role oversees core accounting areas including GAAP reporting, consolidations, investment accounting, operational accounting and special projects. Ideal candidates are hands-on leaders with deep technical expertise, exceptional problem-solving ability, and experience managing teams in complex environments.

The role supports timely and accurate financial reporting and assists the Chief Accounting Officer in ensuring all quarter-end and year-end close activities are completed efficiently and in compliance with both GAAP and statutory accounting standards. This individual will also serve as a mentor and coach, guiding less experienced staff by fostering professional development and building team capabilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Take full ownership of group and corporate accounting activities, ensuring adherence to accounting and financial reporting standards. This includes managing consolidations, intercompany transactions, cash flow, debt, and foreign exchange, while providing expert guidance on complex accounting matters.

• Oversee the general ledger and lead the quarterly close process, coordinating with corporate departments and subsidiaries to meet deadlines and ensure timely report preparation.

• Review and approve journal entries, account reconciliations, and other accounting tasks, maintaining accuracy and compliance with GAAP and regulatory requirements.

• Manage the corporate accounts payable function, ensuring efficient and accurate processing.

• Lead the investment accounting team and collaborate closely with investment management to align accounting practices.

• Drive the development and maintenance of general ledger and reporting systems, playing a key role in ongoing finance transformation efforts.

• Deliver technical accounting expertise and financial analysis to support critical group functions such as investment advisory, capital modeling, and equity compensation.

• Partner with business leaders across treasury, tax, FP&A, and risk management to assess the financial impact of key transactions, including acquisitions and capital market activities.

• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements for U.S.-based insurance subsidiaries.

• Support Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting and compliance initiatives, aligning with corporate sustainability goals.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting (MBA is a plus)

• Minimum 10 years of progressive accounting experience

• CPA strongly preferred

• Strong understanding of GAAP; experience with statutory accounting a plus

• Background in insurance, financial services, or banking

• Proven leadership and team management skills

• Comfortable working through ambiguity and decentralized structures

• Highly detail-oriented with excellent analytical and communication skills

• Must be a hands-on operator, not just a strategic leader

Work Environment & Benefits:

• Hybrid work model

• Competitive compensation and bonus package

• Equity participation and comprehensive benefits