Position Summary
The Corporate Controller of Accounting is a key member of the executive leadership team responsible for directing all accounting, financial reporting, and statutory compliance functions for the organization. This role ensures the integrity of financial data, adherence to insurance regulatory requirements, and alignment of accounting operations with the company's strategic objectives.
The Corporate Controller will lead a team that manages GAAP and statutory reporting, reinsurance accounting, premium and claims accounting, and the general ledger function, while also maintaining internal controls and supporting external auditors, actuaries, and state departments of insurance.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategy
- Provide strategic direction and executive oversight for all accounting functions to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant financial reporting.
- Serve as a trusted financial partner to executive leadership in evaluating business performance, capital strategy, and growth initiatives.
- Lead, develop, and mentor accounting staff; establish a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
- Collaborate with other departments (Underwriting, Claims, Actuarial, IT, and Operations) to align financial insights with operational goals.
Financial Reporting & Compliance
- Oversee preparation of GAAP and statutory financial statements, including quarterly and annual statements for submission to state Departments of Insurance (DOIs).
- Ensure compliance with all NAIC, DOI, and other regulatory reporting requirements.
- Manage coordination of annual audits (external CPA firm) and examinations (state regulators).
- Oversee quarterly and annual Schedule P, Schedule T, and related statutory schedules for workers' compensation reporting.
Operational Accounting
- Direct general ledger operations, accounts payable, payroll, and investment accounting.
- Supervise premium billing and collections, claims disbursements, reinsurance settlements, and related accrual processes.
- Ensure timely and accurate monthly close process and reconciliation of all balance sheet accounts.
- Oversee reinsurance accounting for ceded and assumed arrangements, including premium, loss, and commission entries.
Controls & Risk Management
- Maintain and continuously enhance the company's internal control framework to ensure compliance with SOX-like standards and Model Audit Rule (MAR) requirements.
- Develop and enforce accounting policies and procedures consistent with insurance statutory guidance and company goals.
- Partner with enterprise risk management (ERM) to identify and mitigate financial risks.
Systems & Process Improvement
- Lead modernization efforts across accounting systems to improve automation, reporting accuracy, and efficiency.
- Oversee the use of financial systems, ERP tools, and reporting software to support dynamic, data-driven management.
- Collaborate with IT on system integrations, data quality, and reporting infrastructure.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; Master's degree or MBA preferred.
- 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including 5+ years in a leadership role within property & casualty or workers' compensation insurance.
- Strong understanding of statutory accounting principles (SAP), GAAP, and regulatory reporting standards.
- Prior experience managing teams, audits, and departmental budgets in a regulated financial services environment.
Technical Skills
- Deep understanding of insurance statutory accounting, reinsurance accounting, and investment reporting.
- Familiarity with NAIC reporting tools, SSAP, and MAR frameworks.
- Advanced proficiency with Excel, ERP/GL systems (e.g., QBO).
- Experience with automation tools or data integration platforms a plus.
Leadership Attributes
- Strategic thinker with hands-on execution capability.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Excellent communication skills, capable of presenting financial results to executive and board-level audiences.
- Integrity, discretion, and commitment to transparency and compliance.
Performance Metrics
- Accuracy and timeliness of GAAP/statutory financial reports.
- Audit results and examination findings.
- Staff retention and team performance metrics.
- Implementation of process efficiencies and automation initiatives.
- Alignment of accounting results with corporate performance targets.
