Controller

Role Summary

The Controller is a senior finance leader responsible for enterprise-wide accounting integrity, consolidated financial reporting and oversight of all finance operations, and the modernization of the accounting function. This role serves as the operational finance leader of the organization, ensuring financial accuracy, internal control strength, and disciplined financial execution across the entire organization including compliance with regulatory standards as well as being a key architect of a next generation, data driven accounting organization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee preparation and timely delivery of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements under U.S. GAAP and Statutory accounting (NAIC).
• Lead the preparation and filing of Annual and Quarterly Statements, including all required supplements.
• Oversee accounting for insurance reserves, DAC, reinsurance transactions, investments, derivatives, and embedded features within Life and Annuity products.
• Manage general ledger integrity, chart of accounts, and accounting policy governance.
• Oversee month-end and year-end close processes to ensure accurate financial data.
• Lead enterprise accounting governance, including regulatory compliance, Model Audit Rule adherence, internal controls, and coordination of external audits and state examinations.
• Cook up audits with external auditors, state regulators, and internal audit teams to ensure smooth financial examination processes.
• Develop and enhance financial policies, procedures, and workflow automation to drive efficiency and effectiveness in financial reporting, aligning with CFO strategic goals.
• Build and develop a high-performing accounting organization, establishing succession pipelines and elevating technical and leadership capabilities across the function
• Lead the integration of AI, machine learning, and automation into accounting and reporting processes to improve speed, accuracy, and insight.
• Partner with Technology and Data teams to modernize financial systems architecture and data governance.
• Identify opportunities to deploy predictive analytics in areas such as reserving analysis, investment reporting, close acceleration, and regulatory compliance monitoring.
• Champion intelligent workflow automation across month-end close, reconciliations, journal entry review, and audit support.
• Develop a roadmap for AI-enabled financial reporting and internal control monitoring.
• Collaborate with leaders across the company to build a world class financial organization.
• Support M&A activities, due diligence, and integration efforts as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting required (CPA or other relevant certifications preferred).
• Minimum of 15 years financial services industry accounting experience. Life insurance industry experience strongly preferred.
• Big 4 Public Accounting experience considered a plus.
• Very strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, SAP, and regulatory reporting requirements for insurance companies (LDTI, RBC, Reinsurance, Investment portfolio complexity)
• Experience working with insurance-specific financial systems and software (e.g., Workday, Oracle, SAP, or other ERP systems).
• Inspirational leadership, coaching and a strong track record of developing talent.
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally and influence key stakeholders.
• Experience leading digital transformation or finance automation initiatives a strong plus.
• Familiarity with AI-enabled finance tools (e.g., intelligent close automation, anomaly detection, NLP-based reporting, predictive analytics platforms).
• Strong understanding of data architecture, data governance, and integration across ERP and actuarial systems.
• Comfort working with data science teams and translating financial requirements into analytical models.
• Experience leveraging automation tools (RPA, workflow orchestration, AI copilots) within accounting processes.
• Demonstrated ability to deploy generative AI tools to enhance reporting, audit support, and regulatory documentation processes is also considered a strong plus.

Cultural Fit

• Results-driven mindset, while always keeping in mind, how does this impact the policy holder
• Thrives in an environment where the best ideas that drive the best results are rewarded
• Loves to learn – comfortable in an organization that seeks to continually learn from its failures and successes to drive better investment decisions
• Comfortable with ambiguity and the mentality required to address and ultimately own those ambiguous situations – finds answers and solutions
• Communicates transparently, directly, and openly across the organization
• Promotes collaboration
• Curious about emerging technologies and their application in regulated environments
• Bias toward innovation and experimentation within strong governance frameworks
• Balances regulatory discipline with technological advancement
• Data-driven decision-making mindset
• Commitment to our vision, mission, and values

AI Proficiency Expectations

• Leverage approved AI tools, where appropriate, to improve the efficiency, quality, and impact of their work.
• Stay curious and open to new AI-enabled ways of working.
• Exercise sound judgment by reviewing and validating AI-generated content.
• Maintain accountability for the accuracy, quality, fairness, and integrity of work products by adhering to National Life’s AI guiding principles.
• Use AI responsibly and in accordance with company policies related to confidentiality, data privacy, security, compliance, retention and intellectual property.

Benefits

Your benefits start day one and are flexible and customizable to your and your family’s specific needs. Check out the BENEFITS of a Career at National Life!

Salary Pay Range

$206,250 - $302,500 USD

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National Life Group
1 National Life Dr
Montpelier, VT 05604