Controller, Chief Accounting Officer

Summary

Join Horace Mann as their Controller and Chief Accounting Officer (CAO), a critical leadership role overseeing accounting, financial reporting, controls, and financial systems of a publicly traded company. Ensure compliance with SEC regulations, SOX, US GAAP, and statutory accounting. Collaborate with executive leadership to align accounting operations with strategic goals and advise on financial risks and opportunities. Lead a high-performing team, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement. Drive initiatives to modernize financial systems and processes. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in public company accounting and a strong understanding of US GAAP, SEC reporting, and SOX compliance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required
• CPA designation required
• 15+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including leadership roles in publicly traded companies
• Strong expertise in US GAAP, SEC reporting, and SOX compliance
• Exceptional technical accounting knowledge and analytical skills
• Proven ability to lead financial reporting and regulatory compliance for publicly traded entities
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities with a focus on talent development
• Advanced proficiency in financial systems (e.g., Workday) and SEC reporting tools (Workiva)
• High integrity and ethical standards
• Strategic thinker with the ability to execute at both tactical and strategic levels
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to interact effectively with executive leadership, the board of directors, and external stakeholders

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and filing of accurate and timely SEC filings, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, FOCUS and other required disclosures
• Ensure compliance with US GAAP, SOX, Statutory and other regulatory requirements (SEC, FINRA and DOI) applicable to publicly traded insurance companies
• Monitor changes in GAAP and Statutory accounting standards and SEC regulations, and implement necessary adjustments to policies and procedures
• Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, chart of accounts and data sets
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial records and reporting systems, including financial data environment and reporting
• Direct monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes to produce reliable financial statements
• Accounts payable, broker dealer, retirement plans, reinsurance accounting
• Coordination of external audits and regulatory exams
• All direct and indirect tax compliance, filings and payments, including Federal and State income and premium taxes
• Strategic tax planning and partnership with Treasurer / Chief Investment Officer
• Oversight over unclaimed property process
• Design, implement, and maintain a robust internal control environment in compliance with SOX and MAR requirements
• Lead initiatives to assess and enhance internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR)
• Collaborate with internal and external auditors to address audit findings and ensure successful audit outcomes
• Partner with the CFO and other senior leaders to develop and execute corporate strategies, including budgeting, forecasting, and long-term planning
• Play a critical role in financial due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing accounting and financial reporting team
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement within the accounting function
• Drive initiatives to modernize and optimize financial systems and processes to improve efficiency and scalability
• Oversee the implementation and integration of financial technologies to support business growth and compliance

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience interacting with Board of Directors of a publicly traded company desired
• Experience managing complex accounting operations in a dynamic environment, preferably within insurance, financial services, etc

Benefits

Salary is commensurate to experience, location, etc