Controller

National Life Insurance Company•Addison, TX

5d•Onsite

About The Position

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. Reporting directly to the Chief Accounting Officer, 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. The Controller will oversee the day to day for financial reporting, corporate accounting, investment accounting, and tax department. They will drive transparency and efficiency in all areas of the financial function, ensuring the company is compliant with Accounting Standards on both a GAAP and Statutory basis. The incumbent will often represent the organization in interactions with state insurance regulators, outside counsel, auditors, the NLG board, peer companies and industry groups. In addition to ensuring accounting integrity, the Controller will lead the modernization of the accounting function through intelligent automation, advanced analytics, and AI-enabled financial processes. This role will champion the transformation of finance into a data-driven, technology-forward organization. This role is expected to serve as a catalyst for building a next-generation finance organization, leveraging advanced technology to create a scalable, intelligent, and resilient accounting function.

Requirements

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.
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
Love of learning – 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
Demonstrates transparent, direct, and open communication across the organization
Promotes collaboration
Curiosity about emerging technologies and their application in regulated environments
Bias toward innovation and experimentation within strong governance frameworks
Ability to balance regulatory discipline with technological advancement
Commitment to our vision, mission, and values

Nice To Haves

CPA or other relevant certifications preferred.
Big 4 Public Accounting experience considered a plus.
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).
Demonstrated ability to deploy generative AI tools to enhance reporting, audit support, and regulatory documentation processes is also considered a strong plus.

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.
Coordinate and manage 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.