Controller

Shepherd Insurance • Carmel, IN

4d

About The Position

Shepherd Insurance is a privately owned insurance agency that has delivered risk management solutions since 1977 and is among the largest independent agencies in the country. The Controller oversees the agency’s accounting, financial reporting, revenue operations, and internal controls. This role manages the accounting team and ensures accurate reporting, strong financial controls, and effective financial operations. The Controller leads close and reconciliation processes and works with the CFO, Director of Finance, and agency leadership to support financial strategy and operational decisions. The role also provides strategic recommendations to support profitability, operational efficiency, and agency growth.

Requirements

• Strong people management skills to cultivate and grow the team, and strong communication skills.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, financial reporting, and internal controls; described as preferred.
• Ability to manage deadlines and multiple priorities.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, and accounting systems or software such as QuickBooks.
• Ability to travel to acquired organizations and offices as needed.
• 8+ years of progressive accounting or finance experience.
• 2+ years in a supervisory or managerial role, described as preferred.
• Experience in insurance, financial services, or a related field is preferred.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is preferred.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Two or more years in a supervisory or managerial role, preferably in insurance, financial services, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Oversee close processes and ensure timely, accurate financial statements.
• Manage day-to-day accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, and accounts receivable.
• Prepare and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Oversee agency bill and direct bill accounting processes to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with carrier requirements.
• Manage agency-billed receivables, collections, premium financing activity, and carrier payables.
• Review and reconcile direct bill commission statements, carrier-produced statements, and related revenue recognition.
• Establish and monitor internal controls related to premium collections, disbursements, and fiduciary funds.
• Collaborate with operations and service teams to resolve billing discrepancies, policy adjustments, cancellations, and carrier disputes.
• Analyze agency bill performance, cash flow impacts, and collection trends to improve operational efficiency and profitability.
• Support acquisition, integration, and due diligence activities as applicable.
• Support external audits, tax preparation activities, and regulatory reporting.
• Manage relationships with external auditors, banks, the capital partner, tax advisors, and insurance carriers.
• Identify opportunities for accounting process improvements, automation, and increased operational efficiency.
• Lead, mentor, and develop accounting team members; establish performance expectations and accountability measures.
• Foster a culture of accuracy, service, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with operations leadership to strengthen financial and operational performance.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager