Director, Finance - Affinity

Gallagher•Rolling Meadows, IL

117d

About The Position

The Director, Finance – Affinity is a key member of the Specialty finance team and is accountable to the CFO and Head of Affinity. The position is responsible for all aspects of financial management for the Affinity division and supports the development and execution of strategic growth plans focused on sustainable growth. It also oversees adherence to regulatory requirements and reporting business performance to division and corporate stakeholders. The successful candidate builds relationships with key stakeholders and internal finance partners, leads with a forward-looking perspective, and communicates clearly, accurately, and decisively. The role uses data and analytics to inform business decisions and financial planning scenarios, while maintaining independence and objectivity. The position drives financial business partnering, analytics, performance management, and strategic planning. It leads finance professionals and is accountable for financial governance and controls, including budgets, forecasts, long-range planning, regulatory and SOX compliance, Gallagher GAAP reporting, and the accuracy of Affinity financial statements and accounting.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree.
8+ years of relevant experience.
5+ years of management experience.
FP&A, investment banking, or accounting background.
Strong analytical skills and business acumen.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Strong technical skills and broad-based knowledge of accounting principles.
In-depth understanding of operations, internal controls, and insurance carrier operations, including loss ratio assessment to properly record commission economics.
Thorough knowledge of best-practice financial procedures, processes, systems, and GAAP.
Superior organization and planning skills to meet strategic objectives and regulatory requirements.
Strong interpersonal, written, verbal, and presentation skills for interacting with division, finance, and corporate leaders.
Ability to identify underlying problems and patterns, maintain objectivity, and escalate key issues to senior management when appropriate.
Good organizational, planning, and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
Ability to maintain attention to detail while keeping sight of the broader picture.
Ability to assess, mentor, coach, train, and develop talent.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree, preferably in finance, accounting, or a related field.
At least 5 years of work experience at an insurance carrier.
Expertise in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

Build finance business-partnering capabilities and provide analytics to support strategic and sound business decisions.
Identify opportunities to expand revenue, improve margins, and reduce expenses.
Provide data, analytics, and KPI measures to optimize financial performance.
Identify business risks, challenges, and opportunities, and independently challenge management views on proposed investments and expense policy when necessary.
Prepare ad hoc reports and analytics for management and stakeholders, including information about issues through resolution.
Partner with senior management on strategic initiatives and monthly, quarterly, and annual performance goals.
Manage, develop, and recruit finance professionals as needed.
Deliver reviews and projects on time, within agreed budgets, and in accordance with Global Specialty finance team expectations.
Provide forward-looking insights into current, emerging, and potential opportunities and issues.
Ensure strong accounting and financial governance controls consistent with broader AJG Finance requirements.
Lead a team responsible for financial controls, budgets, forecasts, and long-range planning.
Monitor program spending against approved budgets, identify variances, and implement corrective actions.
Ensure regulatory and SOX compliance and adherence to internal Gallagher GAAP accounting and other reporting requirements.
Maintain the health and accuracy of Affinity financials, including the Profit and Loss statement, Balance Sheet, trade accounting, and ASC 606 revenue recognition accounting.
Partner collaboratively with division executives and identify and illustrate emerging areas of risk or opportunity.
Guide outcomes on key issues and present financial facts effectively to stakeholders and senior executives.
Own the financial status of Affinity, assume accountability, and drive results.
Manage multiple projects concurrently and improve process simplicity, efficiency, and productivity.
Foster teamwork, collaboration, career development, and continuous learning.
Assess, attract, retain, mentor, coach, train, and develop finance talent.
Champion Gallagher’s values and culture by exemplifying The Gallagher Way.