Director, Operational Controller

Kemper • Chicago, IL

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Kemper is one of the nation’s leading specialized insurers. Our success is a direct reflection of the talented and diverse people who make a positive difference in the lives of our customers every day. We believe a high-performing culture, valuable opportunities for personal development and professional challenge, and a healthy work-life balance can be highly motivating and productive. Kemper’s products and services are making a real difference to our customers, who have unique and evolving needs. By joining our team, you are helping to provide an experience to our stakeholders that delivers on our promises. The Director, Operational Controller will drive Accounting and Finance department’s maximization of process efficiency, automation of manual processes, and improved speed-to-delivery though the leadership over critical accounting and finance initiatives.

Requirements

• BA/BS degree in Accounting
• At least 8 years of accounting/auditing experience (public and/or private)

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Workday Financials and Blackline are strong pluses

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for critical accounting and financial initiatives, with accountability for end-to-end outcomes, quality standards, risk mitigation, and delivery timelines across the accounting organization.
• Identify, assess, and resolve complex accounting operation, system and controllership matters balancing technical requirements, business objectives and risk considerations. Escalate to executive leadership only when strategic alignment or material risk decisions are required.
• Serve as a key leader accountable for the Accounting Data Flows initiative, alignment of accounting strategy, controls, governance framework and execution across multiple stakeholders to ensure accurate and compliant implementation and appropriate adoption of policies and procedures.
• Own strategic vendor governance for outsourced accounting operations, including vendor selection, performance management, service-level oversight, risk and control assessment, cost optimization and continuous improvement.
• Act as a trusted advisor and thought partner to senior leaders across Corporate, P&C, and Life, providing expert accounting guidance, resolving complex cross-entity issues, and influencing decisions with material enterprise financial impact.
• Build strong partnerships across the organization by communicating complex accounting and operational topics in a clear, tailored manner appropriate to varied audiences, roles, and levels of expertise.
• Lead the continuous evolution of accounting policies, procedures, and operating models to support regulatory compliance, overall effectiveness, audit readiness, and long-term business strategy.
• Responsible for the effective implementation of changes to accounting policy and procedure throughout the company.

Benefits

• Qualify for your choice of health and dental plans within your first month.
• Save for your future with robust 401(k) match, Health Spending Accounts and various retirement plans.
• Learn and Grow with our Tuition Assistance Program, paid certifications and continuing education programs.
• Contribute to your community through United Way and volunteer programs.
• Balance your life with generous paid time off and business casual dress.
• Get employee discounts for shopping, dining and travel through Kemper Perks.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees