Controller at Brightway Insurance in Charlotte, NC

Job description

• The Controller will lead all accounting and financial reporting functions for Brightway Insurance, a leading, technology-driven private insurance distribution business that is scaling quickly and looking to potentially access the public markets in the coming years.
• This role is responsible for building and leading a best-in-class accounting organization, ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of the company’s financial statements, and establishing the financial infrastructure, controls, and policies required to support rapid growth and future public company readiness. The Controller will serve as the company’s technical accounting authority and a trusted strategic partner to the CFO and executive leadership team.
• In this role, you will design and drive scalable, efficient processes; implement strong internal controls aligned with SOX expectations; and deliver audit-ready financial reporting. You will play a critical leadership role in preparing the organization for a potential IPO or other strategic event, ensuring that the accounting function can meet the demands of increased complexity, scrutiny, and scale.

Responsibilities

• Financial Management & Reporting
• • Oversee the preparation, review, and consolidation of financial statements to ensure compliance with GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) and company policies.
• • Manage the month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring timely and accurate reporting of financial results. Drive continuous improvement in close efficiency and timeliness.
• • Develop and maintain financial reporting systems and dashboards to ensure reports meet the needs of senior management, the CFO, board of directors, and other stakeholders.
• • Design, test, and document internal controls in accordance with COSO framework principles. Ensure controls are audit-ready and support future SOX 404 compliance.
• • Monitor IT general controls, system access, and segregation of duties within accounting systems. Coordinate with IT and external auditors on control testing and remediation.
• • Ensure proper documentation and reporting of financial transactions, maintain accurate account reconciliations, and prevent errors or fraud.
• • Coordinate with external auditors and regulatory agencies to ensure timely and accurate audits and tax filings. Manage audit schedules and resolution of findings.
• Financial Analysis & Strategic Support
• • Partner with the FP&A team to drive understanding of results relative to budget and prior year. Provide actionable insights on budget variances and recommend corrective actions.
• • Monitor cash flow, liquidity position, and financial health of the company. Advise the CFO on financial risk management and capital allocation strategies.
• • Prepare financial packages and supporting commentary for board meetings and investor updates as needed.
• • Interface and collaborate with PE sponsors on financial metrics and business performance tracking.
• • Support M&A execution, integration and transaction accounting.
• Team Leadership, Development & Compliance
• • Build a high-performing, scalable accounting organization. Develop career paths and create opportunities for team growth in preparation for company scaling and potential public markets readiness.
• • Ensure compliance with tax regulations, legal requirements, and internal company policies. Oversee tax filings, audits, and regulatory compliance, ensuring adherence to deadlines and accuracy.
• • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of accounting regulations, industry trends, SOX requirements, and best practices. Drive continuous improvement in accounting processes and internal controls.
• • Develop and implement strategies to enhance the accounting team's efficiency, accuracy, and overall contribution to the business. Evaluate and implement AI and automation solutions thoughtfully, assessing ROI and change management needs.

Requirements

• · CPA required
• · 10 to 15+ years of progressive accounting experience, including senior leadership roles
• · Big 4 accounting firm experience required (Audit or Advisory track preferred)
• · Strong proficiency in accounting software and ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite)
• · Proven experience in a high-growth, complex environment
• · Leadership and team management skills, with the ability to mentor and develop a high-performing team
• · Insurance distribution, financial services, or transaction-based businesses
• · Revenue recognition involving variable consideration
• · IPO readiness, SEC reporting, or public company environments
• · Exposure to SOX implementation or operation
• · Experience implementing AI solutions for the accounting team
• · Experience partnering closely with CFOs, Boards, and investors

Skills

Required

• CPA
• Accounting
• Financial reporting
• GAAP
• Internal controls
• SOX
• ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite)
• Leadership
• Team management

Preferred

• Big 4 experience
• Insurance distribution
• Financial services
• Revenue recognition
• IPO readiness
• SEC reporting
• AI implementation