Controller

Brightway Insurance; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Brightway Insurance seeks a seasoned Controller to lead all accounting and financial reporting for a fast-growing, technology-driven insurance distribution business. You will build and lead a best-in-class finance team, ensure GAAP compliance, and support rapid growth toward potential public markets.

The role partners with the CFO and executive team to shape internal controls, SOX readiness, audits, and strategic planning.

Qualifications

• CPA is required.
• 10 to 15+ years of progressive accounting experience, including senior leadership roles.
• Big 4 background (Audit or Advisory) preferred.
• Strong proficiency with ERP systems, especially NetSuite.
• Experience in high-growth environments and IPO readiness considered a plus.
• Proven leadership and ability to mentor a finance team.

Responsibilities

• Oversee preparation, review, and consolidation of GAAP financial statements.
• Manage month-end and year-end close processes with timeliness and accuracy.
• Develop and maintain financial reporting systems and dashboards for senior management.
• Design and document internal controls aligned with COSO; support SOX readiness.
• Coordinate with external auditors and tax agencies; manage audits.
• Guide FP&A, cash flow monitoring, and capital allocation discussions.
• Support M&A execution and integration efforts.

Skills

CPA

Leadership

SOX compliance

Big 4 experience

ERP systems knowledge

Tools

NetSuite

Job description

About Brightway

Established in 2008, Brightway is proud to be one of the fastest-growing insurance agency systems in the United States. With over 350 franchises spanning 35+ states and an impressive $1.3 billion in annual premiums, we rank among the nation’s largest privately owned property and casualty insurance distribution companies. We support our agency owners with comprehensive back-office services, marketing resources, and continuous learning and development.

About Brightway

Established in 2008, Brightway is proud to be one of the fastest-growing insurance agency systems in the United States. With over 350 franchises spanning 35+ states and an impressive $1.3 billion in annual premiums, we rank among the nation’s largest privately owned property and casualty insurance distribution companies. We support our agency owners with comprehensive back-office services, marketing resources, and continuous learning and development. We are embarking on the next stage of our customer-centric growth, driven by innovation from our talented associates and the application of cutting-edge technologies. This growth has opened doors for creative thinkers who thrive in a diverse and collaborative culture. As a Brightway team member, you'll engage in exciting projects that are reshaping the industry, working alongside a dedicated team committed to delivering exceptional customer service and safeguarding our clients' most valuable assets.

Scope

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.

Job 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.

Core Qualifications & Experience

• 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

Highly Valued Experience

• 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

Capabilities & Leadership Traits

• Technical depth + business judgment: Can solve complex accounting issues while understanding commercial implications
• Builder mindset: Excited to create structure, not just operate within it
• Operational rigor: High standards for accuracy, control, and execution
• Systems thinker: Understands how data, systems, and processes connect
• Clear communicator: Can translate complexity into simple, actionable insights
• Change leader: Comfortable driving transformation in a fast-moving environment

Equal Employment Opportunity

Brightway Insurance is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that values and respects the contributions of all individuals. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

We believe that a diverse workforce is essential to our success and fosters innovation, creativity, and collaboration. Our goal is to provide a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment, where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed and grow.