Controller

Brightway Insurance; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent insurance distribution company in Charlotte, NC, seeks a Controller to lead all accounting and financial reporting functions. The ideal candidate will oversee compliance with GAAP, manage financial close processes, and ensure readiness for potential public markets. Candidates should have CPA certification, 10-15+ years of experience including leadership in high-growth environments, and a proven track record with audit firms. This role offers significant leadership opportunities and the chance to shape financial infrastructure.

Qualifications

• Experience in high-growth, complex environments.
• Big 4 accounting firm experience (Audit or Advisory track preferred).
• Experience implementing AI solutions for accounting teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial statement preparation and reporting compliance.
• Manage month-end and year-end close processes.
• Develop financial reporting systems and dashboards.
• Monitor IT controls, system access, and segregation of duties.
• Coordinate with external auditors and regulatory agencies.

Skills

CPA

Progressive accounting experience (10-15+ years)

Leadership and team management skills

Strong proficiency in accounting software/ERP systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field

Tools

NetSuite

Job description

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.