Controller

BetterLife; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

BetterLife seeks an Accounting Controller to manage all accounting and financial operations, ensure compliance with statutory requirements, and oversee the Accounting team. The successful candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields and CPA certification, along with at least 8 years of accounting experience.

This role includes overseeing financial reporting, internal controls, budget preparation, and process improvements within a collaborative environment. Remote work is possible, with occasional travel required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in accounting and finance preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of statutory accounting and federal and state tax laws.
• Ability to work with multiple deadlines in a fast-paced setting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
• Prepare management financial reporting and annual budgets.
• Ensure proper internal controls and compliance.

Skills

Knowledge of statutory accounting

Strong organizational skills

Effective communication

Analytical skills

Management skills

Advanced MS Office skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration or related field

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license

Tools

Accounting databases and software

Job description

Brief Description

BetterLife’s Accounting Controller is responsible for overseeing all accounting and financial operations. This role monitors, supervises, and evaluates daily accounting activities while ensuring full compliance with statutory accounting requirements and applicable federal and state regulations.

Summary

BetterLife’s Accounting Controller leads the accounting function through strong oversight of the Accounting Manager, Accounting Operations Manager, and support staff. The controller drives process improvements and implements automation to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and internal controls. This position develops, analyzes, and updates accounting processes and procedures and manages the preparation and filing of all required financial statements and regulatory reports.

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Financial Reporting and Close
• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close process, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
• Prepare management financial reporting
• Coordinate preparation of Annual and Quarterly Statements and related schedules, including form 990 preparation
• Coordinate with investment accounting on portfolio activity, valuation, and income recognition
• Ensure and review reconciliations
• Reinsurance
• Oversee billing, reporting, and coordination with third-party administrators
• Ensure proper recording, accuracy, and compliance
• Internal Controls and Governance
• Review, enhance, and maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting and reinsurance
• Ensure proper segregation of duties across accounting functions
• Accounting Operations Oversight
• Oversight of general ledger, accounts payable, reinsurance, and payroll accounting
• Review journal entries, reconciliation, and estimates
• Audit Support
• Coordinate and address audit requests, questions, and findings
• Budget and expense reporting
• Assist in the preparation of the annual budget
• Oversight monthly budget variance and other expense reporting
• Management and Board Reporting
• Prepare quarterly and annual Board materials
• Process improvement, automation, and internal controls
• Analyze existing accounting processes and procedures to identify inefficiencies and control gaps
• Design, implement, and document updated accounting procedures
• Lead automation of manual accounting processes to improve accuracy, timeliness, and scalability
• Leadership
• Manage and develop accounting staff, providing coaching and performance feedback
• Miscellaneous duties and projects assigned

Other duties may be assigned at any time.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration or related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in accounting and finance preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of statutory accounting and federal and state tax laws.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Able to communicate effectively with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of accounting principles and processes.
• Ability to plan and strategize at a senior level.
• Ability to work with multiple deadlines in a fast-paced setting.
• Strong management skills.
• Innovative computer skills on MS Office and accounting databases and software.

This position requires up to 10% to 25% travel, with increased travel expected during training, system implementations, or onboarding periods.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This position may be performed remotely or in an office environment. It requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Individuals must be able to lift 15 pounds at a time.

Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.