Corporate Controller (Insurance)

Understory; Madison (WI); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Understory is seeking a Corporate Controller to lead accounting operations, ensuring world-class financial management as we scale. You will oversee monthly closings, GAAP reporting, and board packages while guiding AP, AR, GL, fixed assets, and loss reserves across domestic and international entities.

You will coordinate with auditors and regulators, build SOX policies, and drive continuous improvement. A Bachelor’s in Accounting/Finance with 4+ years of experience (CPA preferred) is required,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA preferred).
• At least 4 years of accounting experience.
• Expert knowledge of US GAAP, statutory, and internal-control frameworks (SOX or similar).
• Led close and audit cycles end-to-end under tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Close monthly, quarterly, and year-end across multiple domestic and international entities.
• Produce GAAP-compliant financial statements, dashboards, and board materials.
• Oversee AP, AR, GL, fixed assets, premium recognition, loss reserving, and ceded reinsurance.
• Monitor regulatory requirements; coordinate with external auditors, tax advisors, and regulators.
• Build SOX-ready policies, narratives, and testing; identify control gaps and remediation.
• Own annual plan and rolling forecasts; deliver variance commentary and cash-flow projections.
• Translate data into insights for underwriting, data science, and operations to align financial goals.

Skills

US GAAP

SOX/compliance

Financial analysis

Audit coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA preferred

Job description

Understory is seeking a highly skilled Corporate Controller to lead our accounting operations and ensure world‑class financial management as we scale. This role will be central in driving accuracy, compliance, and insight across our global entities, serving as a trusted partner to leadership in aligning financial rigor with our ambitious growth strategy.
Your main role responsibilities will include:

• Monthly, quarterly, and year-end closes across multiple domestic and international entities.
• Produce GAAP-compliant financial statements, management dashboards, and board packages—ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and consistency of all results
• Provide executive oversight of AP, AR, GL, fixed assets, premium recognition, loss reserving, and ceded reinsurance.
• Monitor evolving regulatory requirements; coordinate with external auditors, tax advisors, and regulators
• Build SOX-ready policies, narratives, and testing protocols. Identify control gaps, implement remediations, and foster a culture of continuous improvement and risk mitigation
• Own the annual plan and rolling forecasts. Deliver insightful variance commentary, scenario modeling, and cash-flow projections that inform company decision‑making
• Translate financial data into actionable insight for underwriting, data science, and operations—aligning financial goals with corporate strategy and growth objectives
  

You're exactly the professional we're looking for if you:

• Prior experience working in the insurance industry required
• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA is preferred
• Have at least 4 years of accounting experience
• Demonstrate expert knowledge of US GAAP, statutory, and and internal‑control frameworks (SOX or similar)
• Have led close and audit cycles end‑to‑end, delivering timely, accurate results under tight deadlines
• Possess excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and organizational skills—staying focused under pressure and resisting overwhelm when managing multiple projects
• Showcase a meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high‑quality results, easily pivoting as priorities shift
• You are open to working a Hybrid schedule in our Madison, WI office OR remotely elsewhere with occasional in‑person requirements
  

Compensation includes:

• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and retirement plans
  

About Understory

Understory is a leading provider of insurance solutions built for the era of climate change. The company's global network of Dot weather stations powers the world's most sophisticated weather risk model. By combining mutualized, optimized risk structures with precision weather technology and modeling, Understory develops affordable, stable property insurance solutions.
Traditional insurance is no longer fit for purpose. Natural catastrophes driven by the volatility of climate change is increasing rates and restricting coverage. Insurance and reinsurance companies are pulling out and leaving 76% of global assets unprotected. Transformation is inevitable, and it's coming to the global insurance market. Understory cracked the code, and our approach is the only way to close this gap.
Comprising a compact yet fiercely dedicated & passionate remote team, Understory is a mission‑centric, results‑driven start‑up that thrives on relentless adaptability and resilience. We cherish accountability and push the limits at breakneck speeds, always backed by the unwavering support of our colleagues. To sustain our drive, we place significant emphasis on work‑life harmony, nurturing our families, and fostering our communities.
Understory, headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, is poised to rewrite the story of insurance. To embark on this exciting journey with us, visit www.understoryweather.com.