Director, Financial Controls and Risk Transformation

Assurant, Inc.; United States; Remote; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a Director of Financial Controls & Risk Transformation to oversee financial operations and compliance. This strategic role involves leading teams, driving innovation, and ensuring robust internal controls while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in auditing and financial controls.
• Professional certifications like CPA or CIA required.

Responsibilities

• Lead transformation of SOX program and internal controls.
• Manage teams and oversee risk assessments and audits.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting

Master's degree in Accounting

Tools

Audit software

Data visualization tools

Job description

The Director of Financial Controls & Risk Transformation is a strategic leader responsible for overseeing the organization’s financial control environment and driving transformational initiatives. This role ensures strong internal control practices, SOX compliance, and supports the optimization of financial operations through process improvement recommendations, automation, and technology enablement. The director partners closely with cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency, reduce risk, and build a forward-lloking scalable finance function.

What will be my duties and responsibilities in this job?

Transformation and Strategic Leadership (50%)

• Revolutionize the SOX program by leveraging cutting-edge expertise, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and implementing automation and efficiency strategies.

• Modernize traditional approaches by transforming the SOX and controls function into a forward-thinking, data-driven program that sets new benchmarks for internal controls, risk management, and strategic insight.

• Act as a transformation leader, promoting innovation, curiosity, and continuous improvement mindset within the Financial Controls team and across the finance function.

• Influence and drive change by following up on issues and recommendations, guiding business leaders to manage risk proactively.

• Ensure successful project outcomes by verifying that all supporting documentation meets professional standards and conclusions are re-performable.

• Develop and refine templates, create strategic plans and schedules, and execute projects with precision to assess business or process risks, considering SOX, MAR, compliance, and other regulatory impacts.

• Harness the power of analytics and automation to realize efficiencies within the department and across the internal control environment.

• Stay ahead of the curve by proactively monitoring changes in regulatory requirements, industry trends, and emerging technologies, updating processes, controls, and testing strategies accordingly.

• Utilize deep knowledge of finance, insurance industry regulations, process management, and subject matter expertise (audit standards, risk frameworks, Data Analytics, etc.,) to help business leaders manage risk effectively.

• Lead annual risk assessments and audit planning processes, ensuring a forward-thinking approach to risk management while ensuring audit quality by timely reviewing and signing off on audit reports and supporting documentation, adhering to professional standards.

• Pursue continuous professional development, sharing insights and lessons learned with colleagues to foster a culture of growth and innovation.

• Support and coordinate SOX/MAR compliance and External Auditor assistance activities, executing testing and communicating with management effectively.

• Align audit activities with risk functions across the orgainiation (e.g., Enterprise Risk, Actuarial, Compliance, and IT Security) to ensure a cohesive approach to risk management.

Strategic Partner (25%)

• Serve as a strategic, forward-looking partner to senior finance and business leaders, translating complex control and compliance issues into clear, value-driven initiatives.

• Communicate effectively across all management levels through compelling reports and engaging presentations.

• Collaborate proactively collaboratewith process and control owners on business or accounting changes, providing expert insights on impacts.

Leading Teams (25%)

• Lead high-performing teams of internal and external professionals in complex risk-based audits covering planning, testing, and reporting.

• Foster continuous learning and development, ensuring team members have the necessary skills and expertise.

• Oversee professional practice activitiesto support department development, quality, and process enhancement.

• Manage teams and leaders, coordinating deliverables and aligning with department objectives.

• Create and deliver impactful learning interventionsaligned with audit guidelines and SOX/MAR methodologies.

• Monitor and improve the adoption of tools, templates, and systemsto boost department performance.

• Report on department metrics through dashboards, demonstrating best practices in data visualization.

• Ensure transparency and accountability by continuously monitoring and reporting department performance to leaders.

Number of Direct Reports: 10 including Manager, Auditors, Interns and up to 15 total

Responsible for Department Budget

What are the requirements needed for this position?

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or a related field.

• One or more related professional certifications in accounting or auditing (CPA, CIA, CISA, etc.).

Previous Experience

• 8+ years of combined experience at a public accounting firm, auditing, financial controls, and process design and improvements.

• Big 4 accounting firm experience with large public company auditing responsibities.

• Extensive experience in leading and managing teams of auditors and financial controls professionals.

• Strong background in SOX compliance, risk assessment, and internal controls.

• Experience interpreting, navigating and adapting frameworks due to changes in the industry (e.g., audit standards, PCAOB, etc.).

• Experience communicating with leadership in executive meetings and in formal communications.

• Experience collaborating with cross functional leaders and successfully executing improvement initiatives and programs.

• Experience in collecting and analyzing complex data, recognizing assumptions, evaluating information, and drawing logical conclusions.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strategic thinkingwith the ability to drive innovation and transformation.

• Forward-thinking mindsetwith a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.

• Ability to adapt to changing regulatory environmentsand industry trends.

• Strong commitment to professional developmentand staying current with industry advancements.

• Collaborative approachwith a focus on teamwork and building strong partnerships.

• Exceptional leadership skillswith the ability to inspire and motivate teams.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skillswith the ability to identify risks and develop effective solutions.

• Excellent communication skills(both written and oral) with the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely.

• Advanced knowledgeof financial regulations, industry standards, and best practices.

• Proficiency in audit softwareand tools (e.g., ACL, Audit Board).

• High ethical standardsand integrity in professional and personal conduct.

What other skills/experience would be helpful to have?

Education

• Master's degreein Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.

• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)or equivalent certification.

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

• Experience in the insurance industryor a related field.

• Proficiency in data analyticsand the ability to leverage technology for process improvements.

• Experience with data visualization tools(e.g., Tableau, Power BI).

• Familiarity with ERP systems(e.g., Oracle).