Director of Finance Controller

Oliver James; Towson (MD); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

hybrid flexibility

medical

dental

vision coverage

paid time off

employer retirement contribution

disability and life insurance

educational assistance

professional development opportunities

Job summary

Oliver James seeks a Director of Finance / Controller to lead the finance organization in Maryland with robust GAAP knowledge and insurance industry experience. The role oversees month-end close, financial reporting, and external audits, while guiding the accounting team.

Responsibilities include regulator filings, internal controls, board reporting, and system/process improvements. A CPA or CPA track is highly preferred, with strong leadership and communication skills essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or active CPA credential required.
• At least 10 years of accounting experience, including 5+ years in supervision.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP; exposure to statutory accounting is a plus.
• Advanced Excel, MS 365, and accounting systems proficiency.
• Excellent communication, organization, and team leadership skills.
• Insurance industry experience is a must.

Responsibilities

• Lead the month-end close, financial statement prep, presentation, and reporting.
• Oversee quarterly and annual NAIC and state regulator filings.
• Manage accounting operations including GL, AP, payroll, and fixed assets.
• Maintain reporting controls and policies; improve reconciliations and data integrity.
• Support executive and board reporting with quarterly packages and metrics.
• Serve as primary contact for external audits; coordinate with regulators and auditors.
• Lead and develop the accounting team through coaching and training.
• Partner with leadership on business decisions; drive system/process improvements.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Leadership

Communication

Insurance industry experience

Financial reporting

Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

CPA credential

Tools

Microsoft 365

Accounting systems

ERP systems

General ledger

Job description

Director of Finance / Controller

Oliver James is partnering with an established specialty insurance carrier to hire a Director of Finance / Controller.

Location: Maryland | Hybrid

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the month-end close and oversee financial statement preparation, presentation, and reporting.
• Oversee quarterly and annual statutory filings for the NAIC and state insurance regulators.
• Manage accounting operations, including the general ledger, accounts payable, payroll, and fixed assets.
• Maintain financial reporting controls and policies, and improve reconciliations and system controls to protect data integrity.
• Support executive and board reporting, including quarterly financial packages and monthly performance metrics.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for external audits and work regularly with internal auditors and regulators.
• Lead and develop the accounting team through coaching, performance feedback, and training.
• Partner with leadership on business decisions and lead improvements to accounting systems, processes, and reporting workflows.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or an active CPA credential.
• At least 10 years of accounting experience, including at least five years of supervisory experience.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and exposure to statutory accounting.
• Advanced Excel skills and proficiency with Microsoft 365 and accounting systems.
• Strong communication, organizational, and team leadership skills.
• Insurance background is a must.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA or a master's degree in Business or Finance.
• Insurance accounting experience.

Benefits

• hybrid flexibility
• medical
• dental
• vision coverage
• paid time off
• an employer retirement contribution
• disability and life insurance
• educational assistance
• professional development opportunities