Lead Financial Reporting & Controls Analyst (Insurance)

Oliver James; Lincoln (NE); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Oliver James is partnering with an established insurance and financial services organization seeking an experienced Financial Controls & Reporting professional to join its growing team. This role focuses on strengthening the controls environment, supporting regulatory compliance (SOX/MAR), and driving process improvements across Accounting and Finance.

The successful candidate will serve as a key SME for financial controls, working with senior leadership and cross‑functional stakeholders, with

Qualifications

• 3-5+ years of experience in Internal Audit, External Audit, Financial Controls, SOX/MAR Compliance, Risk Advisory, or a related function.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR), including control design, testing, documentation, and remediation.
• Experience with MAR, SOX, or similar financial control and regulatory compliance frameworks.
• Experience within the insurance industry, particularly Life Insurance, is highly preferred.
• Background in public accounting, internal audit, or a combination of public accounting and industry experience is advantageous.
• Understanding of financial reporting processes, accounting principles, and the impact of complex transactions on financial controls.
• Ability to evaluate existing control environments, identify gaps, and recommend practical improvements beyond traditional audit testing.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with senior stakeholders.
• CPA, CIA, or other relevant professional certifications are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR), including control documentation, testing, assessment, and ongoing improvements.
• Support Model Audit Rule (MAR) and SOX-related compliance activities, including control evaluations, documentation, testing, and remediation.
• Evaluate existing financial processes and controls, identify potential risks or deficiencies, and recommend improvements to strengthen the control environment.
• Partner closely with Accounting, Finance, and other business stakeholders to ensure effective control design, implementation, and operating effectiveness.
• Serve as a key point of contact and subject matter expert for financial controls, providing guidance on control frameworks, compliance requirements, and best practices.
• Research and assess technical accounting developments, regulatory changes, and complex transactions to determine potential impacts on financial reporting and internal controls.
• Support financial and regulatory reporting activities, including analysis, documentation, and compliance with applicable requirements.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes, enhance control efficiency, and support broader organizational initiatives and system implementations.

Skills

Internal Audit

SOX/MAR Compliance

Financial Controls

Risk Advisory

Regulatory Compliance

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Job description

Lead Financial Reporting Analyst - Controls

Location: Lincoln, NE (Hybrid) | Potential remote flexibility for candidates in Kansas City, MO or Des Moines, IA

Oliver James is partnering with an established insurance and financial services organization seeking an experienced Financial Controls & Reporting professional to join its growing team.

This is an excellent opportunity for an Internal Audit, SOX/MAR, or Financial Controls professional looking to take on a highly visible role focused on strengthening the organization's controls environment, supporting regulatory compliance, and driving process improvements across Accounting and Finance.

The successful candidate will serve as a key resource and subject matter expert for financial controls, working closely with senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders. The position offers significant exposure across the business, with strong potential for career progression as the controls function continues to develop.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR), including control documentation, testing, assessment, and ongoing improvements.
  




• Support Model Audit Rule (MAR) and SOX-related compliance activities, including control evaluations, documentation, testing, and remediation.
  




• Evaluate existing financial processes and controls, identify potential risks or deficiencies, and recommend improvements to strengthen the control environment.
  




• Partner closely with Accounting, Finance, and other business stakeholders to ensure effective control design, implementation, and operating effectiveness.
  




• Serve as a key point of contact and subject matter expert for financial controls, providing guidance on control frameworks, compliance requirements, and best practices.
  




• Research and assess technical accounting developments, regulatory changes, and complex transactions to determine potential impacts on financial reporting and internal controls.
  




• Support financial and regulatory reporting activities, including analysis, documentation, and compliance with applicable requirements.
  




• Identify opportunities to streamline processes, enhance control efficiency, and support broader organizational initiatives and system implementations.

Ideal Background

• 3-5+ years of experience in Internal Audit, External Audit, Financial Controls, SOX/MAR Compliance, Risk Advisory, or a related function.
  




• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
  




• Strong understanding of internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR), including control design, testing, documentation, and remediation.
  




• Experience with MAR, SOX, or similar financial control and regulatory compliance frameworks.
  




• Experience within the insurance industry, particularly Life Insurance, is highly preferred.
  




• Background in public accounting, internal audit, or a combination of public accounting and industry experience is advantageous.
  




• Understanding of financial reporting processes, accounting principles, and the impact of complex transactions on financial controls.
  




• Ability to evaluate existing control environments, identify gaps, and recommend practical improvements beyond traditional audit testing.
  




• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with senior stakeholders.
  




• CPA, CIA, or other relevant professional certifications are a plus.