Senior Finance Director - Specialty Insurance
Location: New York, NY
Recruiter: Oliver James
About Oliver James
At Oliver James, we partner with some of the most innovative and high-growth insurance platforms globally. Our focus is on connecting senior finance talent with impactful leadership roles across specialty insurance, reinsurance, and MGA markets. This is a rare opportunity to step into a high-profile, commercially influential finance leadership role within a fast-scaling, private equity-backed insurance organization.
The Company
Our client is a dynamic, global insurance platform operating in the specialty and transactional risk space. Recognized for its entrepreneurial culture, technical underwriting capability, and robust capital backing, the business is experiencing significant growth and transformation. With an expanding international footprint and strong leadership, it offers a compelling opportunity for an experienced finance professional to make a measurable impact.
The Opportunity
Reporting into the CEO and working closely with group-level finance leadership in the Parent Company, this role holds full strategic and operational responsibility for all finance functions across the business. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the insurance ecosystem, a proven ability to lead change, and the executive presence to influence decisions at the highest level.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the accounting, FP&A, and finance operations of a global specialty insurance platform.
Drive strategic financial planning and performance evaluation across business units.
Oversee financial reporting (internal and external), including KPIs and regulatory metrics.
Partner with senior leadership to execute financial strategy, optimize profitability, and support business growth initiatives.
Manage cashflow, budgeting, and forecasting, in collaboration with corporate treasury.
Implement and maintain robust internal controls and risk management frameworks.
Coordinate external audits, board reporting, and ad-hoc financial projects.
Lead financial aspects of integration workstreams and process improvement programs.
What We're Looking For
10+ years of progressive experience in finance or accounting within the insurance sector (MGA, carrier, or reinsurance experience preferred).
Proven leadership experience with both strategic and tactical oversight.
Strong business acumen, analytical capability, and ability to influence across functions.
Experience in transformational environments (e.g., PE-backed, M&A integration, scaling operations).
CPA, CFA, or relevant advanced degree highly desirable.
Hands-on approach with a high degree of ownership and a collaborative mindset.
What's Next
Please apply using the prompts provided or email your application to chris.dodds@oliverjames.com
