Lead Financial Controls Analyst – Insurance

Lead Financial Controls Analyst – Insurance

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 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.