Controller (Chicago)

Job description

The Controller will oversee all accounting and financial reporting functions for a fraternal benefit organization operating under Illinois regulations. This role ensures financial integrity, regulatory compliance, and stewardship of member assets in alignment with the organization’s mission and values. Key Requirements: • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA strongly preferred) • 7–10+ years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role • Experience with insurance, fraternal benefit societies, or regulated financial entities preferred • Strong knowledge of statutory accounting principles (SAP) and GAAP • Familiarity with Illinois Department of Insurance regulations and reporting requirements • Proven ability to manage audits, financial statements, and internal controls • Experience overseeing budgeting, forecasting, and investment accounting • High level of integrity and ability to handle confidential financial and member data • Strong leadership, communication, and team management skills Preferred Qualifications: • Experience working with membership-based or nonprofit organizations • Understanding of reserve accounting and actuarial coordination • Proficiency in accounting systems and financial reporting tools (Sage, SOVOS) Summary of Duties This role involves managing a combination of daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, annual financial, payroll, and administrative tasks to ensure accurate accounting, reporting, and compliance. Daily and Weekly responsibilities include monitoring bank activity, analyzing cash positions, and reconciling disbursements with accounting systems. The role also involves processing payroll (bi- weekly), preparing related reports, handling annuity tax payments, and maintaining accurate records for claims, transfers, and employee benefit updates. Additional duties include reviewing bank safeguards (such as positive pay), managing stop payment requests, updating trust fund interest worksheets, and maintaining documentation for internal reporting. Monthly/Quarterly/Annual responsibilities focus heavily on financial reconciliation and reporting. These include processing pension payments, calculating and tracking annuity interest and investment activity, reconciling claims and bank accounts, and balancing payroll and investment accounts across multiple financial institutions. The role also requires preparing journal entries, trial balances, and financial reports, as well as verifying transactions such as voided checks and investment payments. Additional monthly tasks involve reviewing invoices, maintaining financial statements and records, coordinating with internal teams and external vendors, and ensuring all documentation is properly filed. The position also supports compliance and audit readiness by verifying data accuracy across systems and preparing required reports related to claims, taxes, and annuities. Overall, this role ensures the accuracy, integrity, and timely processing of financial and payroll operations while supporting broader accounting and reporting functions