Head of Internal Controls

Job description

Company Overview Westaim and CC Capital have joined forces to strategically transform Westaim from a holding company into a global alternative credit asset manager with a unique, integrated insurance platform, branded as The Westaim Corporation. This partnership supports a long-term vision to deliver innovative, customized financial solutions across alternative credit and insurance, creating scalable growth and meaningful client impact. Ceres USA Holdings, LLC, part of the insurance platform within The Westaim Corporation strategy, is the parent company of Ceres Life Insurance—a fast-growing, technology-driven annuity carrier startup. Ceres is focused on redefining retirement security by combining modern technology, top-tier talent, and strategic partnerships to deliver exceptional annuity solutions and advisor experiences. Ceres is committed to a client-centered culture that leverages innovation, AI, and digital marketing to strengthen brand awareness, advisor engagement, and customer experience. Position Summary The Head of Internal Controls is responsible for designing, implementing, and continuously enhancing Ceres Life's enterprise-wide internal control framework. As the organization continues to grow, this role will establish scalable financial and operational controls that protect company assets, strengthen governance, support regulatory compliance, and improve business processes across the organization. Working closely with Finance, Operations, Technology, Compliance, Legal, and executive leadership, the Head of Internal Controls proactively evaluates business processes, identifies control gaps, develops remediation plans, and drives a culture of accountability and operational excellence. This role serves as the organization's subject matter expert on internal controls and provides independent oversight to ensure risks are appropriately identified and mitigated while enabling efficient business operations. Key Responsibilities Enterprise Internal Controls Develop, implement, and maintain the enterprise internal control framework aligned with company strategy, regulatory expectations, and industry best practices. Establish standardized control methodologies, documentation standards, and governance processes across all business functions. Create and maintain enterprise-wide risk and control matrices (RCMs), process narratives, and control documentation. Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of financial, operational, and technology controls and recommend enhancements. Financial & Operational Controls Design preventive and detective controls supporting accounting, treasury, investments, operations, technology, and corporate functions. Partner with Finance leadership to strengthen financial reporting controls and accounting processes. Evaluate business processes to improve efficiency while maintaining appropriate control standards. Lead control redesign initiatives as new products, systems, and business capabilities are introduced. Risk Assessment & Control Monitoring Perform enterprise control risk assessments across critical business functions. Develop monitoring programs to assess ongoing control effectiveness. Track control deficiencies and oversee timely remediation efforts. Report key control metrics, trends, and emerging risks to executive leadership. Audit & Regulatory Support Serve as the primary liaison for internal and external auditors on internal control matters. Coordinate audit responses, documentation requests, and remediation activities. Ensure the organization remains prepared for regulatory examinations and compliance reviews. Monitor evolving regulatory expectations affecting the insurance industry and recommend control enhancements accordingly. Process Improvement Partner with business leaders to identify opportunities for automation, standardization, and process improvement. Evaluate new business initiatives, systems implementations, and operational changes to ensure appropriate controls are incorporated from inception. Promote continuous improvement through scalable control design and operational efficiencies. Policy & Documentation Develop and maintain internal control policies, procedures, and governance documentation. Establish documentation standards supporting consistency across departments. Ensure policies remain current with organizational growth and regulatory expectations. Leadership & Collaboration Build strong relationships across Finance, Operations, Compliance, Legal, Technology, and executive leadership. Provide guidance and education on internal control principles and accountability. Foster a culture of ownership, transparency, and continuous improvement. Lead future growth of the Internal Controls function as the organization expands. Qualifications Education Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Risk Management, or a related field required. Master's degree or MBA preferred. Experience 10+ years of progressive experience in internal controls, internal audit, accounting, enterprise risk, or financial governance. Experience within life insurance, annuities, financial services, banking, or other regulated financial institutions strongly preferred. Demonstrated experience designing and implementing enterprise internal control frameworks. Experience supporting external audits, regulatory examinations, and complex financial environments. Experience working in high-growth organizations is highly desirable. Preferred Certifications CPA CIA CISA CRMA Other relevant governance, audit, or risk management certifications Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Deep knowledge of COSO Internal Control Framework and enterprise control best practices. Strong understanding of financial reporting, operational risk, and regulatory compliance. Experience with risk and control assessments, process documentation, and remediation planning. Ability to influence executive leadership and drive cross-functional initiatives. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proven ability to balance strong governance with business agility. High level of integrity, professionalism, and sound judgment. Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and experience with governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) tools is preferred. Why Join Us? Be part of a fast-growing, technology-driven insurance company transforming the future of retirement and annuity solutions. Work in a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment where innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement are valued. Make a meaningful impact by helping build and scale a modern insurance platform that delivers exceptional advisor and client experiences. Collaborate with talented professionals across the organization while leveraging technology, digital tools, and innovative solutions to drive business success. Enjoy a competitive compensation package, comprehensive health benefits, paid time off, and opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.