Controller & Chief Accounting Officer at Horace Mann

Horace Mann is a purpose-driven company that is passionate about educators. The Controller and Chief Accounting Officer (CAO) is a critical leadership role responsible for overseeing the accounting, financial reporting, controls and financial systems of a publicly traded company. This role ensures compliance with SEC regulations, Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX), US GAAP and Statutory accounting, while maintaining the highest standards of financial integrity. The Controller and CAO collaborates with executive leadership to align accounting operations with Horace Mann’s strategic goals and serves as a key advisor on financial risks and opportunities.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Reporting and Compliance:

1. Lead the preparation and filing of accurate and timely SEC filings, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, FOCUS and other required disclosures.
2. Ensure compliance with US GAAP, SOX, Statutory and other regulatory requirements (SEC, FINRA and DOI) applicable to publicly traded insurance companies.
3. Monitor changes in GAAP and Statutory accounting standards and SEC regulations, and implement necessary adjustments to policies and procedures.

Accounting Operations:

1. Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, chart of accounts and data sets.
2. Ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial records and reporting systems, including financial data environment and reporting.
3. Direct monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes to produce reliable financial statements.
4. Manage accounts payable, broker dealer, retirement plans, and reinsurance accounting.
5. Coordinate external audits and regulatory exams.

Tax Compliance and Regulation:

1. Manage all direct and indirect tax compliance, filings and payments, including Federal and State income and premium taxes.
2. Engage in strategic tax planning in partnership with Treasurer / Chief Investment Officer.
3. Oversee the unclaimed property process.

Internal Controls:

1. Design, implement, and maintain a robust internal control environment in compliance with SOX and MAR requirements.
2. Lead initiatives to assess and enhance internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR).
3. Collaborate with internal and external auditors to address audit findings and ensure successful audit outcomes.

Strategic Leadership:

1. Partner with the CFO and other senior leaders to develop and execute corporate strategies, including budgeting, forecasting, and long-term planning.
2. Play a critical role in financial due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures.

Team Leadership and Development:

1. Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing accounting and financial reporting team.
2. Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement within the accounting function.

Technology and Process Improvement:

1. Drive initiatives to modernize and optimize financial systems and processes to improve efficiency and scalability.
2. Oversee the implementation and integration of financial technologies to support business growth and compliance.

Qualifications:

Education:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
2. CPA designation required.

Experience:

1. 15+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including leadership roles in publicly traded companies.
2. Strong expertise in US GAAP, SEC reporting, and SOX compliance.
3. Previous experience interacting with the Board of Directors of a publicly traded company desired.
4. Experience managing complex accounting operations in a dynamic environment, preferably within insurance or financial services.

Skills:

1. Exceptional technical accounting knowledge and analytical skills.
2. Proven ability to lead financial reporting and regulatory compliance for publicly traded entities.
3. Strong leadership and team management capabilities with a focus on talent development.
4. Advanced proficiency in financial systems (e.g., Workday) and SEC reporting tools (Workiva).

Personal Attributes:

1. High integrity and ethical standards.
2. Strategic thinker with the ability to execute at both tactical and strategic levels.
3. Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to interact effectively with executive leadership, the board of directors, and external stakeholders.

Salary is commensurate with experience, location, etc.