Global Controller

Buckingham Search

Chicago, IL

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Accounting, Accounting Close, Accounting Software, Accounting Standards and Regulations, Balance Sheet, Brokerage, Business Administration, Business Processes, Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Continuous Improvement, Documentation, Employee Benefits, External Audit, Finance, Financial Control, Financial Reporting, Financial Services, Financial Systems, Flux Analysis, General Ledger Accounting, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Geography, Hyperion, Insurance, Internal Audit, Leadership, Mail Processing, Mentoring, Mergers and Acquisitions, Oracle Applications, Oracle Fusion Middleware, Process Control Engineering, Process Improvement, Public Accounting, Quality Management, Revenue Recognition, SEC Filings, Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX), Technical Accounting, Testing
LOCATION
Chicago, IL
POSTED
Today

Global Controller

Chicago, IL | Hybrid

One of the largest insurance and employee benefits brokerage organizations in the world with over $5B in revenue, 17,000+ employees, and 600+ offices across North America is seeking a Senior Vice President, Global Controller to lead all aspects of accounting operations across a large, complex, multi-entity enterprise.

This is a rare executive accounting leadership seat for a seasoned CPA who thrives in high-volume, high-stakes environments and wants genuine ownership over a large, geographically dispersed accounting organization.

What You'll Own:

  • Lead, mentor, and develop large, multi-tiered accounting teams across multiple locations establishing organizational structure, workflows, and performance expectations across all accounting functions
  • Own the integrity and completeness of the general ledger across all entities and geographies, serving as the reliable foundation for all financial reporting
  • Direct month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes across all shared services and divisional accounting teams driving continuous improvement in close quality, account substantiation, balance sheet review, and flux analysis
  • Partner with the technical accounting team on complex accounting standards including revenue recognition (ASC 606), business combinations (ASC 805), and lease accounting (ASC 842)
  • Serve as the primary Controllership partner to the SOX team owning the design, documentation, testing, and remediation of business process controls across the enterprise
  • Partner with Internal Audit and external auditors on control assessments, deficiency evaluation, and management response protocols
  • Lead the accounting integration of a high volume of acquisitions annually including purchase price allocations, opening balance sheet reviews, and post-close adjustments
  • Build and mature a centralized M&A accounting integration capability to support the organization's active acquisition program
  • Oversee governance of all Finance and Accounting systems including Oracle Fusion, Hyperion, BlackLine, and Workiva ensuring integrity, appropriate controls, and finance representation in all system changes
  • Coordinate external audit deliverables, support audit readiness activities, and partner with the CAO across all audit workstreams

What We're Looking For:

  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA required
  • 15+ years of progressive accounting experience including early career Big 4 or large regional public accounting background
  • Prior experience in a publicly traded company with SEC reporting responsibilities
  • 5+ years in a senior leadership role managing large, multi-level accounting teams
  • Deep expertise in accounting operations across multiple entities or locations
  • M&A accounting experience including purchase price allocations and integration required
  • Strong knowledge of US GAAP, SOX compliance, and internal controls
  • Insurance, financial services, or brokerage industry experience strongly preferred
  • International accounting and multi-currency experience a plus
  • MBA or advanced degree a plus

Why This Role Stands Out:

Executive accounting leadership at one of the world's largest insurance brokerages

Massive scope — multi-entity, multi-geography, multi-system accounting organization

Central role in a highly active M&A program — approximately 75 acquisitions per year

Direct partnership with the CAO, Internal Audit, and PwC

Hybrid flexibility in downtown Chicago with strong long-term executive trajectory

About the Company

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Buckingham Search