Controller

Description PURPOSE This is an ideal opportunity to work at a growing organization with a strong family culture. Shepherd Insurance is a privately-owned insurance agency that has delivered risk management solutions since 1977. With a wide variety of insurance and financial products, we are among the largest independent agencies in the country.

The Controller is responsible for overseeing all accounting, financial reporting, agency revenue operations, and internal control functions of the agency. This role manages teammates on the accounting team, ensures accurate financial reporting, strong financial controls, and effective management of agency financial operations. The Controller leads close and reconciliation processes, and partners with the CFO, Director of Finance, and agency leadership to support financial strategy and operational decision-making. With a positive attitude, the Controller demonstrates teamwork and leadership amongst the accounting team to maintain profitability and operational efficiencies, as well as provide strategic recommendations that support agency growth and profitability.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee close processes, ensuring timely and accurate financial statements.
• Manage the agency’s day-to-day accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, and accounts receivable.
• Prepare and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Oversee all agency bill and direct bill accounting processes to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with carrier requirements.
• Manage agency-billed receivables, collections, premium financing activity, and carrier payables.
• Review and reconcile direct bill commission statements, carrier-produced statements, and related revenue recognition.
• Establish and monitor internal controls related to premium collections, disbursements, and fiduciary funds.
• Collaborate with operations and service teams to resolve billing discrepancies, policy adjustments, cancellations, and carrier disputes.
• Analyze agency bill performance, cash flow impacts, and collection trends to improve operational efficiency and profitability.
• Support acquisition, integration, and due diligence activities as applicable.
• Support external audits, tax preparation activities, and regulatory reporting.
• Manage relationships with external auditors, banks, capital partner, tax advisors, and insurance carriers.
• Identify opportunities for accounting process improvements, automation, and increased operational efficiency.
• Lead, mentor, and develop accounting team members.
• Establish performance expectations and accountability measures.
• Foster a culture of accuracy, service, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with operations leadership to strengthen financial and operational performance.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Strong people management skills to cultivate and grow the team, and communication skills.
• Strong understanding knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, and internal controls, preferred.
• Proven ability to manage deadlines and multiple priorities.
• Familiar with a variety of computer software applications including Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), and accounting systems/software (QuickBooks).
• Ability to travel to acquired organizations and offices as needed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Education requirement: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related degree preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, 2+ years in supervisory or managerial role, preferred, in insurance, financial services or related field.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop; kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is not exposed to weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.