What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controller position at Trellis Financial?
Who we are
Trellis Financial is an annuity-focused business built from the ground up with a singular focus: using an innovative tech stack to deliver straightforward, transparent, and competitive annuity solutions through a network of independent agents and distribution partners who share our commitment to the clients they serve. We built our technology capabilities with the goal of making retirement security more accessible, understandable, and reliable. Our products are designed to protect principal, provide growth opportunities through index-linked crediting strategies, and offer flexible income solutions that help policyholders feel confident about their financial future, no matter what markets do.
Position Summary
The Controller will play a pivotal role in shaping the financial backbone of a company that is redefining the annuity space. This isn't a maintain-the-status-quo position. We're looking for a builder - someone energized by the opportunity to architect financial systems, controls, and reporting frameworks from the early stages rather than inheriting decades of legacy processes. The right candidate thrives in a fast-paced, technology-driven, entrepreneurial environment where their decisions directly influence the trajectory of the business and the security of the policyholders who trust us with their retirement.
This is a hands-on, strategic position that combines day-to-day financial management with long-term process improvement and regulatory compliance oversight, providing significant opportunities for career growth. The Controller works closely with executive leadership, external auditors, and state regulators to ensure the financial health and integrity of the organization.
Who you are
You're a CPA with 8 years of progressive accounting experience who has been waiting for the right moment to step into a role with real ownership. You bring deep knowledge of statutory accounting principles and NAIC reporting, ideally gained at a life insurance or annuity carrier, and you're equally comfortable rolling up your sleeves on a complex reconciliation as you are presenting to the executive team. You've led or built accounting teams before, and you understand that great financial leadership isn't just about the numbers - it's about building the processes, people, and culture that produce numbers you can stand behind. Experience with U.S. GAAP reporting, reinsurance transactions or finance transformation initiatives is a strong plus. A bachelor's degree in accounting or finance is required.
Responsibilities
Oversee the preparation of NAIC statutory financial statements, including annual and quarterly statements, and all associated filings for multiple carriers
Oversee the preparation of U.S. GAAP financial statements, including consolidation, for multiple entities
Direct month-end, quarter-end, and year-end closing processes, including journal entries, account reconciliations, and intercompany eliminations, ensuring timely and accurate completion
Establish, maintain, and enforce internal control frameworks
Serve as a point of contact for external auditors, state department of insurance examiners during financial and market conduct examinations, and other stakeholders as needed
Identify and implement opportunities to automate manual accounting processes, modernize reporting workflows, and strengthen financial controls as the company scales
Assist with accounts payable processes and expense management
Research and communicate technical accounting concepts in a clear, concise manner