Accounting Consulting Director - Financial Control at CNA Financial in Chicago, IL

Job description

You have a clear vision of where your career can go. And we have the leadership to help you get there. At CNA, we strive to create a culture in which people know they matter and are part of something important, ensuring the abilities of all employees are used to their fullest potential. CNA is seeking an Accounting Consulting Director to join the Financial Control team. The Financial Control team within the Corporate Finance Department is comprised of risk management experts who collaborate with business leaders to establish and manage internal controls over financial reporting while educating the company on financial risk. The team consults, advises, and provides governance over the Company's financial control environment. This individual contributor role will serve as a financial control leader and strategic advisor across the organization, providing direction and oversight over complex financial reporting risks, internal control matters, and significant business initiatives. This role will partner with senior leadership, process and control owners, and internal and external audit stakeholders to promote a strong and sustainable internal control environment. The ideal candidate is a highly experienced, self-directed thought leader with deep expertise in SOX, internal controls, financial reporting risk, and audit. This individual will demonstrate strong professional judgment and the ability to evaluate complex issues, effectively challenge business partners, influence senior stakeholders, and drive resolution of significant control matters. The role requires executive-level communication, strong business acumen, and the ability to translate complex financial and operational risks into clear, practical actions. JOB DESCRIPTION: Essential Duties & Responsibilities Serve as a strategic advisor to senior leadership and business partners on financial reporting risk, internal control requirements, control design, and risk mitigation. Provide leadership and oversight for the assessment of complex control gaps, deficiencies, and emerging risks, including root cause, potential financial reporting impact, severity, and appropriate remediation. Lead the development and implementation of practical, sustainable controls that keep pace with business changes, system implementations, and evolving risk. Lead coordination with CNA’s external auditors. Drive continuous improvement of the Financial Control process, including opportunities to simplify, standardize, automate, and enhance controls and related processes. Monitor changes in the business, regulatory environment, accounting requirements, and technology landscape to identify emerging financial reporting risks and determine appropriate control responses. Provide leadership, coaching, and technical guidance to Financial Control team members and promote a culture of accountability, professional judgment, collaboration, and continuous development. Reporting Relationship Director or above Skills, Knowledge & Abilities Extensive knowledge and experience with SOX requirements, internal control frameworks, financial reporting risk, and audit methodologies. Demonstrated ability to assess complex financial reporting and control issues and exercise sound professional judgment regarding risk, impact, and appropriate resolution. Strong knowledge of GAAP, Statutory accounting, and complex accounting and financial reporting concepts; insurance industry experience preferred. Proven ability to influence, advise, and constructively challenge senior business leaders and other stakeholders. Executive-level written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly communicate complex risk and control matters. Demonstrated ability to lead complex initiatives across multiple functions and effectively manage competing priorities. Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite and other business-related software systems; experience in Optro preferred. Demonstrated ability to develop talent,