Global Controller, Chief Accounting Officer

This is your opportunity to join AXIS Capital – a trusted global provider of specialty lines insurance and reinsurance.  We stand apart for our outstanding client service, intelligent risk taking and superior risk adjusted returns for our shareholders. We also proudly maintain an entrepreneurial, disciplined and ethical corporate culture.  As a member of AXIS, you join a team that is among the best in the industry.

At AXIS, we believe that we are only as strong as our people. We strive to create an inclusive and welcoming culture where employees of all backgrounds and from all walks of life feel comfortable and empowered to be themselves. This means that we bring our whole selves to work. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, age, marital status, civil union status, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates taking part in the selection process.

Job Description

The Global Controller, Chief Accounting Officer (CAO) is responsible for leading the global accounting, financial reporting, and control environment for AXIS Capital, a specialty insurance provider. This executive ensures the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of all financial results across multiple jurisdictions and regulatory frameworks. The role partners closely with executive leadership, including the CFO and CEO, to drive financial strategy, governance, and operational excellence globally.

Responsibilities

• Financial Reporting:
  Oversee the preparation and delivery of consolidated financial statements in accordance with US GAAP, IFRS, and local regulatory accounting standards, ensuring timely and accurate reporting for internal and external stakeholders.

• Regulatory Compliance:
  Manage compliance with global insurance regulatory reporting requirements (e.g., Solvency II, NAIC, Lloyd’s reporting, other local regimes).

• Accounting Operations:
  Lead accounting policy setting, technical accounting, and investment accounting. Advisement and support to global accounting operations, accounts payable/receivable, treasury accounting, and reinsurance accounting,

• Internal Controls and Risk Management:
  Design and maintain a strong internal control environment aligned with SOX (Sarbanes-Oxley Act) or equivalent international requirements. Ensure appropriate risk management frameworks over financial reporting processes.  Work closely with Internal Audit.

• Audit Management:
  Serve as the primary liaison with external auditors and oversee the global audit process. Address audit findings and implement necessary improvements.

• Expense Management and Control:

Lead expense management across the company and drive continued efficiency across the firm to create expense leverage.

• Leadership:
  Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing, geographically diverse finance team. Drive a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

• Technical Accounting Expertise:
  Monitor and interpret new and evolving accounting standards (e.g., IFRS 17 for insurance contracts) and lead their implementation.

• Strategic Support:
  Partner with senior management and business unit leaders to provide financial insights that support strategic initiatives, M&A activities, and global expansion efforts.

• System Optimization:
  Partner with finance team to drive financial systems (e.g., ERP implementation and upgrades) to drive automation, scalability, and reporting efficiency.

Qualifications

• CPA, Chartered Accountant (CA), or equivalent international certification required.

• 15+ years of progressive experience in accounting/finance, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role at an insurance, reinsurance, or specialty financial services company.

• Deep understanding of insurance accounting principles, regulatory environments, and capital reporting requirements globally.

• Experience with multinational operations, cross-border consolidations, and complex legal entity structures.

• Strong technical accounting knowledge, including US GAAP, IFRS, and statutory insurance accounting.

• Proven success leading finance transformations, systems implementation, and change management initiatives.

• Exceptional communication and leadership skills, with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.

• High ethical standards, strong business acumen, and a hands-on, pragmatic approach

Preferred Experience:

• Experience with Lloyd’s of London syndicates or insurance operations.

• Background working in publicly traded and private-equity-backed environments.

• Exposure to actuarial, underwriting, and reinsurance finance processes.

• Familiarity with ESG financial reporting initiatives.

What we offer:

For this position, we currently expect to offer a base salary in the range of 350k to 420k. Your salary offer will be based on an assessment of a variety of factors including your specific experience and work location.

In addition, you will be offered competitive target incentive compensation, with awards based on overall corporate and individual performance. On top of this, you will be eligible for a comprehensive and competitive benefits package which includes medical plans for you and your family, health and wellness programs, retirement plans, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation, and much more.