This is more than a Controller role; it is an opportunity to step into a highly visible leadership position where your work directly influences the success and growth of the business. At Northwestern Mutual – Denver, you will partner closely with executive leadership, help shape financial strategy, and build scalable systems that support a high-performing, entrepreneurial organization.

If you are a driven finance leader who enjoys both rolling up your sleeves and thinking strategically and you want a clear path toward broader leadership responsibility this role offers that opportunity.

Essential Role and Responsibilities

• Lead on all accounting operations including payroll, commissions, accounts payable, and month-end close
• Prepare accurate and timely financial statements
• Drive budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes
• Partner with senior leadership to support decision-making and growth
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing accounting team
• Strengthen internal controls, processes, and scalability
• Oversee bi-monthly commission processing
• Accounts payable oversite and approval
• Manage and process payroll
• Ensure monthly close deadlines are met
• Monthly financial statement preparation and review to include budget variance analysis
• Annual budget preparation support
• Annual contest qualification calculations and reporting
• Annual tax reporting support schedule creation

Qualifications

• Seven or more years of experience in accounting, including financial statement preparation, general ledger maintenance, account analysis, annual tax filings, payroll, benefits administration, and insurance
• A Bachelor’s Degree or better in Accounting; MBA preferred, CPA required to advance to CFO role
• Experience in all facets of running a sales distribution office preferred
• Experience in developing or maintaining strong policies and procedures to ensure efficiency in the department
• Strong personal code of ethics, including maintaining confidentiality
• Strong presentation, negotiation, problem solving, oral and written communication skills
• Technologically savvy

• Must have strong Excel skills to use or build models
• Strong management experience and people skills
• High self‐motivation and strong organization skills
• Ability to adapt and learn in a fast‐paced and dynamic work environment
• Team player and positive attitude

• Full-time exempt position
• Compensation: $120k - $140k annually based on experience and relevant licensure
• PTO and holiday time off
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Long-term and short-term disability insurance
• Matching 401k plan
• Paid garage parking
• Remote work option for two days a week after 90-days of employment
• Laptop provided
• Free access to the onsite workout facility
• Office healthy break pantry

• We are strong, innovative, and growing with the backing of Northwestern Mutual, a company with over a 160-year history of acting in the best interests of our clients and community.
• We invest in our people – providing opportunities for you to grow personally and professionally, advancing your career, and contributing to our business.
• We care – making a positive difference in our communities by supporting research and programs to fight childhood cancer. Each year, our team donates time, talent, and financial support to causes we are passionate about.
• We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.