Assistant Controller

Company Overview:

Westaim and CC Capital have joined forces to strategically transform Westaim from a holding company into a global alternative credit asset manager with a unique, integrated insurance platform, branded as New Westaim. This partnership fuels a vision to provide innovative, customized financial solutions in the alternative credit and insurance space, expanding opportunities for growth and client impact.

Ceres USA Holdings, LLC was formed as part of the insurance side of the New Westaim strategy and is the parent company to Ceres Life Insurance, a fast-growing, forward-thinking annuity carrier startup dedicated to securing financial futures for clients through innovative annuity solutions. The Ceres Life Insurance mission is to enable individuals to retire with peace of mind and dignity by combining advanced technology, top-tier talent, and strong vendor partnerships to provide exceptional support and service.

At Ceres, we are deeply committed to fostering a positive, client-centered culture. Through our Digital Contact Center, we deliver exceptional, personalized support that empowers clients to take control of their financial journey. Our approach focuses on proactive solutions, self-service tools, and collaborative client relationships to help individuals reach their financial goals and retire confidently.

Job Summary:

We are seeking an Assistant Controller who will report to the Controller of SGH and Ceres Life.  The Assistant Controller will assist the Controller in the development of SAP, GAAP and IFRS reporting for SGH and Ceres Life. The position will be responsible for the supervision of all monthly, quarterly, and annual close activities, including the preparation of the balance sheet, income statement, and statement of cash flows under all applicable accounting standards.  The ideal candidate will have strong accounting skills, experience working in a controllership function, and knowledge of the insurance industry.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain the SAP, GAAP and IFRS close checklists and monthly close process, ensuring timely entry of all journal entries and required reconciliations.
• Lead day-to-day supervision of controllership operations, including:
  • Daily reconciliation of policy holder account balances to policy administration provided in-force extracts.
  • Daily reconciliation of cash accounts.
  • Monthly reconciliation of investment accounts.
  • Oversight of the supplier payment process, ensuring invoices are validated and properly coded, as well as paid in a timely manner.
  • Recording and reconciliation of lease accounting.
  • Developing and recording estimates of accrued expenses and capitalized software.
• Administer the Controllership function’s internal control environment, ensuring controls are in place, effective, and assessed routinely for effectiveness.
• Ensure all Standard Operating Procedures (“SOP’s”) for financial processes are complete, accurate and kept up to date.

The successful candidate will:

• Have proven experience working in a controllership environment.
• Have a strong understanding of the annuity business and its accounting.
• Have demonstrated management skills.
• Exhibit a good systems ability and understanding of process flows and controls.
• Work well within a team, with the ability to communicate at all levels.

Job Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting; CPA and / or MBA designation a plus.
• 7 - 10 years’ relevant experience in a controllership function.
• Life insurance and annuity industry experience a plus.
• Public accounting experience a plus.
• Demonstrated experience with accounting systems; knowledge of Oracle and Clearwater systems a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Initiative-taker with effective communication abilities and ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic start-up environment.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of an innovative insurance company.
• Work in a high-energy, collaborative startup environment with a focus on technology, digital tools, and advisor enablement.
• Competitive compensation package with PTO, health benefits, and career growth opportunities.