Director, Internal Controls - Operations

Section 1: Position Summary 

The Director of Financial Controls leads the design, implementation, and oversight of financial control frameworks supporting our Operations Team. This role ensures the integrity of financial controls, enhances operational efficiency, and enforces compliance with internal policies and external regulations. This role requires a proactive leader with deep experience in internal controls, operations, cross-functional collaboration, and process optimization. 

Section 2: Job Functions, Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

Control Framework & Governance 

• Design, implement, and maintain a robust internal control framework aligned with company policies, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices. 

• Provide overall control governance of key financial controls, such as cash reconciliation. 

• Establish and maintain key control documentation across operational activities. 

• Drive root cause analysis and corrective action to mitigate risk in operational processes. 

Cash Reconciliation 

• Lead a team responsible for monitoring and reconciling cash flows across participant transactions (contributions, distributions, loans, rollovers, fees, etc.) 

Operations Support & Integration 

• Partner with Operations leadership to drive continuous improvement to improve adherence to internal policies and regulations. 

• Monitor and enhance financial controls for key operational indicators. 

Reporting & Insights 

• Provide actionable insights to senior leadership through regular reporting on financial control effectiveness, risk exposure, and compliance status. 

• Develop metrics and dashboards to track control performance and areas for improvement. 

Cross-functional Collaboration 

• Influence and educate teams on the importance of strong financial controls in achieving strategic objectives. 

At Ascensus we are guided by our Core Values of People Matter, Quality First and Integrity Always®. They inspire us every day to prioritize an environment of respect for those we serve and one another and should be visible in your actions on a day-to-day. 

Responsible for protecting, securing, and proper handling of all confidential data held by Ascensus to ensure against unauthorized access, improper transmission, and/or unapproved disclosure of information that could result in harm to Ascensus or our clients. 

Supervision   

• Build and manage a team of professionals focused on cash reconciliation, internal controls and compliance within operations. 

• Lead a team responsible for cash reconciliation for Operations. 

• Influence a high performing team through implementation of effective talent and performance management, motivation, and coaching. 

• Engages associates in a positive and professional manner where inclusion and diversity of thought are leveraged for innovation and continuous improvement. 

• Works with leadership team to set and execute associate SMART goals/objectives. 

• Maintain a safe and healthy work environment by establishing, following, and enforcing standards and procedures. 

Section 3:  Experience, Skills, Knowledge Requirements  

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field (MBA or CPA preferred)  

• 10+ years of experience in financial services operations, with a focus on and progressive experience in internal controls, risk management, and reconciliation; including controls framework and audit practices 

• 5+ years of leadership experience 

• Proven experience and knowledge of the retirement industry 

• Exceptional analytical, problem solving, and communication skills  

• Strong influencing skills across all levels, including executives 

• Lean or Six Sigma knowledge a plus  

• Background in process automation or systems implementation a plus 

• Results driven/results oriented, problem solver, decision maker 

• Adapts to changing priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced business culture. 

• Prioritizes, organizes, and manages multiple projects simultaneously under constantly changing dynamics. 

• Interacts with and influences management and contributors at all levels of the organization and across functions. 

For all virtual remote positions, in order to ensure associates can effectively perform their job duties with no distractions, we require an uninterrupted virtual workspace and there is also an expectation of family care being in place during business hours. Additionally, there is an internet work speed requirement of 25 Mbps or better for individual use. If more than one person is utilizing the same internet connection in the same household or building, then a stronger connection is required. If you are unsure of your internet speed, please check with your service provider.