Controller Jobs in Bessemer, AL (NOW HIRING)

The work we do has an impact on millions of lives, and you can be a part of it.

Wehelp protect our customers against life’s uncertainties.Regardless ofwhere you work within thecompany, you’ll behelping provide protection and peace of mind when our customers need it most.

Protective Life Corporation is committed to delivering protection and security through disciplined financial management and innovative solutions. The Vice President, Corporate Controller for the Asset Protection Division (APD) is a senior executive leadership role within the Finance organization and a key member of the accounting and finance leadership team.

This role has full leadership accountability for the APD controllership function, including financial reporting, accounting policy, governance, and internal controls. The position is responsible for developing and executing the strategy for APD accounting and reporting, ensuring alignment with enterprise objectives and regulatory requirements.

This role provides enterprise-level oversight of APD’s portfolio, including extended service contracts, vehicle protection products, credit insurance, GAP coverage, and warranty‑related offerings. The VP, Corporate Controller operates with significant autonomy and influence, partnering across Finance, Actuarial, FP&A, Operations, Investments, and executive leadership to support scalable growth, financial integrity, and informed decision‑making.

• Owns and leads the APD controllership function, with full accountability for financial reporting outcomes, control environment, and accounting integrity.
• Develops and executes the strategic direction for APD accounting and reporting, aligned with Protective’s Finance and enterprise priorities.
• Ensures alignment and integration of APD reporting within the broader corporate reporting framework.

• Accountable for the accuracy, transparency, and timeliness of APD financial reporting, including GAAP and Statutory results where applicable.
• Provides executive‑level financial insights and analysis to enable business decision‑making and performance management.
• Oversees end‑to‑end close and reporting processes for APD, including high‑volume, transaction‑driven product lines and complex distribution models.

• Serves as the senior accounting authority for APD, setting direction on accounting policy interpretation and application.
• Leads evaluation of complex or non‑routine transactions, including new product structures, distribution arrangements, and acquisitions.
• Ensures consistency, scalability, and governance of accounting practices across APD and alignment with enterprise standards.

• Establishes and maintains a best‑in‑class control environment, consistent with SOX and Protective’s risk management expectations.
• Accountable for controls over premium recognition, claims/reserves, commissions, and financial reporting.
• Oversees engagement with Internal Audit, external auditors, and regulators, ensuring strong governance and regulatory compliance.

• Acts as a trusted advisor to the APD executive leadership, influencing strategy through financial, accounting, and risk perspectives.
• Partners across functions to support growth initiatives, including new product development, distribution expansion, and acquisition activity.
• Balances business objectives with financial discipline, ensuring decisions reflect both growth and control considerations.

• Influences resource allocation, prioritization, and execution across multiple disciplines impacting APD financial outcomes.
• Builds strong alignment across Financial Planning and Analysis; Actuarial, Operations, Risk, and Legal to drive enterprise‑consistent execution.
• Serves as a key representative of APD within the accounting organization and broader Finance leadership team.

• Provides leadership through senior managers and directors, with accountability for organizational performance and outcomes.
• Develops and executes talent strategies, including succession planning, capability building, and leadership development.
• Establishes a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement, aligned with Protective’s values.

• Experience: 12+ years of progressive accounting/financial reporting experience, with demonstrated leadership at scale.
• Industry: Experience in insurance and/or asset protection products (e.g., warranty, service contracts, credit insurance, GAP).
• Public Accounting: Public accounting experience (Big 4 or equivalent) strongly preferred.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance; CPA required.
• Leadership: Proven ability to lead large, complex functions and influence executive stakeholders.
• Technical Expertise: Deep expertise in U.S. GAAP and Statutory accounting frameworks applicable to property & casualty insurance products.

$200,000 - $250,000 a year

Protective’s targeted compensation for this position is $200,000 to $250,000. Actual salaries may vary depending on factors, including but not limited to, job location, skills, and experience. The range listed is just one component of Protective’s total compensation package for employees.

This position also offers additional incentive opportunitiesthrough an annual incentive and Long Term Incentive (LTI) based on individual and Company performance.

• comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance
• mental health benefits
• employee assistance program
• paid time off
• paid parental leave
• short‑term disability
• cultural observance day
• contributions to healthcare accounts
• pension plan
• 401(k) plan with Company matching
• ProHealth Rewards

Eligibility for certain benefits may vary by position in accordance with the terms of the Company’s benefit plans.

If you require an accommodation to complete the application and recruitment process due to a disability, please emaileric.hess@protective.com. This information will be held in confidence and used only to determine an appropriate accommodation for the application and recruitment process.

Please note that the above email is solely for individuals with disabilities requesting an accommodation. General employment questions should not be sent through this process.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to being inclusive and attracting, retaining, and growing an inclusive workforce.