Chief Accounting Officer

TowerHunter Executive Search is partnering with a mission-driven, insurance carrier to recruit a Chief Accounting Officer as the organization embarks on a major growth and modernization journey. This A-rated carrier has over a century of history, strong profitability, and returns significant dividends to its policyholder members.The CAO will be a key member of the executive team, reporting directly to the CEO, and will play a critical role in shaping long-term financial sustainability, enterprise value creation, and organizational resilience. This leader will bring a fresh perspective to strategy, partnering closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and business leaders to translate vision into financial plans, forecasts, and scenario modeling that support rebranding, growth, and modernization.Key areas of responsibility include:Strategic leadership of financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and capital strategy, including support for M&A and new market opportunities.Ownership of accounting, statutory reporting (including NAIC principles), tax, and financial controls, ensuring the integrity of the general ledger, close process, and financial statements.Oversight of risk management, compliance, reinsurance programs, and preparation for regulatory and AM Best rating reviews.Modernization of finance operations, including processes, systems, vendor management, payroll and billing, and performance dashboards/KPIs that drive decision-making and growth.Talent leadership: building, developing, and retaining a high-performing, inclusive finance and accounting team and supporting succession planning across the function.Serving as primary liaison to the Board (including finance and budget committees) and key external stakeholders such as auditors, brokers, regulators, tax authorities, and banking partners.The ideal candidate:10+ years of progressive financial leadership experience, with at least 5 years in the insurance sector strongly preferred; M&A exposure is a plus.Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred. CPA or equivalent experience strongly desired.Demonstrated success as a member of an executive team, with experience leading through cultural change and growth in a complex organization.Strong executive-level business acumen, decision-making, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to quickly build credibility and trust at all levels.Energetic, collaborative style with a passion for helping others succeed and fostering a culture of learning, inclusion, accountability, and innovation.Location & compensation:Role based in Baltimore County, Maryland.Competitive base salary, performance-based bonus opportunity, and a robust benefits package.If you are an experienced finance leader in insurance or a closely related financial services environment and are excited about combining top-tier financial stewardship with mission-driven impact, we would like to hear from you.Please contact:Jaime Barrett-ThurstonTowerHunter Inc.jbthurston@towerhunter.com