Controller
About SafeLease
At SafeLease, we're rethinking how P&C insurance is sold in an age of technological change. We believe the industry's biggest inefficiencies aren't technical problems — they're structural ones. And we're building the team to tackle them.
SafeLease is a profitable insurance business that designs, underwrites, and distributes specialty coverage for commercial property owners and their tenants. Most insurance companies either distribute products or bear the risk — we do both. We back our policies with our own capital, which means we control the full stack: product design, tech, and the speed at which we move. That end-to-end ownership lets us offer customers real flexibility, saving time and money for more than 4,000 properties insured for billions in value nationwide.
We're a team of 70, growing over 100% annually, and we've done it without sacrificing profitability or culture. Here, you'll get high discretion and a wide aperture of problems to solve. We embrace the newest technologies, move fast together, and operate with the intensity of a small company where every person's work is visible. If you're looking for a place to sharpen your craft alongside people who take their work seriously, you'll fit right in.
About The Role
We are seeking a highly experienced Controller to lead all accounting, financial reporting, and internal controls across both SafeLease and our parent company Etude Capital. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise honed at a Big Four consulting firm and a track record of building and scaling finance functions in fast-paced environments. This is a high-visibility leadership role with direct exposure to executive leadership and strategic decision-making.
Key Responsibilities
Own and oversee all accounting operations, general ledger management, and month-end/quarter-end/year-end close processes for both SafeLease and Etude Capital
Prepare and deliver timely, accurate financial statements in accordance with GAAP, ensuring full compliance across both entities
Design, implement, and maintain robust internal controls and financial policies that scale with organizational growth
Lead the annual audit process and serve as the primary liaison with external auditors and tax advisors
Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing accounting team, establishing best-in-class processes and a culture of continuous improvement
Manage consolidated financial reporting across SafeLease and Etude Capital, including intercompany transactions and eliminations
Partner with the CEO and senior leadership to provide financial insights, variance analysis, and strategic recommendations
Oversee cash management, treasury functions, and capital allocation reporting for the investment portfolio
Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local tax requirements; coordinate tax planning and filing across jurisdictions
Evaluate and enhance financial systems, tools, and technology infrastructure to support scalability and operational efficiency
Support fundraising, investor reporting, and due diligence processes as needed
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA designation required
Minimum of 10 years of progressive accounting and finance experience
Background at a Big Four accounting/consulting firm (Deloitte, PwC, EY, or KPMG) is required
Deep expertise in GAAP, financial reporting, and internal controls frameworks (SOX experience preferred)
Demonstrated experience managing accounting functions across multiple entities or business lines
Strong technical accounting skills including consolidations, revenue recognition, and investment accounting
Experience in insurance, insurtech, fintech, or investment management industries is highly preferred
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, MBA, or related advanced degree
Experience in a high-growth startup or scale-up environment
Familiarity with insurance regulatory reporting and statutory accounting principles (SAP)
Proficiency with modern ERP systems, financial planning tools, and data analytics platforms
Prior experience supporting investment fund accounting or portfolio-level reporting
Why SafeLease?
The tech: Our prospects convert fast because we’re solving real problems and delivering serious value to commercial real estate owners.
The team: We’re a team of seasoned pros and sharp operators who know how to move fast and build smart. High standards, low ego.
The stability: We’re well-funded, growing fast, and we make sure our team shares in that success with competitive pay and equity.
The employee experience: We also offer unlimited PTO, full health benefits, flexible work setups, and the kind of culture where people want to show up to do their best work.
If you don't have all the qualifications listed, don't worry! We understand everyone's career path is unique and still encourage you to apply if you feel this role is aligned with your career trajectory.
Employment at SafeLease is contingent upon a satisfactory verification of a general and criminal background check.