Head of Controls - Insurance Platforms

WHO WE ARE:

Zinnia is the leading technology platform for accelerating life and annuities growth. With innovative enterprise solutions and data insights, Zinnia simplifies the experience of buying, selling, and administering insurance products. All of which enables more people to protect their financial futures. Our success is driven by a commitment to three core values: be bold, team up, deliver value – and that we do. Zinnia has over $180 billion in assets under administration, serves 100+ carrier clients, 2500 distributors and partners, and over 2 million policyholders.

WHO YOU ARE:

Zinnia is seeking a strategic and detail oriented Head of Controls - Insurance Platforms to lead the design, integration, and governance of a control environment that underpins operational excellence, risk resilience, and regulatory assurance across the organization. This position is accountable for designing and sustaining a unified control architecture that safeguards performance across Insurance Platforms, with a focus on delivering risk-reducing compliance-ready outcomes for our life and annuity carrier partners.

The Head of Controls - Insurance Platforms will be responsible for orchestrating the integration of risk, audit readiness, process and financial controls across Zinnia’s technology platforms, operations, financial systems, and external engagements. They will also work closely with the Quality organization to ensure alignment and partnership. As a steward of our Three Lines of Defense model, you will lead from the front in ensuring SOC 1 and SOC 2 compliance, proactively identifying risks, and embedding a culture of ownership, transparency, and accountability at scale.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

Operational Integration & Quality Partnership

• Lead the automation and modernization of controls across platforms such as Zinnia Live, Zahara, PeopleSoft, and adjacent operational systems, including digital QA, predictive alerting, and error detection mechanisms.
• Partner closely with the Quality organization to align on operational standards, assurance processes, and continuous improvement initiatives, while maintaining clear role distinctions.

Insurance Platforms - Control Governance

• Architect and operationalize a forward-looking, risk-aligned control framework that spans all critical business units, from operations and payment systems to platform integrations.
• Drive adoption of a layered control model (preventive, detective, responsive), aligned with risk tolerance, regulatory expectations, and client assurance needs.

Audit & Regulatory Leadership

• Serve as the lead for SOC 1 and SOC 2 engagements, overseeing evidence orchestration, walkthroughs, remediation execution, and direct coordination with external auditors.
• Ensure continuous readiness across control environments; partner with Internal Audit, Compliance, and Risk Management to proactively address control gaps and communicate outcomes to clients and boards with transparency and confidence.

Three Lines of Defense Governance

• Serve as a steward of Zinnia’s Three Lines of Defense model, promoting clear ownership in the business (1st line), effective oversight from compliance and risk (2nd line), and independent audit assurance (3rd line).
• Drive cross-functional collaboration across risk, audit, compliance, quality, and operations to align control design with client needs, regulatory requirements, and risk appetite.

Client Advocacy and Risk Transparency

• Represent Zinnia as a senior voice in control governance with life and annuity clients, translating operational maturity and compliance posture into competitive advantage and partner trust.
• Lead the design of client-facing control communications, including readiness briefings, audit updates, and regulatory posture positioning.Proactively shape industry dialogue around risk, transparency, and audit standards through Zinnia’s participation in governance bodies and client engagements.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• 15+ years of leadership in enterprise risk, regulatory compliance, internal audit, or operational controls, ideally with experience in financial services, insurance, or fintech.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Risk Management, or a related field. Advanced degree or relevant certifications (e.g., Six Sigma, CQM, CISA) preferred.
• Strong proficiency in enterprise systems, financial controls, and insurance processes.
• Proven experience in risk management, or compliance within the financial services industry, preferably in life insurance or annuity operations.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and control frameworks relevant to the insurance industry (e.g., NAIC Model Audit Rule, SOX, GDPR).
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and interact with clients.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities, with a track record of driving results in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Knowledge of and experience in the insurance, banking, financial services, or technology industry.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Zinnia offers excellent career progression and competitive compensation. We offer great benefits, including health/dental insurance, parental leave, 401(k), incentive/bonus opportunity, tuition reimbursement, and so much more. The expected salary range for this position is $200,000-$230,000, dependent on skills and location. The salary range is a good faith estimate based on what a successful candidate might be paid in certain Company locations. All offers presented to candidates are carefully reviewed to ensure fair, equitable pay by offering competitive salaries that align with the individual’s skills, education, experience, training, and geographic location and may be above or below the stated amounts. We’re looking for the best and brightest innovators in the industry to join our team. At Zinnia, you collaborate with smart, creative professionals who are dedicated to delivering cutting-edge technologies, deeper data insights, and enhanced services to transform how insurance is done. Visit our website at www.zinnia.com for more information. Apply by completing the online application on the careers section of our website. We are an Equal Opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

Notice for California residents: Information about how we collect and use your personal information can be found here_

#LI-JW1