Financial Controller

Insurance… slow, outdated, and a frustrating experience for businesses. But it doesn’t have to be. For businesses and fast-moving startups / scaleups, the customer experience has fallen far behind, leaving them underserved and at risk. At upcover, we’re flipping the script by providing innovative, tech-driven insurance solutions that businesses love—tailored, fast, and built for the pace of today’s world.
About upcover
upcover is Australia's fastest growing business insurance platform for SMBs, startups and scale ups - trusted by 50,000+ small businesses across ANZ. We are game changing the decades old business insurance industry by creating digitally native insurance products in partnership with the world's largest insurers and underwriters. upcover's platform bridges the gap between cutting-edge technology and the complexities of insurance, ensuring our customers get the protection they need, simply and effectively.
Why join us?
The world of commercial insurance and underwriting is complex and analog. And its gigantic. Nearly $50B in business insurance is transacted across ANZ every year, and only 5% of this is online. upcover is at the forefront of digitising the industry and we are aided in our effort by the world's top insurers, underwriters and VCs.
We’re looking for a hands‑on Financial Controller who will be responsible for the overall financial health of the organisation, ensuring that financial strategies align with the company’s goals. The FC will oversee all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and risk management, and will play a key role in partnering the Executive Team in supporting strategic planning and decision-making.
This is an IC role with high ownership and visibility across the business.
Key Responsibilities: This role covers several different responsibility areas and includes, but is not limited to the following:
Insurance experience (preferable)
To assist in underwriting premium bordereaux reconciliations, broker commission, payments to insurers, and claims payment reconciliations with insurance partners. Assist with FS70/71 Audit for AFSL regulated entities.
Financial Leadership
Develop and implement financial strategies that support the organisation's business objectives.Provide leadership to the finance team and ensure alignment with the company’s goals.Maintain and continuously improve internal controls and financial policies.
Financial Management and Reporting
Manage outsourced providersManage all finance and accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and payrollPrepare and publish timely monthly, and annual financial statements Implement month-end closing procedures, checklists and full balance sheet reconciliationsCoordinate and direct the preparation of budgets and financial forecastsEnsure accuracy of financial records and efficient accounting processes Analyse financial performance and provide insights to the executive team on key metrics and variances to budget.Monitor cash flow and liquidity requirements. Approve payments and ensure effective control over expenditures. Present financial reports to the Board of Directors and other key internal and external stakeholdersStrong knowledge of accounting standards and financial control best practices
Risk Management
Identify and manage financial risks to safeguard the organisation’s assets. Implement effective internal controls and compliance measures.Support audits and manage audit processes. Ensure compliance with financial regulations, accounting standards, government bodies and tax requirements.
Cash Flow Management
Monitor, forecast and manage daily, weekly, and long-term cash flow to ensure liquidity and operational efficiency.Implement proactive strategies to optimise working capital, mitigate risk and support strategic growth initiatives.
Strategic Planning
Collaborate with executive leadership to define and implement the company's strategic direction.Evaluate mergers, acquisitions, and other growth opportunities.Evaluate the ability of the existing IT systems and digital infrastructure to facilitate future business growth
Stakeholder Relations
Build relationships with banks, investors, and other financial partners.Manage investor relations, updates & shareholder requests alongside the Co-Founding team. Communicate financial performance and strategy to stakeholders effectively.
Team Development
Mentor and develop finance staff to grow their skills and capabilities.Foster a culture of continuous improvement within the finance team. What you’ll bring
4–7+ years in accounting with time in a startup/scaleup, insurance broker/MGA, fintech, or public practice.CA/CPA (qualified or near completion) and strong grounding in AASB/IFRS.Proven strength in reconciliations and month‑end close; comfortable owning the GL end‑to‑end.Experience with trust accounts, carrier/broker settlements, or bordereaux (nice to have).Advanced Excel/Google Sheets; exposure to Xero and a BI tool (e.g., Looker/Metabase).Clear communicator who can translate numbers into actions for non‑finance teammates.
Our stack (indicative)
Xero, Airwallex, Stripe, Remote, Notion, Google Workspace, Slack, Big Query
What our interview process looks like
Intro call with co‑founder (culture & role fit)Technical accounting & reconciliations case (close pack + PTA/gateway recon)Cross‑functional interviews (Ops/Claims/Product)References & offer
About upcover's team and remote first setup
upcover is HQed in Sydney, Australia 🇦🇺 but has a team thats distributed across Australia 🇦🇺, India 🇮🇳, Spain 🇪🇸, Pakistan 🇵🇰, Italy 🇮🇹, Nigeria 🇳🇬, Iran 🇮🇷 , Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 and Kazakstan 🇰🇿! And while fully remote, we are proud that everyone in our team operates with a very high level of autonomy and responsibility.
We index high on diversity and strongly believe that the best outcomes are the result of a culture that preserves individuality and independence while ensuring accountability. If you thrive in a self-directed, inclusive, and entrepreneurial setting, you’ll find our team to be the perfect place to grow and contribute. We have a very healthy pipeline of opportunities, and we’re moving into new territories by launching our own niche insurance brands with key insurance partners.
upcover is committed to employment equity and welcomes applications regardless of race, ethnicity, age, nationality, religion, disability, sexual orientation or philosophy of life.
Join us in redefining insurance!