Policy Change Director jobs in Stamford, CT

Company:

Client is a Life & Annuity carrier, which is a mid-size, investment fund backed company that is fast-growing but established. The company is led by a CEO and a team with extensive experience in private equity, insurance, investment banking, and the Big 4, and is well-respected in the life & annuity space. Their mission is to provide risk management solutions for their clients, who are primarily other insurance carriers looking to transition in force life and annuity blocks of business. While the company does write some live risk, the majority of their business involves buying in force blocks of business. 

Scope:

The role of Assistant Vice President (AVP) – Accounting Policy has been newly established to bolster the organization's ongoing growth and navigate increased complexity during the Company's finance function transformation for sustained expansion. In this capacity, the AVP – Accounting Policy will serve as the primary authority for technical accounting research, offering insights into the interpretation and application of existing and impending accounting guidance. This pivotal leadership position within the finance department involves providing crucial support to the Corporate Controller in ensuring adherence to mandated accounting standards. Responsibilities encompass overseeing compliance with technical accounting matters, addressing queries, guiding new transactions and projects, and facilitating the integration of emerging accounting standards. Additionally, the AVP – Accounting Policy will contribute to the preparation and evaluation of diverse US GAAP and Statutory financial statements, while also actively participating in maintaining compliance with internal controls stipulated by Sarbanes-Oxley. 

Responsibilities:

• Plan, conduct, manage, and coordinate research on technical accounting issues related to complex transactions, new business initiatives, acquisitions, and contracts.
• Partner with entity and divisional controllers and collaborate with various finance departments to provide accounting expertise for financial integrity.
• Lead the evaluation and implementation of new accounting pronouncements under US GAAP and Statutory accounting.
• Stay updated on emerging technical accounting and regulatory developments, providing interpretation to assess financial and operational impacts.
• Represent the company at industry meetings, including the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) accounting committee.
• Support the financial reporting team with quarterly and annual financial statements and filings.
• Assist with the preparation and review of quarterly and annual financial reporting for US GAAP financial reports.
• Support the year-end audit process, collaborating effectively with internal and external auditors.
• Provide training to management and staff on technical accounting policies and relevant topics.

Qualifications:

• 7-10 years of progressive accounting experience; 3 years in a technical accounting role preferred.
• Big 4 public accounting experience or a combination of public and private experience.
• Expertise in Life Insurance and Reinsurance accounting is required.
• Subject matter expert in US GAAP and Statutory technical accounting, including experience with relevant ASCs and SSAPs.
• Proactive self-starter with the ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Strong advisory and consultative skills with a service mindset.
• Experience implementing accounting standards and special projects is a plus.
• CPA designation required; Bachelor's degree in Accounting required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite; experience with other accounting software a plus.