AVP, Accounting Policy

$160,000 - $195,000/Yr

Wilton Re - Norwalk, CT

Full-time - Mid Level

Hybrid - Norwalk, CT

About the position

The AVP - Accounting Policy is a newly created role designed to support the continued growth and complexity of Wilton Re as the company transforms its finance function for sustainable growth. This position will serve as the primary source for technical accounting research, interpretation, and application of current and pending accounting guidance. The AVP will play a crucial leadership role within the finance department, assisting the Corporate Controller in maintaining compliance with required accounting standards related to technical accounting issues, new transactions, and projects, as well as the implementation of new accounting standards. Additionally, the AVP will assist in the preparation and review of various US GAAP and Statutory financial statements, ensuring compliance with relevant internal controls under Sarbanes-Oxley. In this role, the AVP will plan, conduct, manage, and coordinate research and documentation of technical accounting issues and reporting matters concerning complex transactions, new business initiatives, acquisitions, and new contracts. The AVP will partner with entity and divisional controllers and other finance department areas, such as investment accounting, tax, and actuarial, to provide accounting expertise that ensures financial integrity. The position also involves leading the company's efforts in evaluating and implementing new accounting pronouncements related to US GAAP and Statutory accounting, staying updated on new and emerging technical accounting and regulatory developments, and providing interpretations of new guidance to assist management in evaluating financial and operational impacts. The AVP will represent the company at industry meetings, including the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) accounting committee, and support the financial reporting team with quarterly and annual financial statements and filings. This includes assisting with the preparation and review of quarterly and annual financial reporting for US GAAP financial reports, including consolidated GAAP audited financial statements. The AVP will also support the year-end audit process, collaborating effectively with internal and external auditors, and provide training to management and staff across the organization on technical accounting policies and relevant topics.

Responsibilities

• Plan, conduct, manage and coordinate research and written documentation of technical accounting issues and reporting matters regarding technically complex transactions, new business initiatives, acquisitions, and new contracts.
• Partner with entity and divisional controllers and other finance department areas (investment accounting, tax, actuarial, etc.) in providing accounting expertise to achieve financial integrity.
• Lead the company's efforts in evaluating and implementing new accounting pronouncements relating to US GAAP and Statutory accounting.
• Keep up to date on new and emerging technical accounting and related regulatory developments and provide interpretation of new guidance to assist management in evaluating financial and operational impact, including NAIC blanks changes for year-end statutory annual statement reporting.
• 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, including the consolidated GAAP audited financial statements.
• Support the year-end audit process and partner effectively with internal and external auditors, providing support and guidance as necessary.
• Collaborate with other stakeholders in the Company to partner and execute on finance related projects and initiatives, as assigned from time to time.
• Provide training to management and staff across the organization on technical accounting policies and relevant accounting topics.

Requirements

• 7+ years of progressive, relevant experience in accounting.
• 3+ years of experience in a technical accounting role is a plus.
• Big 4 public accounting experience or a combination of public and private experience.
• Experience with Life Insurance and Reinsurance accounting is required.
• Subject matter expert in US GAAP technical accounting, including experience with ASC 944, ASC 805, ASC 810, ASC 323, ASC 820, as well as experience with CECL and LDTI.
• Subject matter expert in US Statutory technical accounting, including experience with SSAP 26R, SSAP 43R, SSAP 86, SSAP 51R, SSAP 61R, SSAP 56.
• Advanced ability to research and interpret US GAAP and US Statutory technical accounting guidance, as well as develop and document accounting policies based on this research.
• Proactive self-starter with the ability to work independently to accomplish objectives and meet deadlines.
• Strong advisory/consultative skills with a service mindset and the ability to build key working relationships with finance and accounting teams.
• Experience implementing accounting standards and special projects is a plus.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Attention to detail and risk-based analytical thinking.
• Flexibility in adapting to a non-routine and fast-paced environment.
• Ability to identify, escalate, and respond quickly to unexpected challenges and opportunities.
• Strong writing, presentation, and communication skills and ability to easily explain complex accounting issues and conclusions to a variety of audiences.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite.
• Experience with other accounting software is a plus (i.e. BlackLine, NetSuite, Workiva).

Nice-to-haves

• Experience implementing accounting standards and special projects is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive vacation and sick time, including company-paid holidays, floating holidays, and early closing days.
• 401(k) plan with employer contribution - US Employees Only.
• Profit Sharing Program.
• Competitive parental leave.
• Health, vision, dental, and life insurance, including access to health and wellness programs.
• Actuarial Development Program (ADP) for Actuarial employees taking exams.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Current hybrid working environment.
• Employee Engagement Events and various committees on site to join.