Head of Accounting Policy

Head of Accounting Policy

Talcott Financial Group is seeking a Head of Accounting Policy to lead all aspects of accounting policy for the group and its subsidiaries in the US, Bermuda, and Cayman Islands including Bermuda Economic Balance Sheet (EBS), US GAAP, US Statutory, and Bermuda and Cayman statutory accounting. The ideal candidate will have deep (re) insurance and large transaction experience. This position will lead a team of 3-5 individuals to drive the analysis of accounting policy choices, communicate implications of decisions/alternatives, and drive implementation of new accounting requirements.

Talcott has offices in Hartford, CT, New York, and Bermuda. The role can sit in any of these locations and there is an expectation of frequent travel between locations.

Responsibilities

Lead, analyze, and provide expertise in relation to EBS, US GAAP, and US STAT accounting guidance and emerging issues that may shape company financial filings.
Maintain accounting policies across a wide range of investment classes and liabilities (variable annuities, fixed indexed annuities, payout annuities, universal life) across a wide range of bases of accounting.
Support overall reporting processes and monitor any changes made to EBS, US GAAP, and statutory regulations/requirements.
Oversee and lead business on the implementation of new and amended standards including EBS, US GAAP, SEC, and NAIC statutory standards (e.g., revenue recognition, credit losses, long-duration targeted improvements).
Engage with investments front office and third-party consultants to develop accounting policies for new asset classes and investments.
Review historical accounting policies to determine continued appropriateness as the business grows and evolves.
Implement new accounting standards and changes.
Assist corporate development team in analyzing accounting and capital consequences of new and potential transactions.

Qualifications and Experience

Bachelor's or Graduate degree in Accounting or Finance with US CPA or equivalent accounting certification.
Minimum 10 years of (re) insurance accounting experience, with 5 or more years of relevant accounting policy experience within a life insurance/reinsurance setting.

Experience with legal entity acquisitions and block reinsurance transactions.

Experience with product features and accounting for variable annuities, fixed indexed annuities, payout annuities, universal life, and reinsurance structures.

Experience with investment features and accounting for fixed income, equities/alternatives, hybrid investments, and loans.
Detail-oriented and highly organized.
Broad range of technical accounting skills gained through analysis of financial processes and M&A transactions.
Proven track record of building and managing finance processes and delivering timely, accurate results.
Expertise in one or more of EBS, US GAAP, or US STAT.
Ability and desire to execute in a hands-on, detail-oriented manner.
Strong communication and analytical skills.
Highly motivated and results-oriented.
Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Strategic thinker able to analyze and solve complex problems.
Very strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.