Technical Director Accounting Policy & Research

As a team member in Finance at Nationwide, the opportunities are endless! Let Nationwide help create your career journey! At Nationwide®, “on your side” goes beyond just words. Our customers are at the center of everything we do and we’re looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care.

Internal Comp Grade H4

In this role, you will be a strategic partner at the heart of key decision-making processes, working closely with business leaders to drive impactful projects and initiatives. Rather than working in isolation, you’ll collaborate across a diverse range of teams—including finance, legal, actuarial, and operations—to develop practical, well-supported accounting solutions that foster innovation and support business growth.

This position goes beyond traditional accounting responsibilities. You’ll play an active role in shaping how accounting standards are interpreted and applied within a dynamic and evolving financial environment. From evaluating new GAAP and statutory guidance to advising senior leadership on policy decisions and engaging with industry groups and regulators, your insights will help shape the company’s direction.

You will also be instrumental in managing relationships with external auditors and peer networks, ensuring alignment with industry best practices while enhancing your own professional visibility and influence.

If you are energized by complex problem‑solving, enjoy influencing strategic direction, and thrive in a collaborative, high‑performance environment, this is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

This is a hybrid position located in Columbus, Ohio and you will be required to come into the office two days per week.

This role does not qualify for employer‑sponsored work authorization. Nationwide does not participate in the STEM OPT extension program.

Do you want to invest in yourself and thrive in an environment of innovation, problem solving, collaboration and learning? If you’re prepared to work in a technology‑enabled, digitally‑focused organization, where Controllership is a captivating and respected career, we want to hear from you!

As a Technical Director, you'll develop accounting policies, practices and standards to meet regulatory and management requirements. We'll count on you to provide accounting consultation, assistance and service to leadership and other internal customers. In addition, you'll have opportunities to serve as a liaison to external peer/industry groups as well as the external auditors.

• Directs/performs the technical accounting research which is used by others within Controllership for the preparation, analysis and required filing of all relative financial statements and related data and exhibits.
• Performs the assessment, education and implementation of new GAAP and STAT accounting changes.
• Interacts with various finance functions as a representative of the AP&R group. Connects with peers through participation in industry trade groups.
• Work collaboratively with external auditors and other outside sources to ensure accounting compliance with regulators, statutory, GAAP and SEC requirements where applicable.
• Provides advice, counsel and assistance on accounting policies and practices.
• Responds to applicable inquiries from state insurance departments, internal and external auditors and other regulatory agencies.
• Manages special projects/assignments as advised by senior management.
• Represents officer/executive as assigned. May attend trade association meetings.
• Provides regular, formal updates/presentations to interested/impacted staff within the company.

May perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Reports to Senior Director and will work directly with senior management within Controllership.

Undergraduate studies in accounting or finance. Post graduate level studies desirable.

CPA designation is desired.

Eight years of accounting experience in insurance or financial services industry. Big Four public accounting experience is desired. At least four years of…