Technical Director Accounting Policy & Research

Job Description Summary

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.

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.

• Directs/performs the technical accounting research 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, connecting with peers through participation in industry trade groups.
• Works 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.

Education: Undergraduate studies in accounting or finance. Post‑graduate level studies desirable.

License/Certification/Designation: CPA designation is desired.

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

Knowledge, Abilities and

Skills:

GAAP and/or STAT accounting principles. Sophisticated verbal and written communication skills for contact with all levels of associates including business unit leadership, external parties such as public accountants, state examiners, industry professionals and other clients. Ability to analyze and tackle accounting problems, interpret financial documents and data, analyze legal requirements, examine and monitor accounting cycles and flows, and review general ledger entries and audit work papers and schedules.

Ability to advise associates in all aspects of assigned accounting record maintenance, financial statement preparation and special projects.

Other criteria, including leadership skills, competencies and experiences may take precedence. Staffing exceptions to the above must be approved by the hiring manager’s leader and Human Resources Business Partner.

Regularly and consistently demonstrates Nationwide Value.

Overtime Eligibility: Exempt (not eligible)

Working Conditions: Normal office environment. Able to work outside of the normal workday including occasional weekends to meet deadlines and complete special projects and handle a high volume/large variety of work.

ADA: The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some people assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties.

Credit/Background Check: Due to the fiduciary accountabilities within this job, a valid credit…