Senior Manager

At American Equity we offer leading annuity products that help empower our clients to fulfill their needs and wants in retirement. Our success comes from hiring high-energy individuals who embody the beliefs that drive our unique culture. We currently fund over half a million retirements nationwide, and have been headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa, for over twenty-five years with satellite offices in Charlotte, NC and New York, NY.

GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE JOB:   

The Senior Manager of Accounting Policy is responsible for overseeing Company accounting policy functions, including but not limited to: 1) researching and implementing new and proposed accounting standards for GAAP and statutory accounting and evaluating and implementing new and proposed transactions; 2) leading and streamlining the Company’s technical accounting efforts on complex transactions, primarily focused on reinsurance, actuarial, and new product implementation; and 3) lead Accounting Policies efforts in engagement within industry groups like the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI). The incumbent drives company strategy by advising executive leadership on the accounting implications of complex, strategic transactions and regulatory accounting changes and is heavily involved in the negotiation and onboarding of new reinsurance treaties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Oversees the research and implementation of new and proposed financial accounting standards for GAAP and statutory accounting, and directs training, implementation documentation, footnote disclosures and development of processes/SOX controls related to both the implementation and ongoing adherence to new accounting standards.
• Leads technical accounting research and advice, analyzing and summarizing GAAP and STAT reporting requirements relating to new transactions to ensure the Company is following the appropriate accounting guidance for such transactions.
• Assesses risk associated with accounting practices and prepares recommendations and memorandums summarizing impacts and potential solutions/options.
• Directs and provides input to financial statement disclosures for new and proposed accounting standards as well as new transactions on both a GAAP and Stat basis.
• Partners with executive leadership, providing complex advice on accounting implications of potential business transactions and future accounting changes.
• Leads the development of centralized and standard documentation of current and new accounting practices and policies.
• Works directly with our external auditors related to implementation of new standards and other accounting research.
• Reviews and interprets regulations, emerging changes and developments in an increasingly complex accounting environment.
• Directs the analysis of GAAP, Stat and Regulatory financial results of the various reinsurance treaties and working with other members of finance to explain such results to executive management.
• Oversees the execution and documentation of internal controls around technical accounting processes and enhancement of those controls.
• Partners with members of the Finance, Treasury, Investments, Legal, and Actuarial teams to ensure that all involved in executing complex transactions and reporting are aligned and collaborating effectively.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Reports:

None today, likely in the future

General Description of Indirect Reports (2 and 3-downs):

None

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:  

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field of study; plus eight (8) years of progressively responsible related to complex transactions, Financial Reporting, and/or Accounting Policy experience; or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Five (5) years of related leadership experience preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS:

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:   

• Deep knowledge of GAAP and Stat accounting regulations, practices and procedures.
• Thorough understanding and demonstrated experience with the COSO framework.
• Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of the accounting for life insurance and annuity products.
• General knowledge of industry standards and best practices around accounting for reinsurance transactions.
• Working knowledge of US GAAP, STAT, and Bermuda reporting standards and requirements.
• Possess strategic and analytical problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work with cross-functional teams to achieve desired outcomes.
• Highly motivated and demonstrated ability to take initiative.
• Strong understanding of public company financial statement preparation process.
• Ability to influence in absence of formal reporting relationships and inspire confidence throughout the organization.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work cooperatively and successfully with employees, customers, and other outside third parties.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to successfully handle pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced work environment.

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