Director of Financial Reporting

Talcott Financial Group•Hartford, CT

57d

About The Position

Talcott Financial Group is an international life insurance group and the industry’s trusted partner for comprehensive risk solutions. Talcott creatively designs and expertly delivers responsive solutions that transfer risk and manage capital in a way that supports the strategic needs of insurers today and into the future. Talcott Financial Group has a proven track record of well-executed transactions, and the enterprise benefits from its strong financial position with over $127 billion in assets under management, its investment-grade financial strength ratings, and its partnership with Sixth Street, a leading global investment firm. Talcott Financial Group’s two core business platforms include: U.S. based Talcott Resolution and Bermuda and Cayman based Talcott Re. Overview: The Director of Financial Reporting is a highly experienced accounting professional and engaging team leader that will be responsible for reporting the spread business on the US Controllers Accounting team. This role has the critical accountability for the preparation and reporting of financial information for a variety of internal and external customers. The role provides a macro-overview of Talcott’s insurance operations, reinsurance arrangements, and corporate business functions, as well as the opportunity to interact with stakeholders across the enterprise. This leader will be continuously challenged to implement best in class processes, identify process improvements, stand-up analytics, and will be empowered to implement solutions. This role will lead of team of accountants based in the US and South Africa.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree in accounting and CPA or MBA required, advanced degree preferred.
15+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience in the financial services industry or auditing within a large life insurance company.
Experience in accounting, financial reporting, audit, financial statement preparation & analysis – Big four accounting experience preferred.
Experience with accounting for complex reinsurance transactions required
Ability to understand and analyze complex financial records and reports in a highly regulated environment
Mastery of accounting standards and experience with performing technical research
Ability to proactively identify, define, and resolve complex problems
Management experience and demonstrates strong leadership skills, guiding and reviewing work performed
Must be able to manage competing priorities, build relationships and work closely with a team in a fast-paced environment
Must be able to comfortably dig into the details and work collaboratively with the team to understand process mechanics as well as high-level technical theory of accounting processes and transactions
Strong collaboration skills, including the ability to influence outcomes within the team and across functions to achieve organizational goals in a dynamic environment
Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with proven attention to details
Polished communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to articulate complex information to all levels and functions
Ability to understand leadership reporting needs and to creatively produce useful reports to meet those needs
Strong practical knowledge in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, PeopleSoft/Oracle/other general ledger applications strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Lead team responsible for US GAAP and statutory quarterly/annual financial reporting process for the spread business within the US legal entities.
Support the Company's external financial reporting that aligns with US GAAP, Statutory (including regulatory reporting) and Bermuda accounting requirements
Accountable for making sure accounting and reporting is in compliance with applicable accounting policies
Accountable for various spread based product blocks of business, including FIA, Funding Agreement, Structured Settlements, and other retail annuity products, including related intercompany cessions of certain business on a ModCo and/or Funds Withheld basis
Analyze and document quarterly earnings and other key financial variances, including STAT and GAAP management reporting analytics
Produce high caliber, executive ready, business review materials and analysis, including key performance indicators to clearly communicate results commentary and drive accountability
Lead special projects, including the implementation of new accounting standards and new transactions onboarding
Streamline processes and procedures to continually improve efficiency and controls
Interact with various internal and external stakeholders, including, but not limited to Talcott management, third-party administrators, and reinsurance partners
Review and approve required internal controls and maintain documentation of the controls as required
Perform review of ledger entries, account reconciliations, and internal control documentation
Participating in ad-hoc financial reporting needs and projects