Senior Director - Benefits Accounting Leader

WTW•Chicago, IL

About The Position

As Benefits Accounting Leader, you will serve as a subject matter expert responsible for providing technical accounting and financial reporting guidance related to retirement (defined benefit and defined contribution), retiree healthcare and other employee benefit programs to clients and client teams. You will be part of a team which collaborates on client advisories, technical memos, and client webcasts/seminars to provide insights to clients and consultants on relevant accounting and financial reporting topics for FASB, IFRS, and SEC accounting and financial reporting developments. In addition, you will work directly with clients’ Finance / Controller functions and their auditors to address application of accounting and financial reporting standards.

Requirements

10+ years’ experience and success in accounting, financial reporting and/or financial analysis
BA/BS required
Strong technical expertise in application of applicable accounting standards under US GAAP, including ASC 712 / 715/ 960 / 965; IAS 19 experience preferable
Proven ability to recognize and diagnose issues and work collaboratively in teams
Strong written and oral communication skills, particularly around technical advice related to accounting issues to individuals without an accounting background
Client-facing capabilities with both internal consultants and external clients

Nice To Haves

CPA preferable

Responsibilities

Aid WTW consultants and clients on challenging accounting and financial reporting issues under US GAAP and IFRS, including de-risking, corporate restructurings, M&A, and benefit plan design projects.
Help interpret and provide guidance to WTW consultants and clients on changes to financial reporting under US GAAP and IFRS related to employee benefits and related matters.
Co-lead client benefits accounting training seminar geared towards mid- to upper level finance and benefits professionals.
Lead client-specific benefits accounting training sessions for sizeable organizations.
Coordinate with North America Actuarial Leadership and Global Benefits Accounting teams, to develop and maintain intellectual capital, client advisories, and perspective on benefits accounting issues which arise under US GAAP and IFRS
Present at national and local events for WTW consultants and client continuing education purposes.
Assist with client new business proposals for actuarial consulting and coordination work
Maintain North America Retirement’s relationships with national accounting firms, and FASB staff
Partner with Professional Excellence and Actuarial Leadership teams to maintain financial reporting quality and accuracy of financial statement disclosure reports.

Benefits

Medical (including prescription coverage)
Dental
Vision
Health Savings Account
Commuter Account
Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
Group Accident
Group Critical Illness
Life Insurance
AD&D
Group Legal
Identify Theft Protection
Wellbeing Program
Work/Life Resources (including Employee Assistance Program)
Paid Holidays
Annual Paid Time Off (includes paid state/local paid leave where required)
Short-Term Disability
Long-Term Disability
Other Leaves (e.g., Bereavement, FMLA, ADA, Jury Duty, Military Leave, and Parental and Adoption Leave)
Contributory Pension Plan
Savings Plan (401k)
non-qualified Deferred Compensation and Deferred Savings Plans (for Level 38 and more senior roles)