Technical Director Accounting Policy & Research

Nationwide•Columbus, OH

8h•$138,000 - $243,000•Hybrid

About The Position

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. #LI-CA1 #nationwidefinance #technicalaccounting #accountingpolicy 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.

Requirements

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 management experience.
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.

Responsibilities

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.

Benefits

medical/dental/vision
life insurance
short and long term disability coverage
paid time off with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days paid time off each full calendar year pro-rated quarterly based on hire date
nine paid holidays
8 hours of Lifetime paid time off
8 hours of Unity Day paid time off
401(k) with company match
company-paid pension plan
business casual attire