Director, Investment Accounting Policy

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, headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, for over thirty years with satellite offices in Charlotte, NC and New York, NY.

GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE JOB:   

The Director, Investment Accounting Policy is responsible for evaluating investment transactions to determine the appropriate accounting conclusions and prepare relevant documentation evidencing rationale for conclusions reached. In addition, this role is responsible for monitoring new and proposed financial accounting standards for GAAP and Statutory accounting for investment related topics, assessing the potential impact to the organization, participating in the adoption of and ongoing maintenance of new standards. The Investment Policy Director ensures American Equity (and other Brookfield Wealth Solutions companies) accounting practices and principles adhere to appropriate accounting guidance and industry best practices.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Researches, concludes on, analyzes and communicates GAAP and Stat accounting and reporting requirements related to investment transactions.
• Prepares accounting policy memorandums, including assessments of variable interest entities, and detailed documentation of the impact of investment transactions.
• Advises business partners and investment professionals on GAAP and Stat accounting implications of potential investment transactions.
• Monitors changes in investment accounting regulations and standards under GAAP and Stat and assesses their impact on the organization’s financial reporting.
• Takes an active role in the implementation of new and proposed GAAP and Stat accounting standards for investment related topics to ensure timely adoption and compliance ongoing; prepares accounting policies and detailed calculations of expected and actual impacts of new and proposed accounting standards.
• Provides input into applicable footnote disclosures related to new accounting standards and the onboarding of investment transactions.
• Assesses risk associated with accounting practices and prepares recommendations and written memorandums summarizing impacts and potential solutions/options.
• Collaborates with external auditors related to the implementation of new standards and advocates accounting positions.
• Collects, analyze and summarizes large sets of data into a clear, readable format to support decision-making and planning.
• Partners with investment accounting groups and corporate accounting to provide insight into accounting for investment transactions.
• Stays updated on industry trends and best practices related to investment accounting policies and procedures, and recommends appropriate changes or enhancements as needed.
• Performs other related work as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None required for this position.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:  

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field of study, plus eight (8) or more years of experience in accounting and/or technical accounting roles within the financial services industry.
• Public accounting research experience in the insurance or financial services industry with an emphasis on investments is preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS:

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:   

• Knowledge of GAAP and Stat accounting regulations, practices and procedures.
• Strong analytical skills, including ability to concentrate and take detailed notes when performing research of complex investment structures.
• Analyze contractual agreements and complex investment structures in order to prepare accounting conclusions, including the ability to evaluate variable interest entities in accordance with US GAAP, and apply other investment related accounting topics for both US GAAP and Statutory.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including ability to effectively communicate with various departments including investments, legal, investment accounting and financial reporting, including the ability to simplify complex topics.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with co-employees, department heads, executives, and outside third parties.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to manage and organize data sets while leveraging data management tools, such as pivot tables and other Excel functions, to analyze and summarize data.
• Ability to write reports, memorandums and business correspondence.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals and technical/operational procedures.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and communicate to impacted parties.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to successfully handle pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced work environment.

This description covers the major purpose and essential functions of the job.  It is not intended to give all details or a step-by-step account of the way each task is to be performed.  Employees may receive other job related instructions and be required to perform other job related work requested by their manager.  All requirements are subject to possible modification to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities.