Investment Accounting Lead

American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company is a leading provider of annuity solutions designed to help clients protect and grow retirement income. Part of Brookfield Wealth Solutions, we partner with more than 40,000 financial professionals and help fund over half a million retirements nationwide. Recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Most Trustworthy Companies and named a Top Workplace in Iowa, American Equity fosters a collaborative and purpose-driven culture where employees are empowered to ignite their passion and help shape the future of financial services.

Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, with satellite offices in New York, NY, American Equity provides opportunities for employees to support work across the enterprise, including our sister company, American National, headquartered in Houston, Texas.

GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE JOB:   

The Investment Accounting Lead is responsible for performing accounting, reporting and analysis over the investment portfolios of American Equity Investment Life Insurance Holding Company, American National Insurance Company and its' affiliates and subsidiaries. This role participates in monthly and quarterly accounting close processes and is involved in the preparation and review of GAAP and Statutory investment disclosures and schedules. The ideal candidate will possess strong investment accounting experience and demonstrate the ability to function with limited assistance from management.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Prepares key deliverables for quarterly GAAP and Statutory investment results packages utilized by senior management, including in-depth analysis and reconciliation of investment income and realized gain/losses across all asset classes.
• Responsible for certain aspects of monthly and quarterly derivative accounting processes, including journal entry activity, management reports, account reconciliations and GAAP and Statutory disclosures and schedules.
• Work closely with third-party accounting service providers to ensure accounting and reporting of investments is performed accurately and timely.
• Collaborate with and provide analysis to various stakeholders and business leaders across the organization.
• Assist in the design, execution and documentation of investment-related SOX controls.
• Work effectively to provide necessary information, reports and analysis for internal/external auditors and internal controls team
• Lead team automation and process improvement efforts.
• Independently perform ad hoc reporting and other project-related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Reports:

None

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

None

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:  

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university in accounting, finance or related field of study; plus five (5) years of progressively responsible related experience; or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Prior experience and proficiency with Excel, Clearwater, PAM, BlackRock Aladdin, WINGS, Gain Compliance, Workiva, Wdesk, and SAP general ledger preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS:

CPA preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to act independently, take ownership of functions and tasks, and effectively prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities to meet deadlines in a fast-paced, high-pressure work environment.
• Knowledge of the investment industry, including financial data management and reporting.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with internal and external parties at all levels.
• Knowledge of applicable GAAP and Statutory accounting rules and regulations.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Strong attention to numeric and other detail; ability to work with mathematical concepts and apply to practical situations.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Strong systems aptitude
• Ability to identify process improvements that create efficiencies and improve work product.

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.