American Equity Investment Life Holding Company

Director, Reinsurance Accounting

Finance & Insurance
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
  • Minimum 10 years of experience in insurance or reinsurance accounting.
  • At least 2 years of leadership experience required.
  • CPA or equivalent professional qualification preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead complex accounting issues independently.

Responsibilities

  • Assess financial implications of reinsurance structures.
  • Serve as the accounting subject matter expert for external clients.
  • Partner with various teams on reinsurance program execution.
  • Lead initiatives to enhance accuracy and efficiency in accounting processes.
  • Leverage systems and analytics for improved transparency.
  • Standardize processes and controls across the organization.
  • Translate technical accounting issues into clear insights.

Benefits

  • Opportunities for professional development and mentorship.
  • Collaborative work environment with cross-functional teams.
  • Chance to lead continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Engagement in complex, dynamic reinsurance accounting.
  • Support of financial integrity and transparency.
Full Job Description


GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

The Director, Reinsurance Accounting is responsible for overseeing all accounting, reporting, and control activities related to the company's reinsurance programs. This role serves as a technical accounting leader, ensuring accurate and compliant financial reporting for reinsurance transactions while providing guidance to internal stakeholders. The position partners closely with Reinsurance, Actuarial, Finance, Risk, and Audit teams and plays a critical role in supporting financial integrity, transparency, and effective reinsurance operations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Assess and communicate financial implications of reinsurance structures and changes.
  • Serve as the subject matter expert on reinsurance accounting matters, including representing the company to external business clients.
  • Partner with Reinsurance, Actuarial, Finance, Risk, and Legal teams on reinsurance program execution and reporting.
  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and scalability of reinsurance accounting.
  • Leverage systems and data analytics to improve transparency and insight.
  • Initiate the standardization of processes, documentation, and controls across entities or lines of business.
  • Translate technical accounting issues into clear, actionable insights.
  • Oversee reinsurance-related month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes.
  • Ensure accurate and timely reinsurance financial reporting for monthly, quarterly, and annual closes.
  • Partner with Internal Audit and External Auditors on audits, reviews, and remediation activities.
  • Ensure compliance with regulatory filing and disclosure requirements.
  • Review and approve journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting documentation.
  • Evaluate and document accounting treatment for complex and non-routine reinsurance arrangements.
  • Manage, mentor, and develop accounting team members supporting reinsurance.
  • Set performance expectations, conduct reviews, and create development plans.
  • Promote knowledge sharing and continuous improvement within the team.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Reports: 3-5 Reinsurance Accounting Professionals

General Description of Indirect Reports (2 and 3-downs): None

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, along with a minimum of ten (10) years of relevant experience in insurance or reinsurance accounting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Additionally, at least 2 years of leadership experience is required.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS:

CPA or equivalent professional qualification strongly preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

  • Demonstrated ability to lead complex accounting issues independently.
  • Strong knowledge of reinsurance structures and related accounting treatment.
  • Experience working with auditors, regulators, and cross-functional business partners.
  • Excellent analytical, communication, and organizational skills.
  • Sound professional judgment in ambiguous and/or complex situations.
  • Experience with process automation.
  • Attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Ability to influence and partner across functions.
  • Strong leadership and coaching skills.
  • Continuous improvement mindset.
  • Experience supporting regulatory exams, rating agencies, or board reporting.
  • Familiarity with both US GAAP and statutory accounting for insurance companies.


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.

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About American Equity Investment Life Holding Company

American Equity Investment Life Holding Company, through its subsidiaries, provides life insurance products and services in the United States. The company offers fixed index and fixed rate annuity products, as well as life insurance products. Its products are designed to provide income and to protect principal and interest from the effects of inflation. The company serves individual consumers, and institutions, including banks, broker-dealers, and insurance companies. American Equity Investment Life Holding Company was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa.
Learn more about American Equity Investment Life Holding Company
Size
800 employees
Market Cap
$3.9 billion
Industry
Net Income
$671.4 million
Founded
1996
5 Year Trend
+10.7%
Revenue
$2.4 billion
NASDAQ

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