Director – Investment Accounting

Oliver James Group; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Oliver James Group in Raleigh, NC seeks a Director of Investment Accounting for a leading life insurance and annuity carrier. You will oversee all investment accounting functions, ensure GAAP and SAP compliance, and partner with actuarial, treasury, and investment teams to drive accurate reporting and strategic insights.

The role requires 8+ years in investment accounting within life insurance or financial institutions, strong leadership, and hands-on experience with SAP or Oracle.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA/CFA preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in investment accounting for life insurance or financial institutions.
• Knowledge of SAP, GAAP, and statutory accounting principles (SAP).
• Proven leadership and team mentoring experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all investment accounting for the life and annuity carrier’s portfolio (fixed income, equities, real estate, private equity, alternatives).
• Manage preparation, review, and filing of monthly, quarterly, and annual investment accounting reports.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, SAP, and NAIC regulatory requirements; align with internal policies.
• Collaborate with actuarial, treasury, and investment teams on investment transactions and reporting.
• Coordinate audits with external auditors and improve internal controls and processes.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

CPA or CFA preferred

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Job description

Director of Investment Accounting – Life and Annuity Carrier

Location: Raleigh/Durham, NC

Company Type: Life Insurance and Annuities

Position Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Reports To: Controller

About The Role

We are working with a highly respected life and annuity carrier in search of a Director of Investment Accounting. This is an exciting leadership opportunity to join a dynamic and fast-growing organization at the forefront of the life insurance and annuity industry. The Director of Investment Accounting will be responsible for managing the investment accounting functions, overseeing accurate financial reporting, and supporting strategic decision-making to ensure the company’s investment portfolio is effectively managed and accounted for in compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all aspects of investment accounting for the life and annuity carrier’s investment portfolio, including fixed income, equities, real estate, private equity, and alternative investments.
• Manage the preparation, review, and timely filing of monthly, quarterly, and annual investment accounting reports.
• Ensure compliance with statutory and GAAP accounting principles, regulatory requirements (e.g., NAIC), and internal policies.
• Collaborate with the actuarial, treasury, and investment management teams to ensure proper accounting treatment for investment transactions and to support portfolio performance analysis.
• Review and ensure the accuracy of investment-related financial statements and disclosures in the company’s financial reports.
• Provide leadership, training, and guidance to the investment accounting team, promoting continuous development and adherence to best practices.
• Coordinate the audit process for investment-related accounts, liaising with external auditors to ensure smooth and efficient audits.
• Evaluate and implement improvements to internal controls, accounting systems, and processes to drive efficiency and accuracy.
• Monitor emerging industry trends, regulatory changes, and technological advancements that may impact investment accounting practices.
• Support ad hoc reporting and analysis for senior management and the board of directors, as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA, CFA, or other relevant certification preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in investment accounting, with a focus on life insurance or annuity carriers, or financial institutions.
• Deep knowledge of statutory accounting principles (SAP), Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and investment accounting for fixed income, equity, and alternative asset classes.
• Strong leadership experience, with the ability to manage and mentor a team of professionals.
• Proven track record in managing complex investment portfolios and financial reporting within the insurance industry.
• Experience with investment accounting software and enterprise financial systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
• Exceptional analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally with teams including actuarial, treasury, finance, and investment management.

Why Join Our Client?

• Opportunity to work with an industry-leading life and annuity carrier with a strong reputation and growth trajectory.
• Competitive compensation package with benefits and potential for career advancement.
• Work in a collaborative environment where your expertise and leadership will make a direct impact.