Technical Director, Accounting

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 138,000 - 243,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Paid time off

Holidays and PTO accrual

401(k) with company match

Company-paid pension plan

Business casual attire

Job summary

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company seeks a Technical Director in Accounting Policy & Research to develop accounting policies and standards, ensuring regulatory compliance and strong governance. You will provide accounting consultation to leadership and internal customers while engaging with industry groups and external auditors.

Ideal candidates have extensive GAAP/STAT experience, financial services background, and at least eight years in accounting with four in management.

Qualifications

• Eight years of accounting experience in insurance or financial services.
• Big Four public accounting experience is desired.
• At least four years of management experience.

Responsibilities

• Directs/performs the technical accounting research used for preparation, analysis and filing of financial statements.
• Implements new GAAP and STAT accounting changes; educates and assists others.
• Collaborates with AP&R group and other finance functions.
• Engages with external auditors and regulators to ensure compliance.
• Advises on accounting policies and practices and responds to inquiries.

Skills

GAAP/STAT accounting principles

Verbal and written communication

Analytical thinking

Regulatory liaison

Leadership

Education

Undergraduate studies in accounting or finance

Post graduate level studies desirable

Job description

As a team member in Finance at Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company with nearly $70 billion in annual sales, 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.

Role is supporting new Specialty Finance product lines. Need for technical expert of accounting guidance with the ability to determine accounting for several complex products while meeting business needs. Conducts complex analyses adhering to accounting standards by making assumptions, recognizing considerations, and developing recommendations. Accountable for resolving unreasonable results/non-optimal solutions using experience and professional judgment. Reviews, advises, counsels and participates actively concerning new systems developments and other systems related matters to ensure accuracy of all financial data. Includes advising on data needs for Specialty Finance financial reporting and bordereaux. Assists in the development and implementation of financial reporting controls related to Specialty Finance, including the establishment of a strong control environment with adequate governance and oversight.

This position will be hired on a SuccessFlex basis. The hired associate must reside within 35 miles of the following location(s): 1 Nationwide Plaza. Work schedule: 2 days in office, 3 days remote. This role does not qualify for employer sponsored work authorization. Nationwide does not participate in the STEM OPT extension program.

Job Description Summary

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.

Job Description Key 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.

Reporting Relationships

Reports to Senior Director and will work directly with senior management within Controllership.

Typical Skills and Experiences

Education

Undergraduate studies in accounting or finance. Post graduate level studies desirable.

License/Certification/Designation

CPA designation is desired.

Experience

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.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills

• 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

Staffing exceptions to the above must be approved by the hiring manager’s leader and Human Resources Business Partner.

Values

Regularly and consistently demonstrates Nationwide Value.

Job Conditions

Overtime Eligibility: Exempt (Not eligible).

Working Conditions: Normal office environment. Able to work outside of the normal workday including occasional weekends to meet deadlines and complete special projects and handle a high volume/large variety of work.

ADA: The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some people assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties.

Credit/Background Check: Due to the fiduciary accountabilities within this job, a valid credit and/or background check will be required as part of the selection process.

Benefits

To learn more about the benefits we offer.

• 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

Nationwide is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels challenged, appreciated, respected and engaged. Nationwide prohibits discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to any characteristic (or classification) protected by applicable law.

Note on Compensation for Part-Time Roles

Please be aware that the salary ranges listed below reflect full-time compensation. Actual compensation may be prorated based on the number of hours worked relative to a full-time schedule.

Salary Ranges for Technical Director, Accounting Policy & Research

National salary range: $138,000.00-$243,000.00

Expected starting salary range: $138,000.00 - $206,000.00

Nationwide pays on a geographic-specific salary structure and placement within the actual starting salary range for this position will be determined by a number of factors including the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; the scope, complexity and location of the role as well as the cost of labor in the market; and other conditions of employment. If a Sales job, Sales Incentives, based on performance goals are possible in addition to this range.

At Nationwide, we find purpose in protecting people, businesses and futures with extraordinary care – and we’ve been doing that since 1926. Our financial strength and caring culture extend beyond our associates into the communities we serve. You really can feel the difference at Nationwide, which is why we continue to be named one of the Fortune 100 Best Companies To Work For.