Associate Director, Accounting Policy

What part will you play? If you’re looking for a place where you can make a meaningful difference, you’ve found it. Because, at Markel, the work you do gives people the confidence to move forward and seize opportunities. Whether you’re wild about horses, bananas for boats or driven by data, you’ll find your fit amongst our global community of optimists and problem-solvers. We’re always pushing each other to go further because we believe that when we realize our potential, we can help others reach theirs.

Join us and play your part in something special!

The Associate Director of Accounting Policy will be primarily responsible for all technical accounting matters (GAAP, SEC regulations, etc.) which include, but are not limited to, the following topics: insurance contracts, business combinations, variable interest entities, investments, derivatives, segment reporting, etc. This position serves as project manager for the implementation of new accounting standards impacting both our insurance and non-insurance operations and presenting the related interpretations and conclusions to senior management. This role is also responsible for analyzing transactions for accounting and disclosure requirements and ensuring consistent application of accounting policies across the consolidated group.

Job Responsibilities

• Research, interpret and apply authoritative accounting guidance for unusual transactions. Prepare memorandums to document appropriate accounting treatment for the transactions and communicate results to management and external auditors
• Serve as a technical resource for accounting topics related to business combinations, variable interest entities, investments, derivatives, etc., ensuring consistent application of policies across the Company
• Monitor new FASB pronouncements and SEC rules and facilitate the implementation of new guidance. This includes working closely with other departments impacted by new guidance, documenting a position or policy and ensuring the guidance is implemented appropriately
• Engage with the FASB and other regulatory bodies on behalf of the Company to influence the standard setting process by preparing written comment letters on proposed standards.
• Provide periodic communication to senior management of current standard setting activities of the FASB, SEC and other rule-making bodies, including an assessment of (potential) impacts on the Company and status of implementation
• Develop and deliver accounting educational programs within Markel
• Assist in the due diligence process for potential acquisitions to gain an understanding of a target company’s accounting policies and implications to the Company
• Work closely with newly acquired companies to conform accounting policies
• Assess requirements of US GAAP authoritative literature and its applicability, providing assistance with SEC reporting and disclosures (including 8-Ks, 10-Ks, 10-Qs, 11-Ks and press releases)
• Collaborate with operational accounting, investment accounting, tax, actuarial and legal departments, among others, to draft content and analysis for inclusion in periodic SEC filings on Form 10-Q and Form 10-K
• Assist in maintaining SOX documentation and remediation of any control issues in compliance with control requirements
• Participate in the internal and external audit process 
• Work closely with other functional areas (i.e., operational accounting & reporting, investment accounting, tax, treasury) to resolve issues and support achievement of business and department goals
• Collaborate with teammates and initiate ideas with management to identify, design, and implement process improvements for greater efficiency and effectiveness
• Provide guidance, instruction, mentoring, and leadership to team for purpose of achieving functional goals and objectives
• Participate in other strategic accounting and business projects as they arise

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required; accounting graduate degree preferred

Certification

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensing required

Work Experience

• 7-10 years of public accounting, accounting advisory or related experience
• 3+ years SEC reporting experience
• Experience in the insurance industry preferred

Skill Sets

• Strong research, analytical, and problem solving skills
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
• High degree of flexibility and responsiveness to change in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to prioritize and work on multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines
• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Ability to work successfully both in teams and independently
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