AVP, Accounting Policy

Job Summary

AVP Accounting Policy will serve as a technical accounting subject matter expert with respect to the company’s generally accepted accounting policies. This position will serve as the US Life Finance project lead for all business restructuring transactions that SCOR may execute.  Additionally, this position will have responsibility to manage the processes and internal controls associated with the identification, documentation, communication and implementation of proposed and new accounting standards, and the accounting for complex financing and other new and unusual transactions. The position reports to the SVP, Controller.   

Key duties and responsibilities

• Own execution of business structuring transactions for the US Life Accounting team
• Collaborate with individuals across the organization to understand transactions in the planning stages and provide Accounting guidance. 
• Review documents and identify the accounting issues and propose solutions or alternatives.
• Consult with SCOR business units and external auditors on technical accounting matters and the application and development of accounting policies.
• Collaborate with the SCOR Group Accounting Center of Excellence on matters in US Life that have impacts to the SCOR Group
• Document and communicate the accounting for the significant or unusual transactions (both technical and operational accounting considerations).
• Assist in the preparation of financial reporting disclosures (MD&A and Footnotes) for completed transactions and new accounting standards.
• Prepare and present updates to Senior Leadership regarding status and financial impacts of transactions.
• Proactively monitor, review, research and interpret accounting principles and analyze emerging accounting pronouncements for policy/financial statement implications.
• Develop interpretations and communications related to new accounting standards and guidance.
• Lead or partner with corporate groups or business units in the implementation of new standards.
• Liaise with outside auditors on new standards.
• Present and train our management and staff on new standards.
• Develop responses to standard setters’ exposure drafts and other proposals.

Required experience & competencies

• 8 + years of work experience with significant accounting policy setting organization or corporate accounting experience or related experience.
• Active CPA license preferred.
• 8 + years of job specific work experience with demonstrated professional growth and achievement in an organization of comparable size, business diversity, scope and complexity, experience must include: advanced analytical depth and strong technical skill in finance, accounting and business performance analysis.
• Strategic consulting skills which move beyond adherence to analytical tools and methodologies; the ability to “think outside the box” generate alternative solutions for consideration, provide comprehensive risk/benefit analysis on those alternatives, and ability to present this information in a way that establish rapport, gains understanding and persuades others. 
• Ability and willingness to accept responsibility, willingness to challenge established practices and draw relevant conclusions, including persistence and willingness to take calculated risk, to stimulate, market and sell new ideas within the organization. 
• Ability to perform in a high-pressure environment and render good decisions to resolve the problems, maintain safety and ensure adherence to Corporate Code of Conduct. 
• Strong PS skills related to all Microsoft applications, especially Microsoft Word, PowerPoint & Excel.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Strong attention to detail with ability to work effectively in fast paced environment and manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Solid analytic and critical thinking skills with strong problem-solving ability.
• Ability to work with and make sense of large volumes of data.
• Ability to interact with various levels of finance and business personnel and ability to explain complex accounting in a succinct manner. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Must be able to work effectively as part of a team and independently.
• Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with individuals at all levels within the Company to maximize performance, creativity, problem solving, and results.