Director, Financial Systems

Job Summary

The Director, Financial Systems role will serve as a strategic leader on the financial systems team.  The primary area of focus for this leader will be on the Finance Data Warehouse (FDR) tool, existing processes, and continuous improvement.  This role will be the lead from the finance area as we evaluate enhancement or replacement of the FDR tool. Subareas of focus for this leader will also be OBIEE, Axis, and TAI systems.  Additionally, this role will be responsible for collaboration with various functional areas within the Company such as Finance, Actuarial, Operations and Information Technology to promote process execution and automation.  This role will serve as a product owner role for finance in the IT Scrum model, giving prioritization to requests that finance has made to IT.

The Director, Financial Systems will also be a key player in the dedicated finance product launch team.  This team’s focus is on the necessary financial systems changes and testing required as the Company makes changes to our product offerings to achieve our strategic objectives.

This key position develops business relationships to provide reporting support and guidance to facilitate business goal achievement and to improve efficiency and effectiveness of the Finance and Actuarial functions.  This position works toward continuous improvement, innovation and enhanced operational efficiencies by staying abreast of industry trends and best practices.  The role promotes innovative reporting solutions and services in the organization.

Organization

This position reports to the AVP of the Financial Systems team and is responsible for a team of analysts.  This position interacts with the Management of each of the Finance and Actuarial business functions as well as IT.  This position will work closely with IT actuary/finance to facilitate the technology needs and request of the business.  The position will also work with all levels of business and technology staff as it strives to coordinate the partnership to successfully implement new/enhanced technology.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Contribute to the successful execution of projects associated with finance and actuarial modernization
• Identify opportunities for process improvement based on objectives defined by key stakeholders
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Actuarial, Operations and Information Technology, in the execution of projects requiring financial systems knowledge
• Advise in the execution of projects to support an efficient flow of quality data and elimination of manual processing
• Provide technical knowledge related to financial systems for the successful launch of new insurance products, features or riders.
• Work with data strategy/governance to ensure compliance with company standards
• Advise on testing plans (e.g., unit, user acceptance) to ensure successful implementation
• Prepare or review, as necessary, modifications to FDR configurations, mapping tables, file layouts, etc.
• Advise in the use of automation and other technologies as part of continuous process improvements
• Analyze complex problems and tasks to provide thoughtful solutions and strategies for execution
• Assisting with requests of both internal and external auditors
• Assisting with ad hoc requests, special projects and other duties related to financial operations, as assigned

Experience and Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance or relevant experience.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in financial systems or IT focused role
• Minimum 8 years of experience in life insurance or financial services industry
• Experience with respect to GAAP & Statutory life insurance accounting principles, preferred.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to leverage experience in seeking ways to improve system, software, process and procedure
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate and collaborate with all departments
• Strong computer knowledge including working knowledge of financial based accounting packages
• Ability to interpret information and discern actionable items required
• Strong organizational and analytical skills with ability to meet tight deadlines and prioritize workload
• Highly motivated, self-starter with a high energy level
• Willingness to take on responsibility and multi-task, as necessary, to get the job done
• Ability to excel in a fast-paced and opaque environment
• Demonstrated track record of process improvements
• Demonstrates managerial confidence
• Embraces and demonstrates F&G’s cultural values

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