Director, Accounting Policy Job recruitment

Director, Accounting Policy

Job ID #: 71572
Location: CA-Woodland Hills
Functional Area: Accounting/Auditing
Business Line: SunAmerica Financial Group
Employment Type: Full Time
- Permanent
Education Required: Bachelors Degree (or equivalent)
Experience Required: 6-9 years
Relocation Provided: No
Travel Percentage: 0

Position Description:

Position Summary

The Accounting Policy department provides technical accounting support to financial accounting and reporting activities of the SunAmerica Financial Group. In this position, you will work with financial and tax accountants, actuaries, auditors, legal and other departments as you assist in the implementation of new accounting guidance, research and document GAAP and statutory accounting for complex transactions, draft and review financial disclosures, and serve as a resource to other departments.

Organization Structure

This position reports to the Vice President, Accounting Policy for SunAmerica Financial Group and collaborates with other Office of Accounting Policy personnel at AIG Corporate, Chartis, Investment Accounting and Asset Management.

Performance Objectives:

-Research, evaluate and recommend Statutory (SAP) and GAAP accounting treatment for unusual, and/or complex transactions
-Research, evaluate and recommend accounting treatment for new products/product enhancements, investments, etc.
-Research, evaluate and document the effect of proposed transactions on actual and required capital and financial results
-Communicate and coordinate across SunAmerica Financial Group entities to identify best practices, opportunities for process improvements, changes needed, and ensure consistency in accounting and disclosures
-Research and develop technical accounting policy documentation
-Participate in the evaluation and implementation of new accounting guidance
-Evaluate peer company disclosures and recommend enhancements to SAFG Companies- disclosures
-Maintain a current working knowledge of pertinent developments in the accounting regulatory environment
-Prepare and present training to financial staff on accounting issues
-Serve as a resource to others on life insurance accounting issues
-Assist with special projects and key strategic initiatives
-Coordinate activities with Accounting Policy colleagues in AIG.

All of the activities listed above involve extensive research, fact-gathering, writing and coordination and communication with other areas, including but not limited to management, actuarial, financial reporting, legal, investment management and accounting personnel within SunAmerica Financial Group, as well as individuals in AIG-s Office of Accounting Policy and other AIG divisions, along with outside auditors, outside counsel and regulators.

Position Requirements
-The Ideal Candidate Will Have
-Big 4 public or equivalent industry experience (i.e. financial reporting, accounting policy)
-Industry experience in life insurance or related financial services with knowledge of statutory accounting principles preferred
-Bachelors or Masters Degree in Accounting
-CPA preferred
-Excellent written and oral communication skills
-Strong knowledge base and effective research skills related to technical accounting and reporting issues pertaining to the life insurance industry
-Able to interact effectively across different levels and functional areas of the organization (with senior management, actuarial, legal, investment accounting, financial reporting, corporate accounting policy group, etc.) and outside auditors
-Self-directed and able to demonstrate strong organizational skills and ability to learn quickly.

SAFG:CB04/24/2012
SAFG:EFC04/24/2012

About Us:

SunAmerica Financial Group is one of the largest life insurance organizations in the United States based on over $236 billion of admitted assets as of June 30, 2011. Serving over 18 million customers, SunAmerica Financial Group is comprised of several leading life insurance and retirement services businesses, including American General Life Companies, AGLA, VALIC, Western National Life Insurance Company, SunAmerica Retirement Markets, SunAmerica Mutual Funds, SunAmerica Affordable Housing Partners, FSC Securities, Royal Alliance and SagePoint Financial. The unified businesses offer a comprehensive suite of life insurance, retirement savings products and guaranteed income solutions through an established multi-channel distribution network that includes banks, national, regional and independent broker-dealers, career
Financial Advisors, wholesale life brokers, insurance agents and a direct to consumer platform. Equal Opportunity Employer.