Principal, Accounting Policy

Birmingham, ALAccounting – Controllership /Full Time /HybridThe work we do has an impact on millions of lives, and you can be a part of it.We help protect our customers against life’s uncertainties. Regardless of where you work within the company, you’ll be helping provide protection and peace of mind when our customers need it most. Protective is seeking a Principal, Accounting Policy to serve as a key advisor on complex accounting, regulatory, and financial reporting matters impacting the organization. This highly visible role will partner with Finance, Investment Accounting, Actuarial, Financial Reporting, and business leaders to evaluate technical accounting issues, guide implementation of new accounting standards, and provide accounting expertise for significant transactions.The ideal candidate combines deep technical accounting knowledge with strong stakeholder influence, project management, financial reporting, and presentation skills to facilitate internal discussion and help ensure compliance with evolving U.S. GAAP, Statutory Accounting Principles (SAP), and emerging regulatory requirements Key Responsibilities:Monitor emerging accounting and reporting developments from standard-setting and regulatory bodies, including FASB, SEC, NAIC, IASB, and other relevant organizations.Lead the evaluation, implementation, and adoption of new accounting and reporting standards across the organization.Develop, maintain, and communicate accounting policies that align with U.S. GAAP and Statutory Accounting Principles.Serve as a technical accounting advisor on complex and non-routine transactions, including acquisitions, reinsurance arrangements, investments, business combinations, and other strategic initiatives.Partner with Investment Accounting, Financial Reporting, Actuarial, Tax, Compliance, and business leaders to assess accounting implications of proposed transactions and business decisions.Support external audit activities and serve as a key liaison with auditors on technical accounting matters, financial statement issues, and regulatory compliance topics.Research and resolve complex accounting, statutory, and regulatory inquiries from stakeholders across the enterprise.Coordinate cross-functional projects associated with new accounting guidance, ensuring timely implementation and organizational readiness.Develop and deliver technical accounting training programs and presentations for accounting, actuarial, and business teams.Participate in industry advocacy efforts and monitor developments affecting the insurance industry.Lead special projects and strategic initiatives as assigned.Core Competencies (Skills, Knowledge and Abilities):Advanced technical expertise in U.S. GAAP accounting and financial reporting.Strong knowledge of insurance accounting principles and regulatory reporting requirements.Ability to analyze complex transactions and translate technical guidance into practical business solutions.Proven ability to influence and advise senior leaders and cross-functional stakeholders.Strong project management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple priorities and deadlines.Excellent research and problem-solving capabilities.Effective presentation and training skills with the ability to communicate complex topics to diverse audiences.Strong negotiation and stakeholder management abilities.Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.Ability to build collaborative relationships across business, finance, and regulatory functions.Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications. Required Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Accounting or equivalent accounting-focused coursework.Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.Minimum of 7 years of technical accounting experience.Experience interpreting and applying U.S. GAAP guidance.Demonstrated ability to research and resolve complex accounting issues.Experience managing projects and driving cross-functional initiatives.Proven ability to interact with and influence senior leadership on complex accounting matters. Preferred Qualifications:10-12 years of progressive accounting experience.Public accounting experience, particularly with a Big Four accounting firm.Life insurance industry experience.Experience within an insurance carrier environment.Accounting policy and technical accounting experience.Knowledge of Statutory Accounting Principles (SAP) and regulatory reporting.Experience supporting acquisitions, reinsurance transactions, and complex investment structures.Master's degree in Accounting.Familiarity with IFRS and international accounting standards.$125,000 - $160,000 a yearProtective’s targeted salary range for this position is $125,000 to $160,000. Actual salaries may vary depending on factors, including but not limited to, job location, skills, and experience. The range listed is just one component of Protective’s total compensation package for employees. This position also offers additional incentive opportunities through an annual incentive based on individual and Company performance.The internal title for this role is Principal, Financial Reporting. #LI-AP1Employee Benefits:We aim to protect the wellbeing of our employees and their families with a broad benefits offering. In addition to offering comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance, we support emotional wellbeing through mental health benefits and an employee assistance program. Work/life balance is important and Protective offers a variety of paid time away benefits (e.g., paid time off, paid parental leave, short-term disability, and a cultural observance day). The financial health of our employees is just as important as physical and emotional health. Some of the financial wellbeing benefits include contributions to healthcare accounts, a pension plan, and a 401(k) plan with Company matching. All employees are encouraged to protect their overall wellbeing by engaging in ProHealth Rewards, Protective’s platform to improve wellbeing while earning cash rewards. Eligibility for certain benefits may vary by position in accordance with the terms of the Company’s benefit plans.Accommodations for Applicants with a Disability:If you require an accommodation to complete the application and recruitment process due to a disability, please email [email protected]. This information will be held in confidence and used only to determine an appropriate accommodation for the application and recruitment process.Please note that the above email is solely for individuals with disabilities requesting an accommodation. General employment questions should not be sent through this process.We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to being inclusive and attracting, retaining, and growing an inclusive workforce.We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.