Head of Accounting and SEC Reporting (New York)

An insurance platform committed to delivering innovative risk solutions and financial security to its policyholders. With a strong balance sheet, disciplined underwriting, and a focus on operational excellence, the firm is entering a period of strategic growth and modernization. We are seeking a seasoned accounting leader to build scalable processes, enhance reporting transparency, and partner with executive leadership to support the company’s long‑term objectives.

Position Overview

The Head of Accounting & Reporting will oversee all aspects of the organization’s accounting function, financial reporting, and control environment, with particular ownership of public company reporting requirements. This executive will ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP, SEC regulations, and Statutory Accounting Principles (SAP), lead the preparation of Forms 10-K and 10-Q, and oversee regulatory filings. The role requires a technically strong leader with deep experience managing complex external reporting processes, coordinating cross‑functional inputs, and maintaining a disciplined close and disclosure environment within a public company framework.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting, SEC Reporting, and Technical Accounting

• Own the end‑to‑end SEC reporting process, including the preparation and filing of Forms 10-K and 10-Q, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timeliness.
• Lead the drafting and review of financial statements, footnotes, MD&A, and related disclosures in compliance with U.S. GAAP and SEC requirements.
• Manage the disclosure committee process and coordinate closely with Legal, Investor Relations, FP&A, and executive leadership to support external reporting.
• Oversee the timely and accurate preparation of GAAP and statutory financial statements.
• Lead the preparation and submission of NAIC statements and coordinate all state regulatory reporting requirements.
• Interpret and implement new accounting pronouncements impacting insurance entities and public filers.
• Maintain and enhance accounting policies, ensuring alignment with evolving regulatory standards and industry practices.

Leadership & Team Development

• Build, mentor, and develop a high‑performing accounting and reporting team, fostering accountability and continuous improvement.
• Establish clear organizational structure, workflows, and performance metrics to support scalability.
• Partner cross‑functionally with Actuarial, FP&A, Investments, Risk, Compliance, and Legal teams.

Controls, Audit & Compliance

• Strengthen the internal control framework and ensure adherence to SOX and enterprise risk standards.
• Serve as the primary liaison to external auditors, supporting quarterly reviews and annual audits tied to SEC filings.
• Oversee account reconciliations, close processes, and documentation standards to minimize operational risk.
• Monitor emerging SEC guidance and disclosure trends to proactively enhance reporting quality.

Operational Excellence & Transformation

• Evaluate existing systems and drive finance transformation initiatives, including automation and ERP optimization.
• Drive process improvements that shorten the close cycle and enhance reporting quality.
• Support strategic initiatives such as new product launches, reinsurance structures, M&A activity, and capital markets transactions.

Executive Partnership

• Provide leadership with clear insights into financial results, emerging risks, and accounting implications of business decisions.
• Present financial results to senior management, board members, audit committee, and external stakeholders as needed.

Qualifications

• CPA required; Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance (Master’s preferred).
• 12–15+ years of progressive accounting experience, including significant SEC reporting leadership within a publicly traded financial services or insurance organization.
• Demonstrated ownership of Form 10-K preparation and familiarity with complex 10‑Q filings.
• Deep expertise in U.S. GAAP, SEC rules, and technical accounting; strong knowledge of Statutory Accounting Principles and NAIC reporting is preferred.
• Prior experience partnering with auditors, legal advisors, and executive leadership in a public company environment.
• Proven success building teams and improving reporting processes in a complex organization.
• Strong executive presence with the ability to communicate technical concepts to senior stakeholders and board‑level audiences.

Preferred Background

• Combination of Big 4/public accounting and industry experience strongly preferred.
• Experience within insurance or broader financial services is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with reporting tools and ERP platforms such as Workiva, Oracle, Workday, or SAP.
• Experience operating in a growth‑oriented or evolving public company environment.

Compensation:

Between 400-600k Total Compensation