Senior Technical Accountant

At Banner Life Insurance Company, we lead with heart and ambition. Every day, we transform purpose into progress, guided by our unwavering commitment to be better for our customers, clients, and communities, not just today but long-term as well. Our people are the driving force behind everything we achieve. Their passion, purpose, and pursuit of innovation empower us to deliver cutting-edge solutions that support those we serve, ensuring we are here for you, here for good and striving for better.

We're a forward-thinking company energized by our work and how we show up for one another. Our culture is built on meaningful impact and genuine enjoyment, because we believe great work and great experiences should go hand in hand.

By offering career development opportunities, comprehensive benefits, and programs that support your wellbeing, we help you thrive personally and professionally. We are here for you, here for good and here for better.

The Senior Technical Accountant will review, interpret, analyze and document complex accounting topics across IFRS and/or US GAAP and J-GAAP, US Statutory, and Bermuda Statutory accounting bases, taking into account perspectives of senior management, the Legal team, and pertinent Finance teams (primarily Financial Reporting, Investment Reporting, Actuarial Valuation, Financial Planning & Analysis, and Tax).

The Senior Technical Accountant will interpret and apply new IFRS and/or US GAAP (ex: LDTI) or US Statutory standards to products, reinsurance transactions, or asset classes. Support the Director's liaisons with internal and external parties (including governing bodies and external auditors) to finalize positions. Provide sufficient documentation of positions along with training prior to or upon implementation of policies and initiatives to impacted reporting and operating teams to effect smooth implementation into "business as usual."

Manage or prepare Banner Life Model Audit Rule and internal control structures and reports to vested parties (e.g. Board of Directors, auditors, governing bodies) accordingly. Ensure internal controls are in place and effective.

Accounting Policy

Interpret and analyze pronouncements by the IASB, NAIC, BMA, PRA, ASB-J and other Regulatory bodies for impact on Banner Life and its affiliates.
1. Direct research and provide subject matter expertise with respect to US statutory, Bermuda statutory, and/or IFRS/US GAAP/J-GAAP positions arising from strategic initiatives of the Company. Support setting Banner Life positions regarding any new strategic initiatives, products, or asset classes. Work closely with Financial Reporting, Reinsurance Projects team to ensure policy positions regarding reinsurance are set efficiently and effectively in conjunction with overarching Banner Life accounting policies and procedures.
2. Present positions to internal and external parties for education or approval, as warranted. May include parties such as the L&G Technical Review Committee (TRC) or future equivalent, Insurance Regulators, and the Banner Life or Affiliate Boards of Directors or their subcommittes (ex: Audit Committees). Prepare and maintain relevant detailed Banner Life positions and/or accounting practices and policies and/or internal controls.
3. Prepare external audit-related responses with respect to implementation of IFRS/US GAAP/J-GAAP or statutory policies and procedures.
4. Develop documented accounting policies associated with positions and train internal parties accordingly.
5. Identify, document, and manage key risks, issues, and dependencies informing positions.
6. Prepare financial statement impacts of strategic initiatives or new pronouncements for senior management and teams impacted.
7. Prepare executive summaries and training materials on emerging accounting matters that may have implications for the business. Promote awareness of accounting concepts and risks to aid executive decision-making.
8. Manage implementation of revisions to monthly, quarterly, half-year and annual closing processes as a result of IFRS 17 implementation.

Internal Controls

1. 1. Identify and maintain documentation of internal controls over financial processes and reporting sufficient to support US statutory and other reporting internal control bases. Educate, train, and assist operational areas in developing and maintaining appropriate controls.
   2. Ensure compliance with Federal, state and international laws, rules, regulations and requirements relating to the financial accounting, reporting, and controls, and when developing accounting positions.
   3. Manage the implementation and on-going maintenance of robust internal control practices, procedures, and reporting. May include organizing periodic department process walk-throughs, reviewing and recommending changes to controls and preparing periodic reports for Senior Management and the Audit Committee.
   4. Perform testing of key controls identified during the annual walk-through process. Summarize findings for responsible party action and/or reporting to governing bodies. Includes coordinating annual attestation to the Maryland Insurance Administration on the operating effectiveness of internal controls.
   5. Partner with Finance teams to ensure proper accounting and internal control treatments are considered in system and/or process development, product development, new business activities and transactions.

Education

BS in Accounting or equivalent degree

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or equivalent preferred

Experience/Knowledge/Skills

3-5 years relevant experience

• Life insurance industry experience
• Knowledge of life insurance regulations for accounting and financial reporting
• Experience in internal control environment over financial reporting and accounting processes

Knowledge of US GAAP and US Statutory accounting bases of reporting required; knowledge of Bermuda statutory reporting preferred

Public accounting or consulting experience strongly preferred

Ability to communicate technical accounting requirements and implications to technical and non-technical staff with varied professional backgrounds

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Project Management skills related to changing accounting standards, regulation, or strategic initiatives a plus

What's in it for you?

The expected hiring compensation range for this position is $90,800 - $124,900 annually. This is a remote opportunity working on Eastern time zone. Local candidates preferred.

The total compensation package for this position may include other elements, such as a sign-on bonus, long term incentives, and annual bonuses. This role is eligible to participate in the Annual Incentive Plan. The current target payment for the position is 8% of base salary, modified for corporate and individual performance. Bonuses are pro-rated based on start date. This role has 15 vacation days and 10 sick days that are accrued on a bi-weekly basis. Employees also have 9 paid holidays throughout the calendar year.

We have a competitive compensation and benefits package focused on your overall wellbeing. Employee benefits include health, life, and dental insurance; 401K with company match up to 6% as well as a pension package; generous time off; and wellbeing initiatives throughout the year (we like doing fun stuff). We're big on professional development and we'll support and mentor you in your career progression and expect you to help us pay it forward by helping us develop tomorrow's leaders and growth-focused professionals. We value our teams and our communities and believe in giving back. Enjoy time off to volunteer for those causes that matter most to you!

If hired, employee will be in an "at-will position" and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors. The Company reserves the right to change benefits plans at any time.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.