Director, Accounting Policy & Research

Location(s)

Chicago, Illinois

Details

Kemper is one of the nation’s leading specialized insurers. Our success is a direct reflection of the talented and diverse people who make a positive difference in the lives of our customers every day. We believe a high-performing culture, valuable opportunities for personal development and professional challenge, and a healthy work-life balance can be highly motivating and productive. Kemper’s products and services are making a real difference to our customers, who have unique and evolving needs. By joining our team, you are helping to provide an experience to our stakeholders that delivers on our promises. 

Position Summary:

The Director of Accounting Policy will monitor and manage the GAAP and STAT accounting technical topics for Kemper’s Finance organization.  This role is a key member of the accounting policy leadership team that sets the strategy and vision for the department and is responsible for reviewing and managing GAAP and STAT accounting policies and technical memos supporting specific transactions and collaborating with key stakeholders related to new and complex transactions or accounting issues impacting the Company. The successful candidate will possess a background in accounting technical topics, strong understanding of the insurance industry and have effective communication and collaboration skills.

Position Responsibilities:

• Develop strong partnerships with senior business leadership across a broad set of business areas by providing strong contributions to accounting policy matters that deliver business value and participate in ongoing relationship management.
• Update, review and manage accounting policies supporting compliance with US GAAP and Statutory Accounting Principles. Review all amendments to support new transactions and any changes in the business as applicable.
• Monitor developments in accounting guidance by the FASB and NAIC to ensure that the Company is aware of any emerging or approved changes that will impact the Company.
• Coordinate and oversee (including the management of external consultants that may assist in this process) the establishment of Kemper’s overall accounting policy manual.
• Monitor, update and manage the resolution of the quarterly technical issues which are presented to senior leadership.
• Review and/or draft technical accounting memos specific to new or complex transactions (such as acquisitions or reinsurance arrangements).
• Coordinate and collaborate with business units and key stakeholders to discuss accounting technical issues, perform research, provide guidance and review or draft technical accounting memos.
• Collaborate with external auditors for review of accounting technical memos.
• Continuously challenge policies and procedures and implement improvements, as appropriate.
• Manage other accounting and finance special projects, as needed.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting
• CPA
• 7-10 years of public accounting experience (Big 4 required)
• Solid understanding of the insurance industry, including GAAP (ASC 944) and STAT accounting
• Experience researching, writing, and evaluating accounting technical topics required
• Exhibit a high degree of passion, energy, and commitment towards the work, and effectively navigate organizational matrix and complexities in order to support the business with high quality deliverables
• Able to work in team environment
• Demonstrated ability to communicate verbally and in writing throughout all levels of an organization, both internally and externally
• The selected candidate will work a hybrid work schedule which will require weekly reporting to our Chicago, IL office

Kemper is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability status or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We are committed to supporting diversity and equality across our organization and we work diligently to maintain a workplace free from discrimination. Kemper is focused on expanding our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts to align with our vision, mission, and guiding principles. Kemper does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Kemper and Kemper will not be obligated to pay a placement fee.

Kemper will never request personal information, such as your social security number or banking information, via text or email. If you receive such a message, delete it.

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