Assistant Controller

About the role

The Assistant Controller supports the Controller in overseeing accounting and financial reporting for portions of Kuvare’s life insurance, annuity, and long-term care operations, including Lincoln Benefit Life Insurance Company (LBL), Lancaster Re Captive Insurance Company, and related separate accounts. This role has primary responsibility for STAT and US GAAP accounting and reporting, supervises a team of four, and plays a key leadership role in close, internal controls, and transformation initiatives.

The position is a hybrid role, requiring three days per week in the office during reporting periods (Tuesday and Wednesday required), and two days per week outside of reporting periods (including every Tuesday).

What you'll do

Financial Reporting & Close

• Lead execution of monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes for STAT and US GAAP, ensuring timely and accurate financial results.  US GAAP accounting and reporting will include ongoing application of long-duration targeted improvements (LDTI) guidance
• Maintain and enhance cross-functional relationships with Investments, Reinsurance, Actuarial, Tax, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), and managed services teams
• Partner with third-party administrators (TPAs) to ensure delivery of complete and accurate data necessary for accounting and financial reporting
• Analyze variances and trends in results and partner with FP&A to provide necessary information for financial analysis
• Prepare and/or review journal entries, account reconciliations, and flux analyses to ensure accuracy and consistent application of accounting guidance
• Ensure that close calendar is created and distributed to all teams involved in close process

Leadership

·       Provide technical review, guidance, and mentorship to accounting staff, ensuring consistent application of accounting guidance and timely delivery of high-quality work products

·       Identify opportunities for team members to gain experience in new areas and processes

·       Ensure optimal allocation of tasks and processes between team members

Process Improvement & Transformation

• Day-to-day execution on roadmap to convert to new ledger and reporting tools
• After conversion, continue to identify new ways to use ledger and reporting tools to continue to drive efficiencies
• Identify and drive ongoing process improvements, automation, and system enhancements

Statutory & Regulatory Compliance

• Oversee preparation and review of:
• • STAT financial statements and state filings, including quarterly and annual statements (blue book), separate account statements (green book), and NAIC audited financial statements
  • SEC filings related to separate accounts for variable annuity and variable life contracts
• Monitor and implement changes in statutory accounting principles and interpretations
• Maintain oversight of compliance-related filings with state departments of insurance
• Assist Controller with information needed for risk-based capital and rating agency submissions

Audits, Controls & Governance

• Day-to-day leader of Model Audit Rule (MAR) SOX control program for LBL and Lancaster Re, including execution and review of MAR controls and maintenance of risk and control matrix
• Serve as main point of contact for external auditors on STAT and GAAP audits, including delegation of requests to team members

Other

·       Assist with special projects and ad hoc requests

Upon request, reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Qualifications

Education & Certifications

• 8 to 12 years of progressive accounting and financial reporting experience, with significant experience in life and annuity insurance companies
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance (required)
• Certified public accountant (CPA) designation strongly preferred

Skills/Competencies

·       Deep working knowledge of STAT (NAIC Statutory Accounting Principles) and US GAAP (including LDTI) accounting and reporting requirements for long-term care, life insurance, and annuity products, including separate accounts accounting and reporting.  Knowledge of SEC filing requirements and processes for variable annuity and variable life products.

·       Demonstrated experience in implementing process improvements and transformation to reduce manual effort and drive efficiencies in accounting and financial reporting processes, including reduction of monthly/quarterly/annual close timelines

·       Demonstrated leadership of multi-person teams with direct and indirect reports in a hybrid work environment, including workflow management of team, downward and upward coordination and communication with the team, and coaching team members.

• Hands-on self-starter comfortable with leading teams and “rolling up your sleeves” as needed
• Track record of adaptability and flexibility in dynamic environments

·       Transformation experience, such as ERP or reporting tool implementation, implementation of low-code / AI tools, or process improvement to reduce manual effort and shift to analysis-focused processes

·       Technical accounting / accounting policy experience, with ability to research, interpret, and apply accounting and regulatory guidance

·       Ability to prioritize competing tasks and deadlines while delivering high quality work products and maintaining attention to detail

·       Knowledge and working experience in financial systems.  Experience with Oracle general ledger, Oracle Fusion Data Intelligence (FDI), Workiva, Sovos Wings, and Gain Compliance preferred.

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Experience with executing and overseeing internal control program in a SOX environment
• Experience working cross-functionally with teams outside of accounting to meet agreed-upon deadlines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

·       Experience supporting STAT and GAAP audits and working with external auditors