Assistant Vice President, Financial Controls - Life & Annuity

The position, which reports to the Vice President of Financial Controls within Fortitude Group Holdings, is responsible for the Company’s Internal Controls over Financial Reporting (ICFR) Program. The candidate will contribute to the implementation of the ICFR Program in accordance with the SEC’s Guidance Regarding Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.

Additionally, this position will play a critical role in the design of controls related to the implementation of new accounting standards including, Targeting Improvements to the Accounting for Long-duration Insurance Contracts Issued by Insurance Companies (ASU 2018-12) and the execution of significant reinsurance transactions.

The advancement of our internal controls program in parity with public company standards is an important strategic priority for the Company, that crosses all functions and activities within the organization.  This position will have significant interaction with senior leadership, including the Controllers, as well as Life and Annuities Actuaries and Line of Business leaders. The position will also engage with our people on a companywide basis, as it will also be responsible for the design and delivery of ICFR training and workshops and in the development of remediation plans for control deficiencies.

The position will be responsible for effectively managing the annual ICFR program, with a focus on opportunities for innovation and increased efficiency through automation, to promote the delivery of reliable and timely financial information.

The position can be based in our Nashville, TN office on a hybrid basis or remote with minimal travel expected (0%-15%).  

What You Will Do:

• Supporting the integration of significant transactions, including the execution of risk assessments and enhancement to the current control environment.
• Contributing to the development of plans to address identified control deficiencies in the Company’s statutory period end financial accounting and reporting processes.
• Contributing to the continued enhancement of the ICFR Program structure, governance, and operating model.
• Identify and introduce technology and tools to promote efficiencies in the operation of the ICFR Program.
• Partner with internal and external auditors in the execution of their work, to promote efficiencies through increased reliance on internal controls.
• Managing the annual execution of the ICFR Program including leading annual assessments of risk and scoping, monitoring of changes  and the evaluation and communication of control deficiencies.
• Collaborating with internal and external auditors in the execution of business process walkthroughs and, as appropriate, tests of operating effectiveness.
• Maintaining and updating, as appropriate, Company guidelines and standards related Financial Reporting.
• Overseeing the periodic internal control certification process.
• Delivering periodic internal control over financial reporting training.
• Assisting in the development and implementation of the controls testing function, including establishing protocols for testing of financial reporting controls, ongoing monitoring and overseeing the remediation of deficiencies identified.
• Seeking uniformity and automation of controls across the Company through efficient use of financial systems and innovative technology to enhance and continuously improve the design and effectiveness of controls, including efficiencies in the documentation, assessment, and testing of controls.
• Assisting with risk management activities and reporting (e.g., BSCR Operational Risk Assessment).
• Supporting the continued expansion and growth of the team by actively contributing to  recruiting efforts.
• Develop ICFR Program communications for key stakeholders including the ICFR and Audit Committee.
• Leading a team of three (3) off-shore internal control consultants in the execution of BAU ICFR Program activities.
• Keeping current on best practices and latest thinking regarding processes and controls, through active participation in industry forums and roundtables.
• Supporting our core values by communicating and teaming effectively across different cultures and levels within the organization.

What You Will Have:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in accounting.
• CPA, Chartered Accountant or equivalent.
• Eight (8) or more years of experience in the Life and Annuities industry.
• Strong knowledge of actuarial reserving, financial reporting and information technology risk and controls.
• Knowledge of reinsurance accounting (preferred).
• Ability to understand and apply relevant US GAAP and Statutory Accounting Principles.
• Clear and professional verbal and written communications.
• Strong interpersonal, collaborative and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to effectively design and present information to senior management.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw conclusions.
• Agility and ability to work effectively both as part of a team and independently.
• Keeps current on best practices and latest thinking regarding processes and controls, through active participation in industry forums and roundtables.
• Supports our core values by communicating and teaming effectively across different cultures and levels within the organization.

Salary : $55 - $150,000