Accounting Policy Lead - Boston - MassMutual

Description

Accounting Policy Lead

Full-Time

Boston, MA or Springfield, MA

The Opportunity

We seek an energetic, motivated, and skilled accountant to join our Accounting Policy team in our Controller's Organization. As an Accounting Policy Lead, you will be an experienced accounting professional who wants to work with a diverse team of highly motivated professionals focused on delivering high-quality work in a timely and accurate manner. You will be a key strategic member of the team responsible for setting/implementation of enterprise accounting policies and providing consultative services. This is an opportunity for an individual who thrives in a highly dynamic and agile accounting environment to collaborate across teams seeking solid execution and improving outcomes.

The Team

As part of the broader Accounting Policy and Control Oversight team in the Controllers Organization of Corporate Finance, this position is a key contributor on the Accounting Policy team that sets enterprise accounting policy and advises a variety of stakeholders on application of accounting policies. The Accounting Policy Lead will be a direct report to the Head of Accounting Policy and Control Oversight.  This position will have visibility to the Controllers and Corporate Finance Organization's leadership teams.

Our team is highly motivated by challenging work that delivers substantial impact in a culture of accountability and collaboration. Team members are energized to improve quality of our control environment by working closely with internal stakeholders and external auditors/project consultants.  We strive to continuously improve by working together as a team to make each other and our processes better.

The Impact

As an Accounting Policy Manager, you will work with the Head of Accounting Policy and Controls Oversight and Accounting Policy Lead and be a key team player owning establishment and advising on the company's accounting policies. Your responsibilities will include, among others, the following:

• Work closely with MassMutual Finance line of business personnel in the review and analysis of significant, complex business transactions to determine the proper accounting and reporting for MassMutual.
  • Develop relationships with key finance and accounting stakeholders across MassMutual, including leadership across the Finance organization, lines of business, and operations.
• Monitor, evaluate, and influence the development of and implementation of emerging accounting requirements from the FASB, NAIC, and other regulatory bodies.
  • Regularly formulate opinions and provide updates on emerging accounting issues for discussion with the Head of Accounting Policy and Control Oversight, as well as the Corporate Controller and other member of Corporate Finance leadership.
  • Proactively engage lines of business in assessing impacts and participating in the accounting standard-setting process. This includes coordination with accounting standard setters and regulators to advocate Company positions on accounting issues that could potentially impact the Company.
• Lead efforts to define the company's application and implementation of new accounting standards, as well as other regulatory reporting matters.
  • Design, develop, and communicate additions or updates to corporate accounting policy manuals.  Have a thorough assessment of risk and associated mitigation options as it relates to changes to accounting policies.
  • Provide training on new policy implementations and their application.
• Other Responsibilities Include:
  • Continually evaluate departmental processes and recommend process improvements.
  • Establish and maintain strong, collaborative partnerships with the Company's external auditors and regulators.
  • Ensure adherence to any applicable internal controls over financial reporting

The Minimum Qualifications

• BS in accounting, finance or related field
• 9+ years of professional accounting experience, including experience at a large public accounting firm and/or experience in the accounting policy team of another leading financial institution
• CPA license or Chartered Accountant
• Experience with insurance liabilities (e.g., LDTI)
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrate strong accountability and commitment
• Ability to perform independent research and serve as a key resource for the resolution of unique or complex business problems
• Customer focus, change & innovation, strategic thinking, relationship building & influencing
• Ability to proactively take ownership of assignments and drive them through to completion
• Intellectual curiosity to continue learning and adding breadth and depth to understanding the tasks at hand
• Ability to take initiative to influence and drive results within a complex organization

The Ideal Qualifications

• MSA, MBA or similar equivalent preferred
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrate strong accountability and commitment
• Ability to perform independent research and serve as a key resource for the resolution of unique or complex business problems
• Customer focus, change & innovation, strategic thinking, relationship building & influencing
• Ability to proactively take ownership of assignments and drive them through to completion
• Intellectual curiosity to continue learning and adding breadth and depth to understanding the tasks at hand
• Strong multi-tasking skills and ability to adapt to change
• Ability to take initiative to influence and drive results within a complex organization

Core Competencies Include:

• An ability to execute thoroughly in a fast-paced work environment, adapting quickly to changing conditions to achieve results.
• Ability to think creatively, map out solutions and drive their implementation
• Strong project management skills with the capability to adapt quickly to achieve goals
• Drive collaborative solutions and results with peers across the organization to gain support for ideas and execute on projects that deliver value to stakeholders
• Comfortable leading meetings, making strategic recommendations and giving presentations to increasingly large audiences.

What to Expect as Part of MassMutual and the Team

• Regular meetings with the Accounting Policy team
• Focused one-on-one meetings with your manager
• Networking opportunities including access to Asian, Hispanic/Latinx, African American, women, LGBTQ, veteran, and disability-focused Business Resource Groups
• Access to learning content on Degreed and other informational platforms
• Your ethics and integrity will be valued by a company with a strong and stable ethical business with industry leading pay and benefits

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MassMutual is an equal employment opportunity employer. We welcome all persons to apply.

If you need an accommodation to complete the application process, please contact us and share the specifics of the assistance you need.

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