Assistant Vice President, Finance / Controller
- Employer
- Merchants Insurance Group
- Location
- Buffalo, New York (US)
- Salary
- Competitive pay with two outstanding company bonus programs
- Posted
- Sep 28, 2022
- Closes
- Oct 25, 2022
- Category
- Accounting, Financial Services, Legal / Compliance
- Job Type
- Full Time
- Career Level
- Executive
Assistant Vice President, Finance/Controller
Buffalo, NY
Merchants Insurance Group is a leading Property and Casualty Insurer in the Northeast and is looking for an experienced AVP, Finance/Controller for our General Accounting team to join our Corporate Headquarters located in Buffalo, New York. Merchants Insurance Group is proud to be named a “Fast Track” company for the 4th year in a row by Buffalo’s Business First and has recently been named as one of Ward's top 50 performing insurance companies in the United States for the 2nd year in a row. Ward's is the provider of benchmarking and best practices for the insurance industry that analyzes staff levels, compensation, business practices and expenses for all areas of company operations and financial results.
The safety of our colleagues, both current and future, is Merchants Insurance Group’s highest priority. At this time, our colleagues are working a Hybrid work schedule. The Hybrid work schedule requires 8 full days per month in the office, with the option to work the remaining days per month at home or in the office. This exciting new Hybrid Work benefit will offer colleagues a flexible work schedule with the ability to remain connected with your Merchants team and colleagues.
The AVP, Finance/Controller is a member of the Officer Management Team, and is responsible for leading the General Accounting department in the financial close, business plans, reinsurance, accounting/finance operations and to ensure the integrity and accuracy of our financial reporting, payment of vendors, regulatory compliance and adherence to tax and state laws. This position also oversees investments which are managed by a third party, New England Assess Management (NEAM).
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Responsible for the administration and management of the General Accounting Department.
- Review and oversee the preparation of monthly and annual audited financial statements for all Merchants Insurance Companies in accordance with statutory accounting practices.
- Oversee the preparation and publication of the quarterly and annual statutory statements and related supplements filed with regulatory authorities.
- Oversee the preparation, review and filing of all periodic reporting with taxing authorities for all Merchants’ entities. These include federal income tax returns, state income or franchise tax returns, retaliatory tax returns, premium tax returns, sales and use tax returns.
- Responsible for the creation and maintenance of a system of internal accounting controls designed to ensure the accuracy of the Companies’ accounting records.
- Control and maintain the Reinsurance Accounting and Abandoned Property Functions within the General Accounting Department.
- Oversee the financial planning and budgeting process and actively participate in the corporate strategic planning sessions.
- Develop and manage all staff reporting to the position.
Qualifications & Skills:
- Qualified candidates will have a 4 year degree in accounting or finance.
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is required.
- 10 plus years general accounting experience in the financial service (preferably insurance) industry.
- Previous supervisory or management experience required.
- Strong knowledge of accounting systems, statutory accounting practices, reinsurance, GAAP, investments and federal and state income taxes.
- Prior experience with statutory accounting principles required.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office to include Excel and Word.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Merchants Insurance Group Benefits:
- Welcoming and positive work environment.
- Flexible work arrangements, including flex scheduling and summer hours.
- Hybrid work schedule. The Hybrid work schedule will require 8 full days per month in the office, with the option to work the remaining days per month at home or in the office.
- Competitive pay scale.
- Generous paid time off package.
- Full Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short Term Disability, 401(k) employer match amount is 100% up to 6% of your annual contributions. You are immediately 100% vested in the employer match dollars.
- Outstanding company bonus program.
- Tuition Reimbursement.
And many more exciting company benefits!! EOE