AVP, Global Reinsurance Accounting

Company Details

Our Company provides a state of predictability which allows brokers and agents to act with confidence."

Founded in 1967, W. R. Berkley Corporation has grown from a small investment management firm into one of the largest commercial lines property and casualty insurers in the United States.

Along the way, we’ve been listed on the New York Stock Exchange, become a Fortune 500 Company, joined the S&P 500, and seen our gross written premiums exceed $10 billion.

Today the Berkley brand comprises more than 50 businesses worldwide and is divided into two segments : Insurance and Reinsurance and Monoline Excess.

Led by our Executive Chairman, founder and largest shareholder, William. R. Berkley and our President and Chief Executive Officer, W.

Robert Berkley, Jr., W. R. Berkley Corporation is well-positioned to respond to opportunities for future growth.

Responsibilities

The AVP, Global Reinsurance Accounting position will be responsible for supervising and hands on leading the ceded reinsurance accounting and operations department, including managing the processing and administration of the enterprise ceded reinsurance agreements, transformational change, internal facilities and overarching ownership of all ceded reinsurance administrative outcomes.

This role involves close collaboration with divisional and subsidiary personnel on all ceded operational aspects, close partnership with Insurance Risk Management (IRM) who handles underwriting of these contracts and our reinsurance partners.

Additionally, the position will play a crucial role in developing and implementing operating systems and processes globally.

• Communicate and collaborate globally and within the Finance & Accounting function in a visible management level role with Corporate finance, IRM, operating unit CFOs and controllers, actuarial, treasury, claims, legal, systems, reinsurance intermediaries and reinsurers.
• Lead transformational change project agenda to drive value, efficiency, accuracy, and stakeholder management throughout the entire global ceded reinsurance ecosystem.
• Maintain and enhance financial planning and analysis capabilities within the Ceded Re team. Provide monthly and quarterly analysis on ceded results and build and monitor the department’s budget.
• Oversee Ceded Reinsurance accounting and operations, including :
• Accountable for full accounting lifecycle accuracy and timeliness
• Review treaty structure contract terms
• Manage ceded reinsurance system via liaising with technology and business teams
• Managing global collateral requirements
• Billing and collection of recoveries.
• Calculating recoveries / reinstatement premiums.
• Maintain an adequate control environment and ensure SOX compliance.
• Prepare and manage Schedule F and bad debt reports.
• Participate in the SEC and non-SEC financial statement footnote process and preparation in areas Ceded Re data is impactful.
• Address inquiries from corporate finance, actuarial, underwriting, treasury, legal, and claims departments.
• Manage and maintain all external and internal reinsurance facilities, including special purpose vehicles.
• Manage the reinsurance close schedule to ensure timely monthly, quarterly, and year-end closing processes and communicating with all stakeholders receiving data throughout this process and adequately addressing stakeholder inquiries as they arise.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience with focus on reinsurance financial reporting and operations in Property Casualty Insurance industry, both GAAP and Statutory knowledge is preferred
• Proven track record in team management and leadership required.
• Led transformational change projects.
• Deep knowledge and understanding of all types of reinsurance contracts required.
• Professional communication skills, written and verbal.
• Detail oriented approach.
• The ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Advanced Excel skills, reinsurance systems, and other supporting applications.
• Experience with XL Pro Reinsurance System and Freedom Reinsurance System, a plus.
• Some travel may be required as needed.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting preferred.
• CPA and / or MBA preferred.

The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer.