We're Looking for an experienced Accounting Policy Director!
About the Company:
Security Benefit is a leader in the U.S. retirement market with more than $75 billion in assets under management. We offer opportunities to thrive, innovate, and make an impact. As part of our team, you’ll play a key role in driving the future of the U.S. retirement industry. Security Benefit is a PLACE where we promise to help our customers To and Through Retirement®.
We’re proud to have been recognized as one of the best in the business:
- Named to Ward’s 50 list of top-performing life-health insurance companies
- Recognized on list of Ingram’s Top 100 Private Companies in the Kansas City area in 2025
About the Role:
As an Accounting Policy Director you will be responsible for creating and maintaining Security Benefit's accounting policies to ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and Statutory Accounting Principles (SAP), and for building the tools, workflows, and AI-enabled infrastructure the function relies on to do that work efficiently. This role develops and maintains accounting policies and procedures, monitors and communicates the effects of proposed accounting standard changes, spearheads implementation of new standards, and advances Accounting Policy's use of AI tools and agents to accelerate research, documentation, and knowledge management.
The Accounting Policy Director position reports to the Assistant Vice President, Head of Accounting Policy and can be based out of our Overland Park, Kansas or Des Moines, Iowa office. We work a hybrid schedule, offering flexibility to work both remotely and on-site.
- Proactively monitor and research new and evolving accounting pronouncements from the FASB, NAIC, and other standard-setting bodies to ensure the Company's compliance with GAAP and SAP and accurate adoption of new standards
- Serve as key developer of new accounting policies and procedures to account for significant and unusual transactions and technical accounting guidance; establish the workflow for approval
- Develop and continuously improve the team's AI-enabled technical accounting knowledge repository: build and maintain the tools and workflows that capture research, precedent, and accounting positions in a structured, searchable format, and drive adoption across the team
- Identify and build automation opportunities across Accounting Policy's core processes, including regulatory tracking, memo drafting support, and documentation standards, using AI tools and agents to reduce manual research and drafting time without compromising rigor
- Develop and maintain reporting and regulatory tracking tools to keep all stakeholders informed of key GAAP, SAP, and NAIC changes
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to help advise on and determine accounting ramifications for complex transactions
- Participate in working groups to optimize accounting policies, processes, and controls
- Work independently to research and analyze proposed and completed transactions, and author Accounting Policy memoranda documenting those transactions
- Design and deliver training programs, including AI-tool literacy for technical accounting use cases, to build SME capability across the finance department
- Provide day-to-day guidance and review support to an Accounting Policy intern or co-op, as assigned, including directing research tasks and reviewing draft work product
- Develop and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and memo and documentation templates, incorporating AI-assisted drafting workflows where they improve speed without compromising rigor
- Maintain current knowledge of topics arising from the FASB, AICPA, NAIC, and other governing bodies, including tracking of active SAPWG referrals
- Lead special projects as needed
- Support a culture of continuous improvement, including responsible AI adoption within the accounting function
What We’re Looking For:
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required
- Certified Public Accountant required, with experience in a public accounting firm (Big 4 preferred)
- 8-10 years progressive investments or insurance industry experience, with technical accounting experience preferred
- Expertise in US GAAP and SAP
- Ability to travel on a limited basis to corporate headquarters in Topeka, Kansas, and to industry conferences on an as-needed basis
Key Skills & Capabilities
- Working knowledge of, or strong interest in, AI tools and agents (e.g., Claude, ChatGPT, Copilot) and their application to technical accounting research, documentation, and workflow automation
- Comfort building and maintaining structured knowledge repositories and internal tools, not just using existing ones
- Credibility and character to liaise across corporate functions; ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with colleagues
- Ability to develop solutions within the boundaries of regulatory agencies and corporate infrastructure standards
- Sense of urgency, with the ability to conform to shifting priorities, demands, and timelines, making adjustments accordingly and executing tasks in support of corporate goals
- Ability to influence others, including stakeholders, staff, and other departments
- Ability to act independently in identifying problems while exhibiting judgment and a realistic understanding of issues and interdependencies
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
- High level of interpersonal skills, integrity, and ethics
- Self-starter with a collaborative approach who values and encourages teamwork
- Strong analytical, research, verbal, and written communication skills
- Ability to prioritize multiple tasks
- Actively participate in and advocate for the Company's interests within industry forums
Why Choose Security Benefit?
When you join our team, you’re not just getting a paycheck — you’re getting a career path full of growth opportunities, plus a robust benefits package that puts your well-being first. Here’s what you can expect as a full-time Security Benefit associate:
- Competitive salary and annual incentive bonuses to reward your contributions.
- 33 days of paid time off (including PTO, holidays, Volunteer Day, and days of significance).
- Paid parental leave after 90 days of service.
- Comprehensive medical, dental & vision insurance.
- 401(k) with company match, plus Profit Sharing & Savings Plan.
- Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance to give you peace of mind.
- Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care.
- Life Insurance to protect your loved ones.
- Educational assistance to support your career development.
- Associate assistance programs for your personal and professional well-being.
Ready to Make an Impact?
Apply today by visiting our career page to submit your resume. We’re excited to meet you!
Security Benefit is an Equal Opportunity Employer.