Director, Accounting Policy

Company Description:

Aspida is a tech-driven, nimble insurance carrier. Backed by Ares Management Corporation, a leading global alternative asset manager, we offer simple and secure retirement solutions and annuity products with speed and precision. More than that, we're in the business of protecting dreams; those of our partners, our producers, and especially our clients. Our suite of products, available through our elegant and intuitive digital platform, focuses on secure, stable retirement solutions with attractive features and downside protection. A subsidiary of Ares Management Corporation (NYSE: ARES) acts as the dedicated investment manager, capital solutions and corporate development partner to Aspida. For more information, please visit or follow them on
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Who We Are:

Sometimes, a group of people come together and create something amazing. They don't let egos get in the way. They don't settle for the status quo, and they don't complain when things get tough. Instead, they see a common vision for the future and each person makes an unspoken commitment to building that future together. That's the culture, the moxie, and the story of Aspida.

Our business focuses on annuities and life insurance. At first, it might not sound flashy, but that's why we're doing things differently than everyone else in our industry. We're dedicated to developing data-driven tech solutions, providing amazing customer experiences, and applying an entrepreneurial spirit to everything we do. Our work ethic is built on three main tenets: Get $#+ Done, Do It with Moxie, and Have Fun. If this sounds like the place for you, read on, and then apply at

What We Are Looking For:

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced finance professional to lead our Accounting Policy and Operations Execution function. This role bridges technical accounting with operational implementation, ensuring that complex accounting conclusions—particularly those related to life and annuity products, reinsurance arrangements, and complex investment classes—are operationalized effectively across the organization. The ideal candidate combines deep technical accounting expertise with strong execution capabilities, ensuring that policies are not only accurate but also actionable and embedded into day-to-day finance processes. This role reports to the VP, Controller and is required to be onsite 3 days a week at our Durham, NC headquarters.

What You Will Do:

Accounting Policy Leadership

• Research and interpret U.S. GAAP and statutory accounting guidance, with particular focus on LDTI, reinsurance accounting, investment accounting (e.g., structured securities, mortgage loans, alternatives), and consolidation/VIEs.
• Develop and maintain the company's accounting policy manual and documentation library.
• Draft technical memos and lead the conclusion process on complex and/or novel transactions.
• Partner with Legal, Actuarial, Investments, and Risk to ensure accounting policy conclusions are well-informed and cross-functional.

Policy Execution & Operationalization

• Translate technical accounting conclusions into operational playbooks, controls, journal entry mechanics, and close calendar activities.
• Lead implementation of new accounting standards and ensure cross-functional readiness (e.g., LDTI, VIE conclusions, new reinsurance arrangements).
• Partner closely with accounting operations teams to embed policies into financial close procedures and reporting cycles.

Change Management and Process Design

• Design and implement processes to support new products, treaties, and investment strategies.
• Coordinate with systems and reporting teams to ensure general ledger configuration, subledger mappings, and system-generated reports reflect accounting policies.
• Serve as the accounting workstream lead for strategic initiatives (e.g., new systems, entity launches, new product launches).

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as the primary liaison between accounting policy, operational accounting, auditors, and regulators.
• Prepare and present materials for Audit Committee, internal control reviews, and auditor technical discussions.
• Provide training and guidance to internal teams to increase accounting fluency and readiness.

What We Provide:

• Salaried, DOE
• Full-Time
• Full Benefits Package Available

What We Believe:

Not sure if you meet every qualification? We still encourage you to apply We value inclusivity, welcoming candidates from diverse backgrounds, including non-traditional paths. Unique experiences enrich our team, and the willingness to dream big makes you an exceptional candidate

At Aspida Financial Services, LLC, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As such, Aspida does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices on the basis of race, sex, age, handicap, religion, national origin or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Hiring, transferring and promotion practices are performed without regard to the above listed items.

Requirements

What We Require:

• 10+ years of progressive experience in accounting roles, including Big 4 or top-tier advisory firm experience and insurance industry exposure.
• Strong technical accounting background with direct experience in life insurance, annuities, reinsurance (funds withheld, modco), and investment accounting (including structured products, mortgage loans, and private placements).
• Proven experience implementing complex accounting standards from policy formation through operational execution.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Deep knowledge of U.S. GAAP and NAIC statutory accounting principles.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to lead initiatives with multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to simplify and communicate complex accounting concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Proficient with ERP systems (e.g., Oracle, SAP), insurance subledgers, and reporting tools (e.g., Workiva, Clearwater, Power BI).