Director Accounting and Financial Reporting

Under the direction of the Vice President, Finance, this position is responsible for establishing the strategic direction, redefining organizational structure and implementing a “continuous improvement” mindset within the LHMG Accounting and Financial Reporting group.  This position is charged with management of the monthly, quarterly and annual financial reporting process, ensuring both the accurate and timely processing of financial data for the LHMG and the creation of complete and accurate financial reports for internal and external purposes. This oversight encompasses the ongoing responsibility for reviewing LHMG financial statements and regulatory filings to ensure compliance with appropriate requirements/regulations.  This individual will provide analytical guidance to the Finance department and will drive the development of the accounting and financial reporting staff to ensure support for both corporate compliance and strategic requirements.  In addition, this individual will act as the primary contact/liaison to operating teams within the organization and will serves as primary Accounting / Financial Reporting contact for external organizations.

 

This individual will utilize strategic thinking, management techniques and analytical know-how to define business requirements and drive the Accounting / Financial Reporting organization toward “best in class” procedures and processes, ensuring that functional deliverables are achieved.  This individual may also assume key project roles and/or manage tasks as required or assigned by senior management.  This individual will drive the development of a comprehensive functional plan, establishing both baseline capabilities requirements for all staff as well as ongoing growth and development plans.  As part of this plan, this individual will drive the utilization of corporate management tools, methodologies and analytical techniques within the Accounting & Financial Reporting group.

 

 

Essential Responsibilities/Accountabilities

 

·         Provides strategic direction to accounting/financial reporting personnel engaged in daily accounting, analysis and financial reporting activities.

·         Ensures compliance with the Company’s existing financial policies and procedures  

      (GAAP); ensures that proper operational procedures, financial policies and internal

      controls are followed by the accounting/financial reporting team.  Drives the

      recommended and/or required revision / modification to said policies and procedures

      as needed to ensure movement toward “best in class”. 

·         Directs the financial statement reporting process, ensuring that internal and external financial reporting deadlines are met and that ongoing process improvement is realized.  Directs the analysis of financial results, ensuring that senior management questions / inquires are addressed in a timely manner while continually developing the analytical abilities of the function.

·         Develops relationships with managers, directors and VP’s of operating teams and acts as liaison to other operating teams.

·         Acts as primary liaison with external auditors, including but not limited to 1) the Company’s independent auditing firm, (2) New York State Insurance Department examiners, and (3) auditors representing other departments of the State of New York and the Federal government.

·         Solves complex operational accounting issues as they arise. Researches and concludes on the application of new financial reporting methods and pronouncements.

·         Ensures that adequate records of all LHMG financial accounts are maintained.

·         Ensures that documentation of current policies and procedures are maintained.

·         Ensures compliance with requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act as it relates to the financial reporting area.  Directs the timely remediation of internal control gaps.

·         Ensures Finance interests are represented in projects/meetings.

·         Provides direction and value-added support to the VP, Finance and other members of the management team as required in support of critical decision making.

·         Makes appropriate recommendations for corrective action to senior management.

·         Assigns special projects and workload to staff and ensures that appropriate cross-training occurs.

·         Acts as a change agent to promote the development and adoption of improved ways of working throughout Finance and the enterprise.

·         Interviews and hires applicants as appropriate. Evaluates and appraises performance, and makes recommendations for merit increases and advancements. Motivates and develops personnel to meet current / future needs of the department.

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Minimum Qualifications                     

 

·         Bachelor’s Degree in Business with a minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in Finance, Accounting, Financial Systems Analysis, or related fields. 

·         Professional designation (CPA / MBA) preferred. 

·         Strong, persuasive and effective communication, people and management skills (e.g. oral and written communication including reports and other formal channels; group facilitation skills; ability to develop sound working relationships and network; ability to manage personnel and projects effectively to balance quality, cost and time, etc.).

·         Minimum of 8 years of management / related experience in the coordination of functional groups and/or project teams in a Health Care related environment.  Excellent organizational skills.

·         Ability to think strategically, craft a vision and develop robust operational action plans.

·          Strong analytical and problem solving skills; the flexibility to work effectively in a demanding environment.

·         Demonstrate the ability to identify root causes of business and/or workflow problems and determine innovative sources for solutions and opportunities.

·         Ability to make critical decisions that impact the department and the Company’s finances.

·         Ability to provide proactive and creative solutions to business problems.

·         Knowledge of business risk management and variability concepts, Enterprise business risk management, or business risk management within a function, area or business process.

·         Proficient in using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio.

·         Financial systems knowledge required.

·         Healthcare Insurance or related industry background / experience preferred. 

 Physical RequirementsRegional travel as required to support project / business requirements. EOE