BlackRock - Associate - Investment Accounting - ICWA/CA/CPA

Business Unit Overview:

The Investment Accounting Group (IAG) provides accounting and regulatory data services to over 25 insurance clients (AUM of $285bn) who have outsourced their accounting function to BlackRock. Our Accounting Services include the preparation and oversight of monthly accounting packages and support schedules, including regulatory returns and statutory reporting. As well as working with clients to deliver our services, the IAG team also supports client changes through corporate and other developments which impact on our services. Also, IAG is currently embarked on an exciting program of work to develop our accounting operating platform and to extend asset class coverage. We are investing in new Aladdin technology and integrating this with PAM for Investments to develop an integrated accounting and risk platform and the industry-leading investment accounting, provider.

Key Accounting Responsibilities:

- First level review of complete US Statutory filings or other regulatory reporting

- Develop/review controls to mitigate risk to reporting - recommend and implement changes

- Ensure that all procedures are followed in accordance with audit, gather necessary documents and first level review

- Assist in special projects and initiatives to enhance the service offering

- Develop understanding of accounting policy and pronouncements to ensure reporting follows the standards

- Ensure adequate controls, procedures and processes are in place and are followed by staff members during the completion of their work

- Analyze accounting data and provide commentary regarding accounting results

- Leverage technology to provide improved service to clients

Other Responsibilities:

- Provide feedback to stakeholders to better the overall process

- Complete quarterly client billing with first level review

- Prepare, review, and/or ensure distribution of various accounting packages and reporting schedules to clients according to specified timeframes

- Ensure data reviews and checks are performed to validate accuracy and completeness of data used in reporting

- Complete all quarterly NAIC reconciliations with appropriate follow-up and resolution

- Respond to daily requests for information from assigned clients

- Complete daily exception review with follow up and resolution

Qualifications:

- The role holder is a professional with strong knowledge of accounting concepts and controls and various investment types. Understanding of the requirements for various accounting basis (GAAP, US Statutory, IFRS, UK GAAP, CAD GAAP, etc) is essential to this role.

- 4+ years related work experience preferred

- BS degree in Finance or Accounting or other related degree

- Knowledge of Insurance related reporting - US Statutory, Solvency II or IFRS also preferred

- Strong and effective communication skills to deal directly with clients and across all levels of staff and management

- Ability to prioritize to balance multiple requests without losing sight of overall objectives and deadlines

- Strong decision-making skills to make well thought out decisions based on the information provided and to obtain further assistance/clarification when necessary

- Strong attention to detail to ensure a high degree of accuracy

- Strong initiative to follow up on outstanding issues - identify what needs to be done and act

- Strong organizational skills

- Ability to work in a fast paced, deadline driven environment

- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft office products

- Ability to identify and implement business process improvement discipline

- Technical and process improvement mindset to identify and drive improvements

- Preferred: ICWA/CA/CPA Certification

Development Value:

This role provides opportunities to join a highly commercial area, working directly with clients and alongside colleagues in BlackRock Solutions, Technology & Operations. The role presents opportunities for continued professional development with a career path within the Investment Accounting Group, or into other operating teams or client-facing business areas. The products and services provided to our clients offer individuals opportunities for further personal learning, both in terms of the product types and accounting complexities, as well as the ongoing development of technical strengths.