Accounting Policy Advisor

CURRENT ROOT EMPLOYEES - Please apply using the career page in Workday. This career site is for external applicants only.

The Opportunity

Root is looking for an Accounting Policy Advisor to be an analytical problem solver with a strong background in technical accounting and research, insurance accounting, and SEC and statutory reporting. As part of our Accounting Policy team, you’ll be an integral player in the research of complex technical accounting issues and providing thought leadership through recommendations based on that research. The right candidate will have experience leveraging accounting acumen to effectively drive change through all levels of an organization and thrives in a fast-paced, complex environment.

Root is a “work where it works best” company. Meaning we will support you working in whatever location that works best for you across the US. We will continue to have our headquarters in Columbus to give more flexibility and more choice about how we live and work.

Salary Range: $86,000 - $118,000 (Bonus Eligible)

How you will make an impact

• Understand the desired business and financial objectives of significant or unique transactions and advise business partners, legal, and financial management on how to structure the transaction to achieve such desired objectives

• Ensure the accounting treatment for significant or unique transactions are concluded on accurately and communicated to the appropriate stakeholders timely

• Communicate difficult accounting concepts verbally, in writing, and presentations to non-accountants in a clearly understandable manner 

• Work with business partners in Data Analytics to create reporting with all relevant information to achieve accounting and reporting requirements

• Research peer analysis to determine how peers account for and disclose certain transactions

• Execute special projects of varying nature and complexity with sound judgment

• Create effective working relationships with individuals of all levels throughout Root to understand the nature of complex transactions

• Propose, influence, and implement value-add thoughts, concepts, methodologies, and processes with stakeholders

• Support for monthly, quarterly, and annual accounting close and financial reporting

• Owns the drafting of white papers and presentation to management

• Owns the process to research and implement new Accounting Standard Updates (ASUs)

• Uses technology and data analytical skills to enhance and improve the delivery of job responsibilities

• Supports the effectiveness of the internal controls over the financial reporting process

• Supports the execution of financial and regulatory reporting

• Participates in other projects as required

• Contributes to the development and maintenance of accounting policies and procedures

What you will need to succeed

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting

• Active CPA license preferred

• 3-5 years of work experience in a Big Four, large regional public accounting firm, and/or corporate accounting/SEC reporting function

• P&C insurance experience preferred

• Technical knowledge of US GAAP, SSAPs, and SEC and statutory reporting requirements and how these standards are applied in complex business arrangements

• Ability to create accounting policies appropriate for Root

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Ability to research accounting issues and reach the best conclusion

• Great attention to detail and sense of ownership

• Self-starter who can execute tasks with limited supervision

• Strong interpersonal, teamwork, and partnering skills

• Excellent writing, presentation, and communication skills

• Effective time management to drive multiple projects and deliverables simultaneously

• Ability to work effectively with all levels of the organization

• Proficient with Microsoft Office products, accounting research, and data analytic tools

Don’t meet every single requirement?

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Root, Inc., we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway!

Join us

At Root, we judge people based on the merit of their work, not who they are. If you are passionate about what this role entails and solving real problems, we encourage you to apply. We want to learn about you and what you can add to our team.

Who we are

We’re harnessing the power of technology to revolutionize insurance. Using machine learning and mobile telematic platforms, we’ve built one of the most innovative FinTech companies in the world. And we’re just getting started.

What draws people to Root

Our success is in large part due to our unwavering standards in hiring. We recognize that our products are only as good as the people building and promoting them. We want individuals who find solutions by going through the cycle of ideation to implementation with curiosity, rigor, and an analytical lens. Ask anyone who works here and you’ll hear similar reasons for why they joined:

Autonomy—for assertive self-starters, the opportunities to contribute are limitless.

Impact—by challenging the way it’s always been done, we solve problems that have a big impact on our business.

Collaboration—we encourage rich discussion and civil debate at every turn.

People—we are inspired by the collection of crazy-smart people around us.