Director, Financial Reporting & Accounting Policy

Root was founded on the belief that car insurance is broken, and we set out to change it. We’re harnessing the power of technology to revolutionize this archaic, complicated industry. Using machine learning and mobile telematic platforms, we’ve built one of the most innovative insurtech companies in the world.

The Opportunity

The Director, Financial Reporting & Accounting Policy leads Root’s GAAP and SEC financial reporting and enterprise accounting policy activities. This role is accountable for accurate, timely US GAAP and SEC reporting; clear, well-supported conclusions on complex accounting matters; and consistent application of accounting policies across the organization. The Director partners with Accounting, Finance, Legal, Actuarial, Investments, Treasury, and business leaders to assess transactions, implement new accounting guidance, strengthen controls, and help explain Root’s results to regulators, auditors, and investors.

Salary Range:  $xxx,xxx - $xxx,xxx (Eligible for competitive bonus and equity offering)

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, Ohio.

How You Will Make an Impact

• Lead the preparation and review of periodic SEC filings and US GAAP financial statements, including supporting schedules, disclosures, earnings materials, and management reporting.
• Own the financial reporting calendar, disclosure controls, tie-outs, review procedures, and coordination with internal contributors to deliver complete and timely filings.
• Lead technical accounting research and prepare or review accounting memoranda for complex, unusual, and non-routine transactions, including insurance and reinsurance arrangements, investments, debt and equity instruments, leases, impairment, and myriad other matters.
• Develop, maintain, and communicate to senior leadership accounting policies, position papers, and implementation guidance to support consistent application of US GAAP and SEC requirements, including SAB 99 analyses.
• Monitor new accounting standards, SEC rules, and relevant regulatory developments; assess their impact, coordinate implementation plans, and advise senior leaders on financial statement and disclosure effects.
• Partner with statutory accounting and regulatory reporting teams to understand US statutory accounting requirements, NAIC reporting, and differences from US GAAP; support reconciliations and clear documentation of basis differences.
• Coordinate with external auditors and other advisors on quarterly reviews, annual audits, consultations, and technical accounting matters; resolve issues with clear, timely analysis.
• Enhance the design and operation of internal controls over financial reporting, including documentation, evidence, review controls, and remediation of identified gaps.
• Oversee and develop the financial reporting and accounting policy team, setting priorities, reviewing work, and building technical depth and effective cross-functional partnership.
• Improve reporting systems, data flows, and close processes to strengthen accuracy, scalability, auditability, and efficient decision-making.
• Preparation and review of Audit Committee and Board presentations.

What You Will Need to Succeed

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field and CPA; Master's or MBA preferred.
• At least 10 years of progressive accounting or financial reporting experience, including significant experience in public accounting, a public company, or both; experience in P&C insurance preferred.
• 5 years of management experience of high performing teams.
• Demonstrated experience with SEC filings and US GAAP financial statement preparation or review, including ownership of key reporting deliverables.
• Experience researching and documenting complex accounting conclusions and communicating them to senior management and external auditors.
• Working knowledge of statutory accounting principles, NAIC annual and quarterly statements, and the relationship between statutory and US GAAP reporting.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with financial reporting, consolidation, or enterprise resource planning systems like Workiva and NetSuite.

As part of Root's interview process, we kindly ask that all candidates be on camera for virtual interviews. This helps us create a more personal and engaging experience for both you and our interviewers. Being on camera is a standard requirement for our process and part of how we assess fit and communication style, so we do require it to move forward with any applicant's candidacy. If you have any concerns, feel free to let us know once you are contacted. We’re happy to talk it through.

Please see our Privacy Notice available HERE for more information on how we process your personal data.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Civil Rights Act of 1964, it is the policy of Root to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or candidate with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship for Root. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact recruiting@joinroot.com.