Director, Ceded Reinsurance Accounting

Company Details

Our Company provides a state of predictability which allows brokers and agents to act with confidence. Founded in 1967, W. R. Berkley Corporation has grown from a small investment management firm into one of the largest commercial lines property and casualty insurers in the United States. Along the way, we’ve been listed on the New York Stock Exchange, become a Fortune 500 Company, joined the S&P 500, and seen our gross written premiums exceed $10 billion.

Today the Berkley brand comprises more than 60+ businesses worldwide and is divided into two segments:
Insurance and Reinsurance and Monoline Excess. Led by our Executive Chairman, founder and largest shareholder, William. R. Berkley and our President and Chief Executive Officer, W. Robert Berkley, Jr., W.R. Berkley Corporation is well‑positioned to respond to opportunities for future growth.

The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer.

The Director of Ceded Reinsurance accounting is a leader responsible for shaping and executing the company’s ceded reinsurance strategy, with a critical focus on leading the implementation and stabilization of a new ceded reinsurance system. This includes overseeing system design, data migration, testing, and process optimization to ensure seamless integration and operational efficiency. In addition, the Director manages the centralized Reinsurance Operations and accounting team, compliance with regulatory and audit standards, and ensures accurate financial reporting for ceded business.

This role requires strong collaboration with IT, Finance, Underwriting, and internal stakeholders to deliver a robust ceded system and enhance business performance.

• Lead the Ceded Reinsurance New System Implementation and stabilization activities including process documents for new workflows, coordinating, and executing system testing, identifying, and resolving issues in collaboration with IT teams, managing final implementation, and ensuring smooth transition to production.
• Overseeing post‑implementation support and continuous improvement. Assist in consolidation of historical ceded reinsurance data into one platform. Coordinate reconciliation of balances and recoverable post migration.
• Lead and manage a team of ceded reinsurance professionals while maintaining standards for quality, accuracy, timeliness, and staff engagement.
• Ensure effective execution of reinsurance accounting, execution of contracts, processing of invoices, and recovery of reinsured losses and ensure timely settlements.
• Manage Corporate Reinsurance contracts into Reinsurance systems.
• Promote learning and performance metrics within team for continued efficiency.
• Provide Technical Reinsurance guidance and training to the team.
• Understanding, preparing, and reviewing various reinsurance schedules and statements of accounts.
• Support monthly/quarterly and annual financial close activities, cash business processes, reconciliations, reporting. and timely resolve outstanding issues.
• Ensure compliance with internal audit requirements and regulatory standards.
• Develop strong, productive relationships with stakeholders, Risk Management, and Operating Units.
• Drive automation and process improvements, including system enhancements and workflow optimization.

• 10 – 15+ years in ceded reinsurance, understanding treaty and facultative reinsurance
• 5+ years in a leadership role managing teams and projects
• Strong knowledge of reinsurance structures and ceded accounting
• Experience with reinsurance systems required and Peoplesoft General Ledger a plus
• Strong Excel, MS Office skills
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship management skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a challenging environment

• Industry knowledge:
  Strong understanding of reinsurance accounting concepts and ability to understand and interpret reinsurance contracts.
• Financial Acumen & Analytical Skills
• Leadership & Team Development
• Regulatory & Compliance Expertise
• Process Improvement & Technology Adoption
• Effective communication skills for addressing issues with subsidiary accounting personnel and reinsurance department personnel.