Career Paths
Accounting Leadership Program Overview
Objective: To develop high potential individuals to become the future leaders of our company by providing long term career support and guidance
The purpose of the Hanover Accounting Leadership Program is to recruit, mentor and develop future financial management of The Hanover Insurance Group. The program was established in 2006 within the finance organization of the company. The program offers a rigorous and challenging opportunity for high-potential candidates to develop a thorough understanding of the property and casualty insurance industry through:
- Targeted Rotational Assignments
- Advanced Training & Special Projects
- Formal Mentoring and Networking
- Continuous Performance Feedback
At all times the focus for development is leadership and technical strength. The program has accounting and finance as its foundation, however, development of business judgment and leadership competencies are focused on as intently as is development of technical expertise.
The founders of this program are its sponsors, and are committed to the success of both the program and its participants. The importance of developing leadership talent is something that has been a long-standing core belief and area of focus of each of the program sponsors. This program grew out of this focus and the realization that great companies grow their own leaders over time. Our commitment to the program participants is that we will provide each member the opportunity to succeed greatly within our organization and beyond. However, we ask for a similar commitment in return.
We have higher expectations for our members and expect dedication to the program and the company. We require a sense of ownership and commitment to achieving the program’s objectives. All members must reflect well on the program, the company and its sponsors at all times. We also require performance to the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and ethical conduct.
Participants in the program are carefully selected and screened for four primary attributes.
- Technical excellence in accounting and financial reporting and research.
- Demonstrated record of excellence in their professional or personal life.
- Commitment to their career – we want those who want to be leaders.
- We look for innate leadership qualities.
We are sincere in our goal of developing the future financial management of our company. We believe individuals who have the qualities above will take advantage of the opportunities the program provides. This gives us confidence that individuals in this program will succeed.
Job Description
General Summary:
The Hanover Accounting Leadership Program is an exceptional opportunity for an early-in-career CPA to learn various aspects of accounting, financial reporting and internal controls of a major regional Property & Casualty Insurer while developing leadership skills and working toward a management position.
This comprehensive 2-3 year-long training program prepares high performers for management positions in our Company by combining challenging 6-9 month job rotations with comprehensive training in industry, technical and leadership skills, experience with high visibility projects and formalized networking and mentoring. Each rotation provides the individual with additional skills, industry knowledge and exposure to senior management of our Company. Upon successful completion of the program, participants are expected to assume management roles with our Company’s Finance teams.
Job rotations vary significantly. Taken together, an individual’s rotations are intended to provide the broadest possible experience within the accounting disciplines. With each rotation, an individual will report to a member of management within that discipline. Each participant will also have a mentor from senior management for the duration of their program. All of the managers associated with this program are experienced leaders with a strong commitment to the program. Most are CPA’s, like the participants.
An individual development plan is created for each program participant. The plan includes potential choices in future rotations, training and other components based on a participant’s interests and developmental needs. Participants meet frequently with leadership and the program director to discuss individual development. Additionally, each participant chooses a mentor to help guide them on their career path journey with Hanover Insurance.
Training topics include: management development, basic and advanced SEC reporting, insurance accounting and business concepts, technology and other areas of subject matter knowledge and skills development.
Typical Areas for Rotations:
SEC Reporting |
P&C Accounting |
Tax |
Investment Accounting |
Internal Audit |
Financial Analysis |
Controls Oversight |
Financial Systems |
Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance is required. An MBA or master’s degree in accounting or finance is preferred.
- Minimum 2 years, up to 5 years of experience with a national CPA firm. Some portion of this experience must be in the attest function.
- A current CPA certificate or demonstration of having met all of the requirements in Massachusetts.
- A track record of success, both academically and professionally.
- Demonstrated leadership qualities.
