| CAREERS BLOG
Andrew Chmil
May 2025
My name is Andrew Chmil, and I’m the Group Controller in the Accounting Department at Tower Hill.
I oversee the Statutory, MGA, and Ceded Reinsurance Accounting teams. That includes managing internal and external financial statements for our stakeholders and regulators, as well as overseeing the accounting and reporting of all our ceded reinsurance transactions, including disbursements and remittances to the reinsurance markets we work with. Our busiest time is the fall at the end of each calendar quarter, when both the MGA and Statutory teams are deep in reporting. Outside of that, I focus on projects like implementing the Model Audit Rule, compiling the Own Risk Solvency Assessment, and supporting departmental initiatives such as the KPMG Digital Transformation project.
My path into the industry started after earning a bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science from Florida State—Go Noles! After graduating, I joined Frontline Homeowners Insurance as a Staff Accountant, where I discovered my passion for accounting. I returned to school to earn a second bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a master’s in Taxation from the University of Central Florida. After passing the CPA exams, I earned my license in the state of Georgia and went on to spend six years at Frontline before joining Florida Peninsula Insurance Company. Over my 10 years there, I took on growing responsibilities in financial accounting and reporting, and eventually expanded into operational areas like claims system and policy administration implementations. In 2022, I joined Tower Hill and became part of the Accounting team, led by Martin McCarty.
“One of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had was leading the 2024 internship program… I find a lot of purpose in developing talent and helping others shape their careers.”
What I enjoy most about working in accounting and finance within the insurance sector is that it gives you visibility into every part of the business. If a process involves a dollar sign, it flows through Accounting. I enjoy solving problems, finding efficiencies, and bringing structure to complexity—but I also find comfort in the rhythm and routine that the work often brings.
I was drawn to Tower Hill because it’s a well-respected leader in the industry, and the complexity of its holding company structure keeps the work interesting. From tackling tax issues to launching new general ledger systems, there’s no shortage of challenges that keep me thinking critically and creatively. But what truly sets Tower Hill apart is its culture. People here genuinely care about the quality of their work and the value they bring to the company.
One of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had at Tower Hill was leading the 2024 internship program. We had three incredible interns on the finance team who were curious, motivated, and brought real value to the organization. I’ve since hired one of them, Trevor Omans; helped another, Jack Jones, land an internship at Howden; and have kept in touch with the third, Drew Grider, as a mentor. I find a lot of purpose in developing talent and helping others shape their careers.
A common misconception is that accounting in insurance is dull or repetitive. But once you dive into the work and show you can solve problems, you get pulled into all kinds of projects that have a real impact on the company.
To succeed in an accounting leadership role, you need a strong mix of technical knowledge and people skills. You have to understand the numbers, ask the right questions, and make difficult decisions with empathy. Tower Hill has supported my growth in both areas. Martin regularly challenges me to look at financial issues from new angles, and company-wide efforts like the Kelly Merbler Clifton Strengths training have helped me better understand myself and the people I work with.
If you’re just starting out in accounting or finance, my advice is simple: get your CPA license. It’s a game-changer and really sets you apart.
One of the most collaborative and insightful projects I’ve worked on was the Own Risk Solvency Assessment. It required me to work with nearly every department to understand how we define, measure, and manage risk across the organization. It gave me a much deeper appreciation for how our business leaders and teams align their work with our larger goals.
And here’s something that might surprise you: I actually spend more time writing than working with numbers. Whether I’m explaining financial results or outlining a process for a consultant, a big part of my job is communicating clearly and effectively—sometimes in spreadsheets, but often in words.