Accounting Advisor

About the position

Contribute to the Accounting Shared Services Organization success by actively participating in and assuming new responsibilities across multiple accounting & reporting product and functional areas. Major responsibilities are in Cigna Managed Care (HMO) and Dental Health for accounting, monthly, quarterly, and annual production activities. Accountable for delivery and continuously enhancing performance of general accounting and reporting activities which include closing activities (journal entries, balance sheet reconciliations, allocations, ledger analysis, intercompany analysis). Support broader US Employer Accounting, including GAAP, STAT and management reporting and analysis, and general accounting functions within the commercial and IFP healthcare segment. Support a well-designed and effective internal control environment. Perform quarterly and year end Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) and Model Audit Rule (MAR) compliance responsibilities. Actively partner with various teams, IT, finance, legal/compliance, audit (internal & external) and other business partners (tax, capital planning, actuarial) to analyze and understand accounting implications of enterprise projects or new business initiatives to facilitate strong accounting compliance. Provide Statutory accounting subject matter expertise and support as needed to support Accounting and Finance Organization initiatives and projects. Support and deliver process improvements that drive enhanced operational efficiency that eliminate complex manual processes, including automations, robotics and standardizations. Troubleshoot and work to bring finality to issues affecting financial reporting and controls, and to keep apprised of new issues/products that may affect financial reporting results. Oversight, train and develop off-shore accounting staff and ensure that service level agreements are met. Assist, as part of cross-functional team, in the development and implementation of highly complex and time sensitive initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Preparation of monthly management and legal accounting results in accordance with GAAP & SAP within strict reporting deadlines.
• Understand business fundamentals and prepare quarterly and annual close analysis and commentary for senior leadership in a fast-paced changing environment.
• Ensuring 100% compliance with Cigna's balance sheet reconciliation policy for all balance sheet accounts.
• Supervise the performance of such reconciliations and certify to their accuracy.
• Responsible for the delivery, engagement and optimal utilization of offshore teams.
• Support annual external audits (Independent Auditors, DHMC and DOIs).
• Analyze/Review quarterly statutory reporting exhibits, capital requirements incl RBC, TNEs & dividend.
• Review of manual processes to propose and implement changes to make them more efficient and reduce risk.
• Perform accounting research or serve as a subject matter expert on GAAP on an as needed basis.
• Implement and maintain a robust system of internal controls.
• Coordinate with internal and external auditors in the periodic review of the company financial records.
• Supporting the wider finance team in various ad hoc projects, lead special projects as assigned by management, or as deemed necessary to support departmental, divisional, and company priorities and business objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelors degree in Accounting or related field, CPA or MBA a plus.
• 4+ years of professional accounting experience.
• Prior general ledger accounting and financial reporting experience required.
• Insurance industry experience is preferred.
• Prior supervisory and/or leadership experience preferred.
• Thrives working in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.
• Overtime required, particularly during peak quarter end and year end closing process.
• Cultivates strong relationships with operational matrix partners.
• Can clearly communicate accounting information/requirements in a format easy to absorb by non-accountants.
• Possesses a strong working knowledge of current GAAP, Statutory Accounting Principles, Sarbanes-Oxley and Model Audit Rule requirements.
• Possesses strong analytical skills to effectively and efficiently interpret and evaluate financial results.
• Experienced in the design and evaluation of internal controls over financial reporting.
• Currently possesses Intermediate or Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Can also demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office software.
• Experience with Glwand, Wdesk and Oracle general ledger software a plus.

Benefits

• Flexible work arrangements including remote work options.
• Comprehensive health insurance plans.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Professional development opportunities.