Accounting Manager

Western National Group & Umialik Insurance•Edina, MN

18d

About The Position

Western National Insurance Group is seeking an Accounting Manager to lead key accounting functions, oversee financial reporting and regulatory compliance, and serve as a strategic business partner to internal and external stakeholders. The role provides leadership to accounting staff, drives operational efficiencies, and ensures accurate and timely financial information to support organizational decision-making. The Accounting Manager coordinates departmental goals and plans, analyzes financial performance, partners with business units, and leads the company’s financial planning process. The role manages financial statements and audits, monitors regulatory requirements, evaluates internal controls, and recommends improvements to accounting operations. It also includes hiring, supervising, coaching, and developing accounting staff, as well as resolving complex accounting matters in coordination with the Controller and/or Assistant Controller. The position is full-time and offers a flexible work environment with hybrid and remote work arrangements designed to balance individual, job, department, and company needs. The targeted hiring range is $104,300–$143,440 annually; actual base pay may vary based on job-related qualifications and other factors.

Requirements

Two or more years of accounting management experience.
Bachelor’s degree in accounting or equivalent relevant experience.
Strong analytical skills and demonstrated ability to interpret, analyze, and report financial data.
Ability to research, interpret, and apply technical accounting requirements.
Strong organizational and time management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Proficient verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to provide clear, accurate, and relevant financial information.
Demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive financial and business information.
Proficient use of core systems, office and computer equipment, and software packages.
Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.; the company is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

Nice To Haves

Property-and-casualty insurance industry experience.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation or progress toward CPA certification.
Experience with financial reporting and accounting practices within the insurance industry.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and implement short- and long-term goals, objectives, and plans for the accounting department.
Analyze financial condition and operating performance by collecting, interpreting, and reporting financial data for internal and external business needs.
Partner with business units to provide financial insights and improve accounting processes, operational efficiency, and cost effectiveness.
Hire, supervise, train, coach, and develop accounting staff.
Establish departmental schedules, project priorities, and performance expectations while fostering employee development and productivity.
Provide guidance, communicate expectations, and resolve conflicts to support a collaborative and effective team environment.
Manage, coordinate, and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements to ensure accuracy and compliance with applicable accounting standards.
Oversee the annual financial statement audit and periodic regulatory audits of company accounts and financial results.
Monitor federal, state, and local regulatory requirements and ensure compliance with applicable financial reporting standards and legislation.
Coordinate and manage the company’s financial planning process.
Evaluate internal controls for compliance with the Model Audit Rule and communicate identified deficiencies to management.
Identify opportunities to improve accounting procedures and operations.
Analyze complex financial and operational problems, identify root causes, and recommend solutions based on potential benefits, costs, and risks.
Use sound judgment to resolve complex accounting matters and engage the Controller and/or Assistant Controller on highly complex or nonroutine issues.
Follow customer experience standards, including responding quickly, maintaining a positive attitude, building rapport, demonstrating empathy, managing expectations, choosing the proper communication channel, and taking ownership of issue resolution.
Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.