Accounting Manager

Western National Group & Umialik Insurance•Edina, MN

8h•$104,300 - $143,440

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, timely financial information to support organizational decision-making. The Accounting Manager coordinates department goals and plans, analyzes financial condition and operating performance, partners with business units, and manages the financial planning process. The position oversees monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, annual and regulatory audits, and compliance with applicable accounting standards and legislation, including internal controls under the Model Audit Rule. The manager also develops accounting staff, establishes team priorities and expectations, improves procedures, and addresses complex accounting and operational issues. The role is with Western National Insurance Group, a private mutual insurer serving property-and-casualty insurance customers in the Midwestern, Northwestern, and Southwestern United States. Western National offers a flexible work environment with a variety of hybrid and remote arrangements based on individual, job, department, and company needs. Applicants must be authorized to work for any U.S. employer; visa sponsorship is not available.

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.

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.
Collect, interpret, analyze, and report financial data to assess financial condition and operating performance and support 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 team environment.
Manage, coordinate, and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for 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, determine root causes, and recommend solutions based on potential benefits, costs, and risks.
Use sound judgment to resolve complex accounting matters and involve the Controller and/or Assistant Controller in highly complex or nonroutine issues.
Follow customer experience standards, including responding promptly, maintaining a positive attitude, building rapport, demonstrating empathy, managing expectations, selecting appropriate communication channels, and taking ownership of resolution.
Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.