Accounting Manager

EquiTrust Life Insurance Company•West Des Moines, IA

10d•$114,837 - $157,901•Hybrid

About The Position

EquiTrust Life Insurance Company is a national carrier of competitive, client-friendly annuity products sold through a variety of distribution channels, including more than 20,000 independent agents and independent marketing organizations (IMOs). Since 2003, we have provided exceptional customer service to our clients by operating with integrity and passion. Our efforts are supported by a dedicated workforce who execute their responsibilities through teamwork and an entrepreneurial spirit. EquiTrust sells products nationwide and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with operations in West Des Moines, Iowa. As an Accounting Manager, you will lead a team of Financial Reporting and Accounting professionals while overseeing key general accounting functions, including the general ledger, policy administration subledger activity, reinsurance accounting, and intercompany accounting. You will collaborate with Financial Reporting, Treasury, Information Technology, Policy Administration, and other business areas to maintain accurate financial information, strengthen internal controls, and support system and product changes. We are looking for a collaborative leader who brings strong accounting knowledge, sound judgment, and a commitment to developing people and improving processes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required
At least seven years of progressively responsible financial reporting or accounting experience
At least five years of experience within the life insurance and/or annuity industry
Experience working with accounting systems
Knowledge of general ledger, reinsurance, intercompany, and financial reporting principles
Ability to interpret and apply accounting guidance, policies, and procedures to complex transactions
Strong analytical, organizational, mathematical, and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail
Ability to analyze financial data, recognize trends and variances, and apply sound judgment when resolving accounting issues
Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and develop employees while delegating responsibilities and promoting accountability
Ability to build productive relationships and collaborate effectively across teams and organizational levels
Experience identifying process improvements and implementing solutions that strengthen accuracy, efficiency, and internal controls
Clear written, verbal, and presentation skills
Ability to prioritize competing responsibilities, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn and navigate accounting and proprietary systems
Adaptability, professionalism, and a commitment to EquiTrust’s values of Integrity, Leadership, Accountability, Teamwork, and Passion

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting preferred
Two or more years of people-management experience preferred
Four or more years of reinsurance accounting experience strongly preferred
FMLI designation preferred

Responsibilities

Lead, coach, and develop accounting professionals by setting clear expectations, providing feedback, and supporting professional growth
Oversee the general ledger chart of accounts, accounting hierarchies, account mappings, and daily reconciliations
Ensure policy administration subledger activity is accurately configured, reconciled, and transmitted to the general ledger and related systems
Review and test accounting configurations associated with new products, product changes, and system enhancements
Partner with Information Technology and Policy Administration to improve automation, efficiency, data integrity, and internal controls
Oversee ceded and assumed reinsurance accounting, including journal entries, account reconciliations, treaty analysis, and statutory schedules
Ensure discrepancies, aged items, suspense balances, and unusual activity are researched and resolved promptly
Support internal and external audits and state insurance examinations by coordinating and providing accurate documentation
Oversee accounting for intercompany service agreements, cost-sharing arrangements, and transactions among affiliated entities
Maintain intercompany allocation methodologies and oversee related invoicing, netting, cash settlement, and reconciliation activities
Establish team priorities and action plans that align with department and Company objectives
Collaborate across the organization to solve problems, improve processes, and foster a positive and inclusive work environment