Accounting Specialist

Sammons Financial Group • Sioux Falls, SD

5d

About The Position

The Accounting Specialist ensures the accuracy and integrity of financial records through reconciliations, journal entries and strict compliance with internal controls. By leveraging advanced tools and automation, this role safeguards audit readiness, supports reliable Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and statutory reporting, and provides timely financial information that enables sound enterprise decision-making.

Requirements

• Minimum 3 years' business experience, preferably in financial services
• Proven ability to work with large data sets and accounting systems; proficiency in Microsoft Excel with experience or ability to quickly learn automation/analytics tools
• Demonstrated ability to reconcile accounts, research discrepancies and analyze data to ensure accuracy and compliance with GAAP and internal controls
• Strong ability to identify issues, apply judgment in resolving variances and know when to escalate
• Proven ability to work effectively within a collaborative team environment and across departments, building relationships and communicating clearly with diverse stakeholders
• Highly detail-oriented with excellent organizational and time management skills; ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines
• Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and a positive, solutions-oriented mindset in all interactions.
• Proven ability to apply new knowledge to improve processes and outcomes
• Strong mathematical aptitude with the desire to understand insurance administration systems
• Criminal background check required.

Nice To Haves

• Associate's Degree Preferred
• Minimum 3 years' business experience, preferably in financial services Preferred

Responsibilities

• Safeguard the integrity of financial reporting by reconciling multiple bank accounts, monitoring transactions across internal and external source systems, and resolving exceptions or edit check variances across multiple accounts and companies, ensuring sensitive financial data is protected and reliable.
• Support the accuracy of balance sheet and income statement reporting by reconciling key accounts (e.g., deferred compensation, retained assets, outstanding checks), ensuring liabilities are properly monitored and financial statements remain reliable.
• Prepare and post journal entries to ensure financial reporting accuracy and compliance with GAAP and statutory accounting principles.
• Prepare and provide reconciliations and documentation for key controls utilized by internal and external auditors and state examiners. Ensure compliance with Model Audit Rule (MAR), supporting audit readiness and protecting the company from regulatory findings.
• Leverage automation and analytics tools to manage high-volume data, efficiently reduce errors and position the company for future technology transformation.
• Clear suspense accounts daily to ensure timely recognition of income and expenses.
• Respond to audit and regulatory inquiries with complete, accurate evidence of controls to streamline reviews and maintain compliance, serving as a trusted resource for auditors and regulators.
• Serve as a first line of defense against financial misstatements by proactively identifying risks in accounting processes and ensuring continuous audit readiness.
• Identify and implement improvements to processes, controls and automation that enhance efficiency and compliance.
• Contribute to enterprise projects related to mergers, acquisitions, system updates and process transformations that impact the general ledger.
• Document and maintain procedures for unique processes to ensure continuity, knowledge transfer and organizational resiliency.
• Build trust as a financial advisor by providing timely, professional service, collaborating across departments and resolving accounting questions with professionalism.
• Participate in continuous learning opportunities to adapt to new accounting technologies, system upgrades and evolving best practices.
• Commitment to embrace Sammons Financial Group Companies shared values (Accountability, Connection, Openness, Respect and Integrity).
• As stated within the Company Attendance and Punctuality policy, regular attendance is required and expected in order to meet the business service levels and workflow demands.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage for you and your family, including Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA & FSA options, and term life insurance.
• Competitive compensation with a performance-based incentive program tied to clear goals and individual and/or company success.
• 100% company-funded Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), plus automatic enrollment in our 401(k).
• Friday afternoons off year-round, generous paid time off, and paid holidays.
• Paid development time, tuition reimbursement, and professional development opportunities across industry, individual, and leadership programs.
• Volunteer time off, and our company nonprofit matching gift program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree