Finance & Accounting Analyst

Merchants Bonding Company•West Des Moines, IA

About The Position

The Senior Finance & Accounting Analyst position combines core accounting and financial analysis with AI, automation, and data analytics. The role contributes to stronger controls, more efficient processes, and a more agile finance and accounting team. It provides exposure to strategic priorities, system implementations, and process improvement initiatives, with opportunities to shape processes and technology adoption. The analyst interacts with leaders across the organization and with external consultants and professionals.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business with an emphasis in Accounting or Finance, or equivalent work experience.
At least 3 years of progressive experience in public accounting (audit or consulting) and/or corporate accounting or finance.
Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
Working knowledge of other Microsoft Office Suite applications.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree or CPA.
Insurance industry experience, including knowledge of Statutory Accounting principles and insurance financial metrics such as loss ratios, combined ratios, and underwriting performance.
Experience with financial modeling, process automation, and AI tools, including exposure to financial or ERP system implementations and upgrades.
Familiarity with internal control frameworks such as COSO and SOX/MAR documentation standards.

Responsibilities

Analyze financial and operational data to identify trends, anomalies, risks, and opportunities, and bring insights to leadership.
Support budgeting, forecasting, and strategic financial planning initiatives, including cost and allocation studies.
Perform ad hoc financial modeling and business analysis to support organizational decision-making.
Use technology, including AI-enabled tools, to analyze, model, and visualize financial and operational data.
Build and maintain reports, models, and analytical tools that improve business insight and decision speed.
Assist with monthly close, financial reporting, account reconciliations, and variance analysis.
Support evaluation, implementation, and post-go-live administration of accounting and finance systems, partnering with IT and outside consultants or vendors as needed.
Identify and implement opportunities to improve workflows, controls, reporting accuracy, and operational efficiency across accounting and finance.
Use AI tools, automation platforms, and data analytics solutions to streamline finance and accounting processes, and share knowledge with colleagues to build department capabilities.
Partner with leadership on special projects, operational initiatives, and strategic analysis.
Participate in due diligence, integration support, and process scaling initiatives as the company grows and evolves.