Insurance Accounting Lead

Thrivent•Minneapolis, MN

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Serves as the function Lead providing expert technical and operational leadership, training, and knowledge sharing for team members across Enterprise Accounting & Payable Services. Responsible for ensuring consistent, timely, and well-controlled processing across multiple systems while strategically managing workload allocation, priorities, and operational risk within a shared services environment. There are no formal people management responsibilities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Mathematics, Business Administration or other related course of study or equivalent work experience.
Minimum 7+ years' experience in Finance, Accounting or Operations.
Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail due to the complexity of the function.
Strong interpersonal skills and oral and written communication skills to deal effectively with internal and external business partners whether remotely or in person.
Experience working with auditors and regulators.
Deep understanding of transaction processing, general ledger account reconciliations and controls, AP operations, and ERP environments.
Experience leading projects or initiatives requiring cross‑functional coordination and influence.
Proven ability to manage processes end-to-end with minimal supervision.
Experience working across multiple systems, with high volumes and varied processes.
Strong operational judgment and execution discipline.
Demonstrated ability to coordinate workflows and lead without direct authority.
Resourcefulness, ability to think logically, work independently to resolve issues, and confidently present findings and recommendations.
Experience in shared services or high-volume environments.
Experience with different accounting platforms (e.g. PeopleSoft, Concur, ERPs, etc.).
Advanced technical skills in Excel.

Nice To Haves

Accounting, finance or business experience in a complex financial services organization or large corporate environment.
Demonstrated success leading operational stabilization and continuous improvement initiatives.
Organized with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively and multi-task to meet competing deadlines.
CPA, CMA, MBA or progress toward certification.
Well-developed analytical skills and tools; including Power BI and Power Query.

Responsibilities

Oversee period-end close, general ledger, accounts payable, and account reconciliation activities, ensuring accurate, complete, and timely reporting; establish and enforce standards for process and control design, system integrations, and service level expectations, while guiding resolution of complex issues to deliver scalable, well-controlled, and compliant operations aligned with business and regulatory requirements
Owns the delivery and alignment of accounting projects and initiatives, establishing standards for process design, system implementations and integrations, and audit compliance and remediation to ensure scalable, well-controlled outcomes aligned with business and regulatory expectations.
Owns the design, standardization, an ongoing maintenance of comprehensive process documentation, control narratives, and business continuity plans, ensuring consistency, operational excellence, and audit readiness across the function.
Oversee volumes, deadlines, and risk across transactional processes, proactively reallocating resources to address capacity constraints, system issues, and shifting business demands.
Identifies and communicates bottlenecks or process inhibitors to leadership, ensuring timely resolution and continuity of transaction flow.
Leads complex, cross‑process accounting and control issues to determine appropriate resolution within existing policy frameworks.
Ensure compliance with internal controls, accounting policies, and audit requirements.
Coordinates system upgrades, enhancements, and maintenance initiatives by coordinating with IT and business partners, shaping requirements, and establishing testing expectations.
Monitors progress and communicate updates to leadership on timelines, scope changes, and potential operational risks.
Reviews outcomes to ensure data integrity, reporting quality, and alignment with business needs, and drives continuous improvement in system functionality and processes.
Coordinates shared inbox and communication practices across the function, ensuring alignments with service expectations and operational priorities.
Leverages insights form inquiry trends to improve processes, enhance stakeholder communication, and support a consistent and scalable service model.
Coordinates and optimizes the rotation of responsibilities across the team in partnership with leadership to ensure adequate coverage and continuity of operations.
Establishes expectations for cross-training, monitors team capability and coverage risks, and drives initiatives to build a flexible, scalable , and resilient accounting function.
Drive continuous process improvements by identifying, and prioritizing opportunities to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.
Partners with cross-functional leadership to optimize workflows and leverage technology, improving scalability, strengthening control, and reducing operational risk, while ensuring sustainable adoption through standardization and process integration.
Oversees the integrity, completeness, and timely reporting of monthly KPIs and risk indicators; validates accuracy and ensures appropriate controls in place, with accountability for the review of supporting evidence, analysis, and remediation activities to sustain an effective control environment.
Models Thrivent’s leadership competencies – Model the Way, Rally the Team, and Deliver Outcomes.
Supports and/or develops an environment in which Thrivent employees and colleagues are focused on continuous improvement, exceptional employee engagement, and an unwavering commitment to our clients.
Shapes and/or supports a culture that represents the Thrivent purpose, promise and values, ensuring that Thrivent’s trust and reputation remain strong with its clients.