Junior Expense Accountant (Hybrid)

Securian Financial • Saint Paul, MN

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Jr. Expense Accountant is an entry‑level role supporting operating expense reporting, analysis, and financial insight for a privately held life and annuity insurance company. This position is well suited for recent accounting or finance graduates who are interested in building strong analytical skills while developing a solid understanding of how expenses are recorded, allocated, and reported under U.S. GAAP and Statutory accounting. The Junior Accountant supports expense reporting, variance analysis, budgeting activities, and cost center analysis, while gaining exposure to monthly close processes, internal controls, and insurance‑specific expense concepts.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (or expected graduation soon).
• Zero to two years of accounting or finance experience, including internships or co‑ops.
• Strong Excel skills and interest in financial analysis and reporting.
• Basic understanding of accounting principles (GAAP knowledge a plus).
• Strong attention to detail, curiosity, and willingness to learn.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work well in a team environment.

Nice To Haves

• GAAP knowledge a plus

Responsibilities

• Expense Analysis & Business Support Prepare monthly expense reports by cost center, function, and major spend category.
• Assist with variance analysis versus budget, forecast, and prior periods; summarize key drivers and trends.
• Support the annual budget and periodic forecast processes through data preparation, validation, and consolidation.
• Maintain expense tracking schedules, reporting templates, and supporting documentation.
• Respond to routine expense inquiries from business partners and cost center owners.
• Support ad hoc analysis related to vendor spend, headcount impacts, and expense trends.
• Accounting Understanding, Close & Controls Develop an understanding of expense recognition concepts, including accruals, prepaids, and allocations.
• Support monthly close activities by preparing support files and tie‑outs used by Accounting.
• Assist with reconciling expense schedules to the general ledger and researching variances with guidance.
• Support internal control procedures (SOX, where applicable) through documentation and evidence retention.
• Assist with internal and external audit requests by providing schedules and supporting documentation.

Benefits

• Paid time off: We want you to take time off for what matters most to you. Our PTO program provides flexibility for associates to take meaningful time away from work to relax, recharge and spend time doing what’s important to them. And Securian Financial rewards associates for their service by providing additional PTO the longer you stay at Securian.
• Leave programs: Securian’s flexible leave programs allow time off from work for parental leave, caregiver leave for family members, bereavement and military leave.
• Holidays: Securian provides nine company paid holidays.
• Company-funded pension plan and a 401(k) retirement plan: Share in the success of our company. Securian’s 401(k) company contribution is tied to our performance up to 10 percent of eligible earnings, with a target of 5 percent. The amount is based on company results compared to goals related to earnings, sales and service.
• Health insurance: From the first day of employment, associates and their eligible family members – including spouses, domestic partners and children – are eligible for medical, dental and vision coverage.
• Volunteer time: We know the importance of community. Through company-sponsored events, volunteer paid time off, a dollar-for-dollar matching gift program and more, we encourage you to support organizations important to you.
• Associate Resource Groups: Build connections, be yourself and develop meaningful relationships at work through associate-led ARGs. Dedicated groups focus on a variety of interests and affinities, including: Mental Wellness and Disability Pride at Securian Financial Securian Young Professionals Network Securian Multicultural Network Securian Women and Allies Network Servicemember Associate Resource Group

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level