Manager, Financial Controls & Reconciliations

Forrest T Jones & Company•Kansas City, MO

About The Position

Forrest T. Jones & Company, Inc., and its affiliates (“FSL”), provide insurance and insurance related services to clients, corporations, employers and individuals. These services include providing benefits through innovative life and health insurance plans, financial services, and customized insurance products for niche markets. Reporting to the Controller, the Manager, Financial Controls & Reconciliations is responsible for coordinating internal and external audits across multiple insurance and insurance-related entities, serving as the primary liaison between the Finance Department and auditors. This role oversees the Bank Reconciliation team and ensures all Finance Department account reconciliations are completed accurately and in a timely manner. The Manager, Financial Controls & Reconciliations also supports initiatives to strengthen data integrity, enhance internal controls, improve financial processes, and drive operational efficiencies across the Finance function. Through collaboration with cross-functional teams, this position contributes to the accuracy, compliance, and effectiveness of the organization's financial reporting and control environment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
Minimum of five years of progressive accounting, finance, or audit experience.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively collaborate across departments and levels of the organization.
Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking capabilities.
Strong understanding of accounting principles, financial reporting, and reconciliation processes.
High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Demonstrated leadership, coaching, and team-development skills.
Demonstrated ability to leverage technology and automation to improve financial processes, controls, and reporting efficiency.

Nice To Haves

Experience with account reconciliation and financial close management software, such as BlackLine or similar platforms, preferred.
Knowledge of insurance accounting and insurance-related financial reporting preferred.
CPA, CMA, or other relevant professional certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

Coordinate internal and external audits, including interim audits, for multiple insurance and insurance-related companies; serve as the primary Finance Department liaison and provide information and support to auditors.
Lead and supervise the Bank Reconciliation team, ensuring compliance with company policies, departmental procedures, and internal controls.
Review, monitor, and approve bank and balance sheet reconciliations to ensure timely completion, accuracy, and proper resolution of reconciling items.
Oversee escheatment reporting and review related unclaimed property reconciliations for insurance and non-insurance entities.
Support Finance and Accounting teams with system reconciliations and financial data validation activities.
Identify opportunities to improve processes, strengthen internal controls, and enhance data integrity across the Finance function.
Document, maintain, and update Finance Department policies, procedures, and process workflows.
Participate in special projects and perform other duties as assigned.