Specialist, Accounting - Reconciliations Assurance

Nationwide•Columbus, OH

9d•$79,500 - $148,500•Hybrid

About The Position

The Specialist, Accounting supports Nationwide’s Reconciliation Assurance team, which works to resolve material, high-risk, high-volume, and significantly aged balance sheet reconciliation exceptions. The team collaborates with reconcilers, reviewers, exception owners, and Business Unit Controllership, using metric-based reporting and analytics to mitigate risk to the financial statements. The role leads and supports Reconciliation Assurance initiatives, including problem-solving complex reconciling items, researching the general ledger and other source systems, communicating with business partners to identify and resolve issues, presenting monthly status updates to Business Unit Controllers, performing reconciliation quality assurance testing, and building and maintaining Power BI reports. The position calls for a curious, self-directed problem solver with an analytical mindset, adaptability, and strong written and verbal communication skills. As a Specialist, the associate plans, coordinates, and performs complex accounting functions. The work includes acquiring, evaluating, recording, and analyzing financial data used to prepare regulatory and statutory documents and internal management reports. The position is hybrid in Columbus, Ohio, with an on-site presence required at least two days per week. It does not qualify for employer-sponsored work authorization, and Nationwide does not participate in the STEM OPT extension program.

Requirements

Four to six years of related accounting experience.
Undergraduate studies in accounting, finance, or business administration.
Knowledge of GAAP and/or STAT and applicable functional business-area regulatory requirements.
Ability to prepare complex financial statements, including consolidation of companies or subsidiaries.
Knowledge of taxation principles and their impact on financial statement preparation.
Knowledge of accounting and/or business computer systems.
Ability to analyze, discover, and solve accounting problems; interpret financial documents and data; and analyze and interpret legal requirements.
Project management skills.
Ability to interpret changes in financial reporting and legal requirements and assess their impact on financial statement preparation and company or business-area policies and procedures.
Ability to use a personal computer and related software at an advanced level.
Ability to apply accounting principles, theories, concepts, and practices to specialized, unique, or nonrecurring complex problems.
Verbal and written communication skills for internal and external contacts.
Ability to summarize complex problems clearly and communicate the urgency and importance of issues.
Must be able to work on site in Columbus, Ohio, at least two days per week.
A valid credit and/or background check is required as part of the selection process.

Nice To Haves

An accounting major and degree.
Progress toward a CPA license or designation.
Insurance experience.
Familiarity with or interest in Power BI and other technologies.

Responsibilities

Lead and support Reconciliation Assurance initiatives.
Help problem-solve complex reconciling items and research issues through the general ledger and other source systems.
Communicate with business partners to identify and resolve reconciliation issues.
Present monthly status updates to Business Unit Controllers regarding aged reconciling items.
Perform reconciliation quality assurance testing.
Build and maintain Power BI reporting.
Establish and implement new or revised accounting policies and procedures in a lead role.
Prepare and analyze complex financial and regulatory statements for assigned companies or business areas.
Develop and submit accounting and financial transactions to support accurate reporting.
Ensure the completeness and accuracy of reports, forms, and data provided to internal and external clients or customers.
Recommend management actions or alternatives when financial analysis reveals unfavorable trends, situations, or deviations.
Stay informed about GAAP and/or STAT regulatory changes that affect statements, reports, and other financial data.
Recommend improvements to assigned areas, processing, or workflow.
Lead the development and design of new or enhanced systems and processes under general guidance.
Prepare and analyze complex pro forma financial data for compliance with new requirements.
Assist management in applying financial data and analysis to administrative and operating problems.
Prepare state and supplemental reporting requirements.
Prepare complex financial information for internal and external auditors, the IRS, state examiners, and other regulatory agencies.
Prepare special reports and presentations.
Serve as a group leader for other accountants on selected projects.
Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Life insurance.
Short- and long-term disability coverage.
Paid time off, with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days per full calendar year, prorated quarterly based on hire date.
Nine paid holidays.
Eight hours of Lifetime paid time off.
Eight hours of Unity Day paid time off.
401(k) with company match.
Company-paid pension plan.
Business casual attire.