Technical Accountant

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas•Topeka, MO

19h•$99,440 - $124,300

About The Position

The Technical Accountant researches, interprets, and applies accounting guidance to support accurate financial reporting and compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Statutory Accounting Principles (SAP), NAIC guidance, and other applicable regulatory requirements. The role serves as a technical accounting resource for complex transactions, contracts, business initiatives, financial statement preparation, accounting policy development, audit support, and implementation of new accounting standards. It partners with internal teams and external stakeholders to evaluate accounting conclusions, document technical positions, and communicate accounting impacts to management. The position supports month-, quarter-, and year-end close; evaluates technical accounting matters; develops and maintains accounting policies and control documentation; and supports audits, regulatory examinations, and compliance reviews. It also identifies opportunities to strengthen controls, improve processes, and increase reporting efficiency. The role may participate in special projects, system implementations, and finance transformation initiatives, and assists the Manager with task delegation, oversight, and mentoring less experienced staff. The position may be performed remotely, in a hybrid arrangement, or onsite in accordance with the company's Telecommuting Policy. Applicants must reside in Kansas or Missouri or be willing to relocate as a condition of employment. No travel is required.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Accounting or a related field.
At least 5 years of experience in public accounting, technical accounting, financial reporting, or regulatory accounting.
At least 2 years of experience as a Senior Auditor, Senior Accountant, in project leadership, or in a similar role.
Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting requirements, and technical accounting research.
Experience researching, interpreting, and applying accounting guidance to complex transactions, contracts, business arrangements, and new accounting standards.
Experience preparing technical accounting memos, position papers, audit documentation, or related accounting analyses.
Strong leadership and mentoring skills.
Advanced analytical and strategic thinking abilities, with a focus on problem-solving and decision-making.
Experience with financial statement preparation and GAAP disclosures.
High attention to detail, accuracy, and documentation quality.
Understanding of internal controls over financial reporting, control documentation, and risk management practices.
Ability to communicate complex accounting concepts clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
Effective verbal and written communication skills, including technical writing capabilities.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment.
Must reside in Kansas or Missouri or be willing to relocate as a condition of employment.
Must complete pre-employment drug screening, criminal conviction check, employment verifications, and education verification as part of a conditional offer.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Accounting, an active or inactive Certified Public Accountant designation, or at least 5 years of experience leading technical accounting research, accounting policy development, accounting position papers, and technical accounting analyses (one of these is required in addition to the bachelor's degree or equivalent).
Previous experience supporting audits or complex organizations, including coordination with internal audit teams, external auditors, or regulatory reviewers.
Previous experience training or coaching others on accounting guidance, policy interpretation, and documentation expectations.
Knowledge of statutory accounting principles or insurance industry accounting.

Responsibilities

Research and analyze accounting guidance related to transactions, contracts, business arrangements, acquisitions, strategic initiatives, regulatory developments, and emerging accounting standards.
Prepare accounting position papers and technical memoranda documenting conclusions and supporting rationale.
Interpret and apply GAAP, SAP, NAIC guidance, and other applicable regulatory accounting and reporting requirements.
Support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes in accordance with internal controls, accounting policies, and financial reporting standards.
Evaluate accounting implications in areas such as revenue recognition, leases, investments, reserves, contingencies, impairments, and capital or surplus impacts.
Develop, maintain, and communicate accounting policies and related control documentation; support implementation of new accounting standards and process changes.
Support internal and external audits, regulatory examinations, and compliance reviews by preparing schedules, analyses, and responses to inquiries.
Identify and document opportunities to strengthen internal controls over financial reporting, improve processes, and increase reporting efficiency.
Collaborate with internal business partners, external auditors, and regulators to provide accounting guidance and financial insights and support cross-functional initiatives.
Monitor accounting and regulatory standards and communicate impacts and recommendations to management.
Participate in special projects, system implementations, and finance transformation initiatives, where applicable.
Assist the Manager in delegating tasks, overseeing execution of key responsibilities, and mentoring less experienced staff.