Accounting Consultant - Life & Group/International Accounting
Accounting Consultant – Life & Group and International Accounting
Job Summary
The Accounting Consultant on the Life & Group and International Accounting Team is a key contributor to the accounting and reporting function. This role will perform various responsibilities in a team-oriented environment, requiring a high level of individual contribution to execute and lead the monthly close process as well as execution on relevant projects and process improvement opportunities. The role provides opportunities to collaborate across business units and utilize new technologies as we strive to continually enhance and improve processes. Additionally, this person may direct or lead a project and/or team and provide advice and direction to team members.
The Life & Group and International Accounting Team is part of Corporate Financial Services, CNA's Corporate Controller organization. The group leads CNA's financial close process, driving efficient accounting and related analysis, along with meaningful internal and external reporting. The group's responsibilities encompass property & casualty and life & group insurance, reinsurance and corporate accounting, as well as technical advisory, financial control, services operations, and SEC/GAAP and Statutory reporting.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Provides leadership and review as a technical advisor for:
- monthly close, related processing and analysis (e.g. financial analysis, journal entry preparation).
- preparing, reviewing and analyzing account reconciliations.
- quarterly/annual statutory and/or GAAP financial statements and schedules/exhibits in compliance with SEC, FASB, NAIC and other regulatory requirements, and monthly internal financial results packages.
- Works collaboratively within the team, across the department, and individuals external to CNA.
- Leads or assists in large projects as a team member to meet the ultimate objectives of the organization, including accounting standard implementations.
- Identifies and leads process improvement projects, including furthering use of technology to streamline processes.
- Liaises with internal and external auditors and provides necessary support.
May perform additional duties as assigned.
Reporting Relationship
Accounting Director
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
1. Strong knowledge of US GAAP accounting/finance principles, practices and procedures, familiarity with statutory accounting principles is a plus.
2. Ability to effectively lead and supervise the accounting group while encouraging creativity and innovation.
3. Excellent analytical and problem solving skills with the ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects.
5. Effective communication and presentation skills with the ability to interface with departmental staff internal and external management customers and other business units.
6. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work with individuals at all levels.
7. Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite, intermediate to advanced knowledge of Excel; experience navigating a large ERP environment is a plus .
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's Degree in Finance or Accounting; CPA preferred.
- Typically, a minimum of five to eight years related work experience.