Lead Accountant

The Lead Accountant provides accurate and timely financial information to Segment and Corporate management and to regulatory agencies on behalf of Segment and Corporate management. The position serves as subject matter expert in the interpretation and application of certain areas of accounting theory and plays a leadership role in enhancing existing processes by identifying alternative solutions and leading certain implementation efforts. The lead accountant also provides guidance and development support to accounting staff. 

Position will cultivate a continuous improvement culture, promote ongoing learning and exhibit a high level of engagement in a fast-paced F&A shared services environment.

The ideal candidate must be able to contribute to the Shared Service strategy and execution by applying knowledge and experience and helping develop the entire staff.

 MAJOR AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY

• Prepares and assists in the completion of more complex financial deliverables
• Serves as subject matter expert in respective arenas; able to research, reference and interpret accounting guidance
• Performs review work of certain exhibits/schedules/transactions and is able to call out issues, errors, exceptions using higher level of analytical skills;
• Provides adequate metrics and trending reports to management identifying reasons for trend
• Organize and analyze data on reconciliation status and results in Power Point to present to management
• Key contributor and collaborator for integrations/ implementations
• Develop and maintain relations with business segments and stakeholders
• Collaborates with contributors and coworkers to identify, propose and implement approved issue resolution alternatives; leads implementation of portions of agreed upon solutions, including training other staff or process participants;
• Suggests and supports the establishment of metrics/performance reporting. Monitors and improve key performance indicators
• Assist to ensure team meets all deadlines and deliverables in a timely and accurate manner
• Support improvement of and compliance with internal controls including SOX and MAR
• Assist AFS management to help build AFS brand with leadership by example.
• Take on assignments new to AFS and apply experience to propose practice and procedure. Identify and communicate areas of inconsistency, offer alternative solutions for improvement in quality and process;
• Actively participate in identification of and implementation of best practice solutions
• Support and make recommendations to develop efficient and innovative processes
• Foster open communication and innovative thinking
• Supports accounting system and processes
• Lead and/or support strategic and work projects as appropriate.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR WORK OF OTHERS  

• Serves as a subject matter expert to less experienced employees
• Reviews and analyzes financial information prepared by others
• Provides work direction to other team members; provides necessary training and guidance to other staff 
• portions of agreed upon solutions, including training other staff or process participants;
• Suggests and supports the establishment of metrics/performance reporting. Monitors and improve key performance indicators
• Assist to ensure team meets all deadlines and deliverables in a timely and accurate manner
• Support improvement of and compliance with internal controls including SOX and MAR
• Assist AFS management to help build AFS brand with leadership by example.
• Take on assignments new to AFS and apply experience to propose practice and procedure. Identify and communicate areas of inconsistency, offer alternative solutions for improvement in quality and process;
• Actively participate in identification of and implementation of best practice solutions
• Support and make recommendations to develop efficient and innovative processes
• Foster open communication and innovative thinking
• Supports accounting system and processes
• Lead and/or support strategic and work projects as appropriate.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR WORK OF OTHERS  

• Serves as a subject matter expert to less experienced employees
• Reviews and analyzes financial information prepared by others
• Provides work direction to other team members; provides necessary training and guidance to other staff 

Basic Qualifications:

• BA or BS in Accounting, Finance or equivalent experience

• 5+ years of general accounting experience
• System-savvy
• Excellent organizational skills
• Strong collaboration and partnering skills
• Strong interpersonal/communication skills
• Ability to influence peers within Global Accounting, segment and overseas partners
• Problem solving, attention to detail and results oriented

Environment/Physical Demands:

This position requires incumbents to regularly sit at a desk and operate standard office equipment such as a computer and phone. Employee is occasionally required to stand and walk, lift, carry and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Must be able to talk and hear. Required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Ability to work extended hours, as needed

0% Travel

• Understanding of progressive accounting practices and procedures
• In depth knowledge of financial and regulatory requirements (i.e. MAR, SOX, GAAP, audits)

• Problem analysis and resolution at a functional level; critical thinking skills – detail and results oriented
• Ability to influence peers within department and segments, building effective relationships in a multi-site, multi-function environment with the complexities of meeting the diverse needs of multiple business lines
• Ability to multi-task, work well under pressure and perform in a fast-paced environment
• Strong organizational abilities with a high level of interpersonal/communications skills in order to communicate effectively with various levels of management and staff personnel
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel, including Pivot Tables, vLookup, Macros, Power Query, etc., and Power Point
• Advanced Power BI skills for research, reporting, and creation of dynamic dashboards
• Excellent organizational skills
• Commitment to company values
• Excellent Written and verbal skills (English)

Preferred Experience, Skills, and Knowledge

• BA or BS in Accounting, Finance
• CPA or CMA a plus
• Experience with system integrations, requirements gathering
• Knowledge of Alteryx is a plus
• Knowledge of auditing concepts
• Data mining, Trend Analysis and Reporting

At Assurant, we celebrate the differences that make us who we are. By assembling extraordinary teams from a variety of races, religions, sexual orientations, gender identities, ages, experiences, and abilities, we’re able to better reflect the global communities where we live and work. By working to remove barriers, we ensure equity for everyone. The pursuit of inclusion rests with each of us. Because it’s only by listening to and representing the unique voices of every individual that we can innovate for all.

For further information about Assurant, please visit our website: https://www.assurant.com/