Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. EquiTrust Life Insurance Company is a national carrier of annuity products serving clients through independent agents and marketing organizations. The Accounting Manager will lead financial reporting and accounting professionals while overseeing general ledger, policy administration subledger, reinsurance, and intercompany accounting functions. The role also supports audits, strengthens internal controls, improves processes, and collaborates across business areas.
Responsibilities
- Lead, coach, and develop accounting professionals by setting clear expectations, providing feedback, and supporting professional growth
- Oversee the general ledger chart of accounts, accounting hierarchies, account mappings, and daily reconciliations
- Ensure policy administration subledger activity is accurately configured, reconciled, and transmitted to the general ledger and related systems
- Review and test accounting configurations associated with new products, product changes, and system enhancements
- Partner with Information Technology and Policy Administration to improve automation, efficiency, data integrity, and internal controls
- Oversee ceded and assumed reinsurance accounting, including journal entries, account reconciliations, treaty analysis, and statutory schedules
- Ensure discrepancies, aged items, suspense balances, and unusual activity are researched and resolved promptly
- Support internal and external audits and state insurance examinations by coordinating and providing accurate documentation
- Oversee accounting for intercompany service agreements, cost-sharing arrangements, and transactions among affiliated entities
- Maintain intercompany allocation methodologies and oversee related invoicing, netting, cash settlement, and reconciliation activities
- Establish team priorities and action plans that align with department and Company objectives
- Collaborate across the organization to solve problems, improve processes, and foster a positive and inclusive work environment
Skills
- * Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required
- * At least seven years of progressively responsible financial reporting or accounting experience
- * At least five years of experience within the life insurance and/or annuity industry
- * Experience working with accounting systems
- * Knowledge of general ledger, reinsurance, intercompany, and financial reporting principles
- * Ability to interpret and apply accounting guidance, policies, and procedures to complex transactions
- * Strong analytical, organizational, mathematical, and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail
- * Ability to analyze financial data, recognize trends and variances, and apply sound judgment when resolving accounting issues
- * Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and develop employees while delegating responsibilities and promoting accountability
- * Ability to build productive relationships and collaborate effectively across teams and organizational levels
- * Experience identifying process improvements and implementing solutions that strengthen accuracy, efficiency, and internal controls
- * Clear written, verbal, and presentation skills
- * Ability to prioritize competing responsibilities, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines
- * Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn and navigate accounting and proprietary systems
- * Ability to remain seated and use a computer for extended periods
- * Ability to communicate and exchange information effectively
- * Ability to perform repetitive hand and finger movements associated with computer work
- * Occasional walking, standing, reaching, bending, driving, pushing, and pulling
- * Ability to occasionally lift or carry up to 20 pounds
- * Ability to perform effectively in a deadline-driven work environment
- * Location: Chicago, Illinois or West Des Moines, IA
- * Work Arrangements: Mostly Off-Site
- * Travel Requirements: Occasional travel, approximately 5–10%
- * Bachelor's degree in Accounting preferred
- * Two or more years of people-management experience preferred
- * Four or more years of reinsurance accounting experience strongly preferred
- * FMLI designation preferred
- * Adaptability, professionalism, and a commitment to EquiTrust's values of Integrity, Leadership, Accountability, Teamwork, and Passion
Benefits
- Eligible employees may, within the Company's sole discretion and depending on the relevant circumstances, criteria, and considerations at the time, receive annual discretionary incentive bonuses.
- Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
- 401(k) with Company Match
- Paid time off: Vacation, Sick, Holiday, and more
- Paid Parental Leave for both Mothers and Fathers
- Hybrid/Remote Work Options
- Early Friday Closure
Company Overview