Staff Accountant

The Staff Accountant’s primary objective is to perform daily financial reporting and accounting activities including reconciliations, reporting and analysis of information. This individual participates in and contributes to the monthly and quarterly closing process through the preparation of journal entries and assists in the preparation and filing of financial statements. The Staff Accountant is expected to solve a range of straightforward problems and analyzes possible solutions using standard procedures, while receiving a moderate level of guidance and direction from senior accounting staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Reviews and approves journal entries generated for accounts payable, payroll, taxes, investments, treasury and operations.
• Prepares general ledger account reconciliations and bank reconciliation to ensure information entered in the general ledger is accurate and complete.
• Completes various monthly and quarterly closing responsibilities including preparing journal entries and reconciliations.
• Reconciles daily accounting feeds from the Policy Administration accounting system to ensure all uploads posted are correct, creates journal entries for said information and corrects errors/discrepancies.
• Prepares and upload various reports including the Jurat page, Schedules T and Y, General Interrogatories, Supplemental Schedules and footnotes as needed into the accounting system on a quarterly basis.
• Partners with senior accounting staff to test the Policy Administration accounting system as it relates to new products.
• Drafts responses to and maintains documentation for audit requests from both internal and external sources.
• Creates the non-sufficient funds reports on a daily basis.
• Participates in the training and mentoring of junior accounting staff.
• Supports the Financial Reporting and Accounting team and other departments on an as needed basis.
• Willingly takes on additional responsibilities as requested in order to accomplish department and Company objectives.
• Actively participates and contributes to the goals and objectives of the Company by working collaboratively and fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.

Skills and Abilities:

• Effective oral, written and presentation skills and the ability to clearly articulate complex information.
• Demonstrated ability to solve problems and issues.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize work to meet established deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively with all departments.
• Intermediate working knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Word and Excel.
• Attention to detail, ability to self-audit work products and effectively audit and review the work of others.

Training or Work Experience:

• Minimum 1 year of STAT/GAAP Financial Reporting and Accounting experience required.

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree – Accounting or Finance required.

Working Conditions:

• Travel not required/likely.

Demonstrate The EquiTrust Core Values:

• INTEGRITY
• We operate in a manner consistent with the highest professional and ethical standards.
• LEADERSHIP
• We lead courageously and inspire people by living our purpose and values.
• ACCOUNTABILITY
• We focus on outcomes, report results honestly and provide constructive feedback.
• TEAMWORK
• We work together to achieve common goals.
• PASSION
• We are engaged, operate with a deep sense of ownership and demonstrate a high-level of personal commitment.

Organizational Competencies:

• COMMUNICATION
• Clearly and effectively transmits concepts, ideas, feelings, opinions and conclusions orally and in writing. Listens attentively and for comprehension. Reinforces words through empathetic body language and tone.
  • (D) Developing - Listens to, speaks and writes in ways that support transactional activities. Shares information and asks questions prior to taking action.
• BUILDING & MAINTAING RELATIONSHIPS:
• Builds both formal and informal professional relationships. Maintains and fosters relationships within, across, and external to organizational boundaries. Obtains and shares information, ideas, and problems. Solicits advice, support, championship, sponsorship, and commitment that result in smooth transitions of change and the development of mutually acceptable solutions.
  • (D) Developing - Able to establish rapport quickly with a broad base of relationships. Solicits guidance when needed on how to get things done and with whose help.
• ADAPTABILITY:
• Identifies and acts upon opportunities for continuous improvement. Encourages prudent risk-taking, exploration of alternative approaches, and organizational learning. Demonstrates personal commitment to change through actions and words. Mobilizes others to support change through times of stress and uncertainty.
  • (D) Developing - Supports change by following new directions as directed and providing appropriate information. Asks for feedback and ideas on how to improve and tries new approaches.
• ACCOUNTABILITY:
• Clearly defines mutual expectations of self and others. Takes appropriate actions to ensure obligations are met. Revises standards in response to change.
  • (D) Developing - Asks questions and provides feedback in an effort to clarify mutual expectations. Seeks advice on tasks and responsibilities when needed.
• LEADING THE ORGANIZATION:
• Defines a future vision and carries out the organizational strategy in alignment with the organizations priorities and strategic imperatives while ensuring that employees and other stakeholders are aligned and inspired to work toward the common goals and future vision.
• LEADING OTHERS:
• Coaches, mentors and motivates others to meet the organization's vision, commitments and goals. Provides an inclusive and positive team environment that fosters positive and constructive feedback, recognition, leadership, and personal and professional development
• LEADING SELF:
• Demonstrates self-awareness through accurate assessment and management of one's own attitudes, belief systems, and strengths as well as areas for personal development.
  • (D) Developing - Maintains awareness of emotions and uses this to guide positive thinking and actions. Recognizes gaps in one's own skill set and takes advantage of learning opportunities to enhance effectiveness. Consistently and accurately carries out work assignments but effectively organizing and prioritizing workload, utilizing tools and following processes and procedures to meet individual, team and company goals.