ARAG North America

Accounting Manager

Job Locations US-IA-Des Moines
ID
2025-2486
Category
Accounting/Finance
Type
Regular Full-Time

Purpose

Are you a strategic thinker and hands-on accounting professional with a passion for team leadership? Do you bring expertise in GAAP and STAT accounting, payroll processing and financial reporting? Are you energized by mentoring others and using your experience to drive operational efficiency?

 

ARAG is hiring an Accounting Manager to lead key finance functions including budgeting, forecasting, payroll and general accounting operations. This role requires strong analytical skills, a collaborative mindset and a commitment to continual improvement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

General Accounting

  • Manages accounts payable function to ensure proper segregation of duties and strong adherence to controls for payment processing.
  • Responsible for administration of corporate credit card program – approving new cardholders, monitoring limits, and escalated requests from cardholders and accounting team.
  • Manages month-end, quarter-end, and year-end accounting close, including consolidation of subsidiary companies.
  • Reviews financial statements for accuracy, both GAAP and Statutory basis.
  • Analytically reviews financial statements and general ledger account reconciliations and investigates differences from expectations.
  • Coordinates day-to-day general accounting and administrative responsibilities, ensures tasks have adequate process documentation and back-up training.
  • Leads internal and external audits; prepares and reviews audit workpapers with strong attention to detail and answers auditor questions, as necessary.
  • Adheres to processes and internal controls; focuses on continual improvement and strengthening of controls.
  • Provides back-up and assistance to accounting team.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Reporting

  • Assesses the reasonability of budget and forecast data through analytical review and collaboration with department leadership.
  • Reviews Quarterly and Annual Statutory Statements in conformity with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ (NAIC) Accounting Practices and Procedures manual.
  • Prepares and reviews US GAAP reporting, including internal management financials, monthly or quarterly request from parent company, etc.
  • Ensures all reporting deadlines are met.

Payroll & Benefit Administration

  • Leads review of semi-monthly payroll processing, including collaboration with third-party administrator (ADP).
  • Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and hour laws and best practices.
  • Leads team in administration of benefit programs, including 401k, non-qualified deferred compensation, variable compensation, incentive bonus.
  • Leads implementation of new payroll tax laws and regulations.
  • Reviews quarterly returns and reports as needed, including annual W-2 reporting to all employees for accuracy.

People Management

  • Manages accounting team members, collaboratively setting goals and expectations, celebrating success, and providing constructive feedback.
  • Provides guidance and leads by example in performing all tasks, ensuring efforts align with company priorities.
  • Ensures team members have back-up plans for time off.
  • Mentors accounting team members through development of sound controls and business practices.
  • Champions continuous learning, ensure team members acquire specialized skills and training necessary to provide outstanding client service.
  • Serves as a positive role model by representing ARAG at its Best.

Other

  • Provides thought leadership on changes to systems and processes with strong attention to maintaining segregation of duties and implementing controls to reduce risk.
  • Maintains positive environment by actively supporting and promoting department and company objectives.
  • Other duties and special projects, as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge

  • Strong GAAP and STAT knowledge of accounting policies and procedures.
  • Solid understanding of financial controls (segregation of duties, reconciliations, etc.)
  • Knowledge of payroll processing
  • Experience managing and developing others

Skills

  • Highly organized with ability to effectively self-manage and prioritize workload
  • Strong analytical skills and innovative problem-solving skills
  • Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and accurately, verbally and in writing.
  • Exhibits professional demeanor and remains calm in times of conflict.
  • High level of interpersonal skills to collaborate, foster teamwork, and gain buy-in across varying audiences.
  • Strong analytic skills and curiosity to make data-informed decisions.
  • Ability to think beyond “what is” and ask “what could be?”

Education

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, required.

Experience

  • 5+ years accounting experience, required. Previous management experience preferred.

Certifications, Licenses, Associations, etc.

  • None required, CPA encouraged.

Physical

  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Options

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