Accounting Manager

Description Who are we? Western National Insurance Group is a private mutual insurance company with over 120 years of experience serving customers' property-and-casualty insurance needs in the Midwestern, Northwestern, and Southwestern United States. Known as “The Relationship Company®,” we define success as a measure of the relationships we’ve built over time. In everything that we do, we know that delivering a friendly and helpful interaction makes for a better experience for everyone involved. That’s the power of “nice”. At Western National, nice is something we work to bring to every person and organization with whom we partner and serve. Does this opportunity interest you? Western National is seeking an Accounting Manager to join our team! The individual in this role will have the opportunity to lead key accounting functions, oversee financial reporting and regulatory compliance, and serve as a strategic business partner to internal and external stakeholders. This position provides leadership to accounting staff, drives operational efficiencies, and ensures accurate and timely financial information to support organizational decision-making. What are the responsibilities and opportunities of this role? Coordinates and implements short- and long-term goals, objectives, and plans for the accounting department. Analyzes financial condition and operating performance by collecting, interpreting, and reporting financial data to support internal and external business needs. Partners with business units to provide financial insights and improve accounting processes, operational efficiency, and cost effectiveness. Hires, supervises, trains, coaches, and develops accounting staff to meet organizational needs and performance expectations. Establishes departmental schedules, project priorities, and performance expectations while fostering employee development and productivity. Provides guidance, communicates expectations, and resolves conflicts to support a collaborative and effective team environment. Manages, coordinates, and reviews monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements to ensure accuracy and compliance with applicable accounting standards. Oversees the annual financial statement audit and periodic regulatory audits of company accounts and financial results. Monitors federal, state, and local regulatory requirements and ensures compliance with applicable financial reporting standards and legislation. Coordinates and manages the company’s financial planning process. Evaluates internal controls to ensure compliance with the Model Audit Rule and communicates identified deficiencies to management. Identifies opportunities to improve accounting procedures and operations to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Analyzes complex financial and operational problems, identifies root causes, and recommends solutions based on potential benefits, costs, and risks. Exercises sound judgment in resolving complex accounting matters and engages the Controller and/or Assistant Controller on highly complex or nonroutine issues. Consistently acts according to our customer experience standards, including responding quickly, maintaining a positive attitude, building rapport, demonstrating empathy, managing the customer’s expectations, using the proper communication channel for the situation, and taking ownership to ensure the customer’s issue is resolved. Performs special projects and other duties as assigned. Requirements What are the must-have qualifications for a candidate? Two or more years of accounting management experience. Bachelor’s degree in accounting or equivalent relevant experience. Strong analytical skills with demonstrated ability to interpret, analyze, and report financial data. Ability to research, interpret, and apply technical accounting requirements. Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines. Proficient verbal and written communication skills with the ability to provide clear, accurate, and relevant financial information to others. Demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy. Proven ability to maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive financial and business information. Proficient use of various core systems, office and computer equipment, and software packages. What will our ideal candidate have? Property-and-casualty insurance industry experience. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation or progress toward CPA certification. Experience with financial reporting and accounting practices within the insurance industry. Compensation overview The targeted hiring range for this role is $104,300 - $143,440 annually. However, the base pay offered may vary depending on the job-related knowledge, skills, credentials, and experience of each candidate as well as other factors such as the scope and location of the role. Candidates looking for compensation outside of the posted range are encouraged to apply and will be considered based on their individual qualifications and/or may be considered for other positions. Culture and Total Rewards Western National has long been known as “The Relationship Company®” and caring for our employees is part of that relationship commitment. We value connectiveness, empowerment, and accountability, and we believe that our employees are our biggest asset. Currently ranked as the 41st largest private company by revenue in Minnesota (Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal), Western National has earned accolades year-over-year as an employer of choice and garnered multiple awards for wellness in the workplace. Western National has also been named a Top Workplace by the Star Tribune for consecutive years. In addition, the Group is consistently recognized as a Ward’s 50 property-and-casualty insurance company for its outstanding financial results. Western National offers full-time employees a significant Total Rewards Package, including: Medical insurance plan options and other standard employee benefits, including dental insurance, vision benefits, life insurance, disability insurance, and more! Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) 401(k) Plan (participants are eligible for 100% matching on the first 6% of their contributions) Wellbeing Program, including onsite fitness studio Paid Time Off – including holiday, vacation, and volunteer 100% company-paid tuition reimbursement for approved job-relevant coursework and access to The Institutes (Risk and insurance education) Paid parental leave Bonus opportunities Western National believes in supporting balance between work and life by providing a flexible work environment, which includes a variety of hybrid and remote work arrangements designed to balance individual, job, department, and company needs. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time. Western National provides employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.