Cost Accountant

Experienced Cost Accountant Opportunity Security Benefit is a leader in the U.S. retirement market with more than $60 billion in assets under management. We offer opportunities to thrive, innovate, and make an impact. As part of our team, you'll play a key role in driving the future of the U.S. retirement industry. Security Benefit is a place where we promise to help our customers To and Through Retirement. We're proud to have been recognized as one of the best in the business: Named to Ward's 50 list of top-performing life-health insurance companies Recognized on list of Ingram's Top 100 Private Companies in the Kansas City area in 2024 About the Role As a Cost Accountant, Expense Management/Reporting you will be responsible for overseeing key activities related to expense management deliverables and supporting the finance expense function, including forecasting, budgeting, and planning processes. This role will partner closely with all areas of the organization, but specifically with Strategy and Product Management. You will be a steward of initiative governance, including budget, audit and benefit realization. This position will work with all levels of management to support expense planning, reporting, and optimization of initiatives. The Cost Accountant position reports to the Senior Manager, Expense Management/Reporting and can be based out of our office in Topeka or Overland Park, Kansas. We work a hybrid schedule, offering flexibility to work both remotely and on-site. Supports all aspects of expense governance including intake, prioritization, tracking, budgeting, audit, and cost optimization initiatives; Analyze departmental and project expenses against organizational financial goals, ensuring alignment with budget targets, cost efficiency objectives, and financial KPIs; Partner with Finance leadership on development of financial business cases and cost-benefit analyses (CBAs); Identify, track, and analyze expense drivers, ensuring spending aligns with approved budgets and financial plans; Support evaluation and prioritization of spend requests based on financial impact, ROI, and strategic importance; Track actuals vs. budget, forecast variances, identify trends, and provide actionable insights to stakeholders; Support identification and mitigation of financial risks, including overspending, forecasting inaccuracies, and compliance issues; Gather data and perform detailed analysis to deliver accurate, timely reports and dashboards to leadership on expense performance and cost‑saving opportunities; Support financial review cycles including monthly close, budget reviews, and forecast updates; Partner with business units to ensure alignment on expense tracking, coding, and reporting standards; Support budgeting processes including annual planning, rolling forecasts, and variance analysis; Own day‑to‑day activities related to expense tracking, reporting, financial analysis, and process improvement initiatives. Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and cost management practices; Build and maintain strong relationships with business partners and cross‑functional teams; and Support leadership with special projects and ad‑hoc financial analysis. What We're Looking For Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; Minimum of 24 years of experience in expense management, FP&A, or related finance roles; Demonstrated ability to influence and collaborate with stakeholders across multiple levels of the organization; Proficiency with Microsoft Office software suite, especially MS Excel; Experience with financial systems such as PeopleSoft, Hyperion, or Oracle preferred; Willingness to develop industry‑related knowledge; Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities; and Solid project management capabilities. Key Competencies Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills; Data‑driven decision making; Effective communication and stakeholder engagement; Process improvement and change management mindset; Attention to detail with strong quantitative skills; Ability to anticipate issues, provide recommendations, and escalates appropriately; Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing while considering diverse perspectives. Why Choose Security Benefit? When you join our team, you're not just getting a paycheck you're getting a career path full of growth opportunities, plus a robust benefits package that puts your well‑being first. Here's what you can expect as a full‑time Security Benefit associate: Competitive salary and annual incentive bonuses to reward your contributions. 33 days of paid time off (including PTO, holidays, Volunteer Day, and days of significance). Paid parental leave after 90 days of service. Comprehensive medical, dental & vision insurance. 401(k) with company match, plus Profit Sharing & Savings Plan. Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance to give you peace of mind. Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care. Life Insurance to protect your loved ones. Educational assistance to support your career development. Associate assistance programs for your personal and professional well‑being. Security Benefit is an Equal Opportunity Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr