Manager - Financial Reporting

Financial Reporting Expert

This is an expert level position in Financial Reporting responsible for providing leadership on highly complex accounting and financial activities and contributions across the finance organization. The position is responsible for the entire accounting cycle including technical research, implementation of new accounting standards, reviewing financial statements, reporting results to leadership, and overseeing department initiatives and process improvements. Responsibilities will include the implementation and oversight of SOX controls, keeping abreast of Statutory, SEC, and FASB developments, collaboration with subject matter experts, quality financial analysis that grounds business decisions, and coordination with external partners such as external auditors, state regulators, or accounting service providers. The individual may have direct or indirect management responsibility for professional staff.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for complex preparation, analysis, and reporting of financial transactions in accordance with accounting standards, including US GAAP and Statutory standards. This includes periodic complex financial statements for various governmental and/or regulatory agencies.
• Act as consultant providing financial support to business areas regarding accounting/tax implications of related business decisions, conformance to corporate policies and procedures, technical inquiries, planning and forecasting process, and various tax and accounting issues.
• Review existing accounting, financial reporting and administrative processes and procedures in an effort to streamline activities to increase productivity.
• Research the impact to financial statements of potential changes to accounting rules proposed by accounting standards setters, as well as perform peer research to understand if GAAP, Statutory, and Tax accounting policies are in line with industry standards.
• Lead and/or participate in business initiatives and projects.
• Develop, implement, and communicate to management and senior management on various business topics including new accounting standards, financial impacts of business strategies, and process automation initiatives.
• Liaise and coordinate with internal and external auditors. Manage correspondence with government agencies.
• Manage relationships with external partners such as accounting consultants, state regulators, and advocacy groups for insurance companies.
• May actively participate in the hiring, development, performance, and compensation decisions affecting assigned staff.
• Seek out and maintain cooperative, productive cross-functional partnerships throughout the global enterprise.
• Work with external advisors on a broad range of projects, including mergers and acquisitions, compliance and reporting filings, and capital planning opportunities.
• Direct maintenance of various systems and data assets that support the specific financial area(s) of responsibility. Including maintaining integrity of data and complying with SOX controls.
• Model positive change management, leading individuals and teams through new operating models and methodologies, creating opportunities for discussion and deliberation.
• Direct resources and drive results to provide value-adding insights. Take ownership for the outcome of their team's work as well as their own efforts. Provide coaching and mentoring to assist individuals in achieving their full potential. Build bench strength and core competencies for the organization.
• Demonstrate intellectual curiosity through continuously deepening understanding of the business, getting more insight of the company through the financial data, and working with leaders in the group to learn the big picture.
• Maintain a strong, specialized working knowledge of Unum's products, services and business processes including, their specific business area, the issues and technical skills required to support the area.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Job Specifications

• Bachelor's degree required, Master's degree a plus.
• CPA required.
• 5+ years of accounting experience or equivalent relevant work experience preferred.
• Demonstrates extensive knowledge and/or a proven record of success in financial accounting, managerial accounting, taxation, and financial reporting systems including generally accepted accounting principles and current accounting policies and procedures.
• Strong understanding of the components of multiple financial statements and how they interact with one another.
• Experience navigating change in a positive manner.
• Exhibits outstanding customer service skills, effectively collaborating with team members and other departments to complete tasks. Actively expands professional network across various functional areas.
• Highly motivated individual able to take independent actions to solve problems/issues with limited involvement from manager.
• Manages multiple projects simultaneously with minimal guidance from manager.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams to maximize performance, problem solving and results.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills. Adept at handling group dynamics
• Intermediate to advanced Excel Skills, demonstrate strong analytical skills.
• Experience in Workiva and/or Gain Compliance a plus.
• General ledger systems and reporting tools experience preferred.
• Proficient in Word and PowerPoint