Accounting Manager

Accounting Manager

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.

Responsibilities and opportunities of this role include:

• Coordinating and implementing short- and long-term goals, objectives, and plans for the accounting department.
• Analyzing financial condition and operating performance by collecting, interpreting, and reporting financial data to support internal and external business needs.
• Partnering with business units to provide financial insights and improve accounting processes, operational efficiency, and cost effectiveness.
• Hiring, supervising, training, coaching, and developing accounting staff to meet organizational needs and performance expectations.
• Establishing departmental schedules, project priorities, and performance expectations while fostering employee development and productivity.
• Providing guidance, communicating expectations, and resolving conflicts to support a collaborative and effective team environment.
• Managing, coordinating, and reviewing monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements to ensure accuracy and compliance with applicable accounting standards.
• Overseeing the annual financial statement audit and periodic regulatory audits of company accounts and financial results.
• Monitoring federal, state, and local regulatory requirements and ensuring compliance with applicable financial reporting standards and legislation.
• Coordinating and managing the company's financial planning process.
• Evaluating internal controls to ensure compliance with the Model Audit Rule and communicating identified deficiencies to management.
• Identifying opportunities to improve accounting procedures and operations to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Analyzing complex financial and operational problems, identifying root causes, and recommending solutions based on potential benefits, costs, and risks.
• Exercising sound judgment in resolving complex accounting matters and engaging the Controller and/or Assistant Controller on highly complex or nonroutine issues.
• Consistently acting 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.
• Performing special projects and other duties as assigned.

Must-have qualifications for a candidate include:

• 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.

Ideal candidates will 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.