Staff Accountant

Job Description

Job Description

CNA National is seeking an entry-level Staff Accountant to support daily bank and cash reconciliation, monthly closing procedures, account reconciliations, and accounting analysis. The position requires an understanding of basic accounting and reporting principles, internal controls, and the ability to research and resolve accounting issues.

This role will work closely with members of the Operations Accounting team, other departments throughout the organization, and Parent Company and Home Office personnel. The successful candidate will be detail-oriented, inquisitive, willing to learn, and able to take ownership of assigned responsibilities from start to finish.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform daily bank and cash reconciliations to ensure accurate cash activity and balances.
• Work with the business to understand and analyze cash inflows and outflows and identify unusual or reconciling items.
• Work and coordinate with Parent Company and Home Office personnel on cash management and accounting assignments.
• Prepare and process electronic funds transfers, including wire and ACH transactions, in accordance with established procedures and approval requirements.
• File ad hoc and quarterly state income tax payments online under the direction of the Accounting Manager or Home Office Tax Department.
• Support the month-end close process, including preparation of journal entries, bank reconciliations, and various balance sheet and income statement account reconciliations.
• Analyze transactions and general ledger accounts to help ensure accounting records and financial statements are accurate and complete.
• Research outstanding reconciling items, identify the underlying cause, recommend appropriate reclassifications or adjustments, and follow issues through to resolution.
• Obtain and maintain a thorough understanding of financial systems, accounting processes, internal controls, and reporting requirements.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and assist with implementing solutions that improve efficiency, accuracy, and control.
• Collaborate with other departments to research transactions, resolve questions, gather information, and complete accounting-related requests.
• Respond to a variety of ad hoc accounting and financial requests and projects as business needs arise.
• Participate in and support the annual financial statement and 401(k) audit process.
• Support other accounting functions and projects as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 0–3 years of accounting experience preferred; recent or upcoming college graduates are encouraged to apply.
• Cash accounting or bank reconciliation experience is a plus.
• Working knowledge of GAAP and basic accounting principles.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including formulas, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, SUMIFS, PivotTables, and the ability to work with large data sets.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to work Monday through Friday in our Scottsdale office.

Successful Candidates Will

• Be inquisitive and curious, with a desire to understand the "why" behind accounting transactions and processes.
• Take ownership of assigned responsibilities and follow tasks through to completion.
• Demonstrate strong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.
• Be comfortable researching discrepancies and working through problems to identify appropriate solutions.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with both accounting and non-accounting personnel.
• Demonstrate good judgment and an understanding of the importance of internal controls and confidentiality.
• Be organized and able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Be adaptable and willing to learn new systems, processes, and accounting functions.
• Look for opportunities to improve processes and make work more efficient and effective.

CNA National offers finance and insurance products to vehicle purchasers through franchised automobile dealerships nationwide. Our unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction has earned us a total of 22 Dealers' Choice Awards. Founded in 1982 as Western National by a visionary entrepreneur, we were purchased in 1995 by CNA Financial, one of the oldest insurance companies in the nation. As a wholly owned subsidiary of CNA, we operate as a “small company within a large company” bringing the best of both worlds to our clients – the speed, flexibility, and nimbleness of a small business, with the stability and backing of a $55 billion parent.

Among the benefits CNAN offers are:

• A competitive salary and bonus structure, along with a 401K match program
• A work culture which supports a healthy work/life balance, including no/very limited travel!
• Paid vacation time, paid sick time and holidays. 
• Full benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability.
• A location in beautiful old town Scottsdale, Arizona.