Lead Accountant

Lead Accountant

Avon, CT; Houston, TX

In 2014, Paragon was incepted in a Starbucks coffee shop with a simple strategy — build the MGA that we would want to work for. Years later, Paragon is one of the fastest growing MGAs in the country. Our secret? A dedication to diversity and agility. We realized from the start that a commitment to thinking, acting, and rewarding "different" would resonate within the industry. It is hard to argue with results, and the results are clear. Our diverse team of talent is reshaping an industry that has weathered "boring" and is long overdue on "different." Whether it comes by offering better pay, benefits or growth opportunities, we will continue to aggressively invest in talent to drive our business forward. Change is here, come be a part of it with us.

Formed as a broadly diversified MGA, Paragon supports retail agents and insurance carriers, and reinsurers with our strong underwriting talent, broad capabilities, sophisticated operations, and varied business interests. Our goal: To help our partners do business better. And we do.

The Lead Accountant is responsible for executing core accounting functions within an insurance and managing general agent (MGA) environment. This role serves as a technical subject-matter expert for insurance accounting, including premium accounting, carrier payables, commissions, and trust account activity. This role provides technical expertise in the day-to-day accounting operations including general ledger maintenance, accounts payable and receivable oversight, month-end close, and financial reporting. The Lead Accountant ensures accuracy, completeness, and compliance with GAAP, supports internal controls, and assists leadership with financial analysis and process improvements. This position requires strong analytical skills, insurance accounting knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively across departments while meeting strict deadlines.

The Lead Accountant can be fully remote.

Responsibilities:

• Perform and review balance sheet reconciliations for all general ledger accounts.
• Prepare, review, and post journal entries in the General Ledger, ensuring accuracy and proper documentation.
• Lead and support the month-end and year-end close processes, including coordination with cross-functional teams.
• Assist Management with monthly and annual financial statement preparation and reporting.
• Perform premium accounting, carrier payable, and surplus lines tax accounting processes, ensuring timely and accurate bordereaux reporting and settlements with insurance carriers and reinsurers.
• Continually look for ways to streamline reporting process for the department and organization.
• Analyze financial data to identify discrepancies, trends, and opportunities for process improvement.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with GAAP and established internal controls.
• Recommend and help implement improvements to accounting systems, processes, and procedures.
• Provide a leadership role for internal, external, carrier, and regulatory audits, as well as tax preparation efforts.
• Serve as a technical resource and mentor to accounting staff; assist with training staff as needed.
• Support merger and acquisition (M&A) activities as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the Accounting department.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required; CPA or Master's degree is preferred but not required.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive accounting experience in a technical or professional role; insurance, MGA or brokerage accounting experience.
• Minimum of 3 years in a supervisory position.
• Public Accounting experience is preferred but not required.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting standards as they apply to insurance organizations.
• Experience supporting insurance audits and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel and Access skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while meeting deadlines.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain financial information clearly and influence decisions.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team and remote operating environments.
• Known for reliability, technical expertise, and being a trusted resource for accounting matters.
• Demonstrates professionalism, positive team spirit, and a high level of integrity.
• Limited travel expected 10-15%

The base salary offered for the successful candidate will be based on compensable factors such as job-relevant education, job-relevant experience, training, licensure, demonstrated competencies, geographic location, and other factors. Discretionary incentive compensation may be awarded. Paragon also offers a range of benefits and programs, based on eligibility, which currently include but are not limited to; comprehensive health care coverage, a 401k plan, and tuition reimbursement. Paragon is an emerging and rapidly growing leader in the industry and as such, we approach talent acquisition as an opportunity to identify the best talent. Therefore, the level of the role and compensation may vary depending upon the best available candidate.

Paragon is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin or citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, marital or familial status, disability status, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to fostering a work community where every colleague feels welcomed, valued, respected and heard, as we believe that creating an environment where every employee feels included and empowered, helps us to deliver the best outcome to our clients.