Accounting Manager

FOCUS provides cloud-based, core administration solutions (FOCUS Tech) and services (FOCUS Insurance Services) for P&C insurance companies and MGAs. FOCUS Tech applies decades of insurance experience to developing solutions that complement the company's extensible InFocus Platform, including self-service digital portals, configuration tools, and real-time risk management functionality while the FOCUS Insurance Services' teams deploy policy, billing, and claims solutions with intuitive automation of workflows and artificial intelligence (AI) applications via state-of-the-art cloud technologies and robust APIs.

Through proven technology and quality services, FOCUS is taking the risk out of insurtech for small, mid-size, and growth-focused insurance organizations.

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Accounting Manager at FOCUS to oversee core accounting operations at our insurance company. This role will manage day-to-day accounting activities, support timely financial reporting, and improve decision making, vision driven and growing organization. Working in the Finance team at FOCUS means that you'll always be presented with a variety of new possibilities as you continue to enhance your skills within the Insurance space.

The ideal candidate brings a strong understanding of the insurance industry's financial regulations and the ability to lead and mentor a small team. This position will report to the Director of Finance and is a hybrid role at our office in Chicago.

What You'll Do

Financial Reporting:
Oversee month-end close processes like posting/reviewing journal entries, reconciling balance sheet accounts, preparing monthly financial statements, and other accounting/finance responsibilities. Interpret complex financial information and provide updates, including variance analysis, and identifying trends

Core Accounting:
Oversee general ledger maintenance including, but not limited to, trial balance, accounts payable, accounts receivable, accruals, pricing, and fixed assets. Review, investigate and correct errors and inconsistencies in financial entries, documents and reports. Lead reconciliations of key accounts, including premiums, claims reserves, reinsurance, and investments. Approve vendor bills and expenses.

Audit & Compliance:
Assist in the annual audit including preparation of PBC items, support for audit samples, timely response to testing questions, and preparation of various footnote schedules within the audited financial statements. Liaise with the compliance department to complete periodic state and federal filings.

Business Partnership:
Collaborate closely with FOCUS' FP&A, and financial operations teams to continuously improve workflow. Have a "Hands on" mentality with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively with FOCUS' internal departments and PEAK6 Finance on their ad-hoc projects.

Automation and Controls:
Proactively identify opportunities to implement efficiencies and internal controls, accounting policies, and play a key role in the development of cross-business standardization and implementation of accounting processes and automation platforms across FOCUS and PEAK
6. Contribute to the enhancement of allocation methodologies.

Strategy and Planning. Support initiatives of FP&A Manager, Director of Finance, and senior management. Assist with budgeting, forecasting, operating plans and long-term strategic forecasts. Act as a liaison between accounting and other departments to ensure alignment of goals, and consistency in processes.

Essential:

* Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field

* 5-7 years of progressive accounting experience in a multi-entity organization

* Experience in the P&C Insurance strongly preferred

* Advanced Excel skills and experience with various ERP systems

* Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and Statutory Accounting Principles

* Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and effectively.

* Strong grasp of income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements along with the ability to analyze financial results and assess impact of business decisions.

* Strong written, verbal communication and…