Specialist, Accounting - Close Operations

As a team member in Finance at Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company with nearly $70 billion in annual sales, you will support the monthly, quarterly, and year‑end closing process and have the opportunity to learn about closing automation. This hybrid role is located in Columbus, Ohio, and requires office attendance two days per week. The position does not qualify for employer-sponsored work authorization.

• Lead the establishment and implementation of new or revised accounting policies and procedures.
• Prepare and analyze sophisticated financial and regulatory statements for the company or assigned business areas.
• Develop and submit accounting and financial transactions to ensure accurate reporting.
• Ensure completeness and accuracy of all reports, forms, and data provided to internal and external clients/customers.
• Recommend management actions or alternatives when financial analysis reveals unfavorable trends, situations, or deviations.
• Stay informed of changes to GAAP and or statutory regulatory requirements that impact reporting and submit any necessary updates.
• Recommend enhancements to processes, systems, or workflows to improve performance within assigned responsibilities.
• Lead the design of new and enhanced systems and processes under general guidance within the assigned area(s).
• Prepare and analyze complex pro forma financial data for compliance with new requirements.
• Assist management in applying financial data and analysis to solve administrative and operating problems.
• Prepare state and supplemental reporting requirements.
• Prepare complex financial information for internal and external auditors, IRS, state examiners, and other regulatory agencies.
• Prepare special reports and presentations.
• Serve in a group leader capacity to other accountants on selected projects.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Education: Undergraduate studies in accounting, finance, or business administration; accounting major and degree preferred.

License/Certification/Designation: Progress toward CPA preferred.

Experience: Four to six years of related accounting experience; insurance experience preferred.

Knowledge, Abilities and

Skills:

• GAAP and/or statutory regulatory knowledge.
• Complex financial statement preparation, including consolidation of companies and subsidiaries.
• Principles of taxation and related impact on financial statement preparation.
• Accounting and business computer systems.
• Understanding of company organizational structure and products/services.
• Verbal and written communication skills for internal and external contacts.
• Analytical skills to discover, interpret, and solve accounting problems.
• Project‑management skills.
• Ability to interpret changes in financial reporting and legal requirements and to formulate company policies.
• Proficient computer skills using advanced techniques.
• Application of accounting principles, theories, and concepts to complex, non‑recurring problems.
• Leadership skills and competencies may take precedence.

Regularly and consistently demonstrates Nationwide values.

Overtime Eligibility:
Exempt (Not eligible).

Working Conditions:

Normal office environment; may require extended hours during high‑volume periods.

ADA:
The above statements cover the principal and essential functions of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some people to perform a somewhat different combination of duties.

Credit/Background Check: A valid credit and/or background check is required as part of the selection process.

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life insurance.
• Short‑ and long‑term disability coverage.
• Paid time off: 18 days per full calendar year (pro‑rated), nine paid holidays, 8 hours of Lifetime paid time off, 8 hours of Unity Day paid time off.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Company‑paid pension plan.
• Business casual attire and more.

Nationwide is an equal‑opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels challenged, appreciated, respected, and engaged. Nationwide prohibits discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable law.