The Lead Accountant is an experienced member of the Corporate Accounting team responsible for ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant financial results for Independence Health Group and its subsidiaries. This role blends hands-on accounting work with leadership responsibilities, supporting general accounting functions, financial close activities, reporting requirements, and special projects. It plays a key role in maintaining compliance with GAAP, Statutory, and regulatory standards while also providing analytical insights into the company's financial performance. The Lead Accountant partners closely with Accounting Management and collaborates with staff accountants and cross-functional teams, offering guidance, reviewing work, and helping to strengthen internal processes and controls. Overall, the position requires strong technical accounting expertise, analytical capability, and a continuous improvement mindset to enhance the quality and efficiency of the department's work.
Responsibilities:
• Support the preparation and review of financial information for internal stakeholders and external GAAP/Statutory reporting
• Oversee and participate in monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, including journal entry review, account reconciliations, variance analysis, and preparation of supporting schedules/reports
• Act as a key resource for day-to-day questions and information across departmental responsibilities
• Support operational accounting functions such as revenue, medical claim cost, administrative expenses, intercompany activity, or other business-specific accounting activities to ensure accurate general ledger activity
• Provide guidance, training, and mentoring staff accountants, helping them resolve discrepancies, understand transactions, and develop technical skills
• Assist with required regulatory filings and compliance activities relevant to the health insurance industry
• Review complex transactions and analyses; recommend appropriate actions in accordance with accounting guidance and policies; perform accounting research as needed
• Serve as a key point of contact for external auditors, managing documentation, responding to requests, and helping ensure the timely completion of audit deliverables
• Contribute to the development, enhancement, and documentation of internal processes and financial controls, including MAR-related updates
• Prepare or review non-standard reports, analyses, and financial schedules to support business partners and leadership
• Lead or participate in special projects, system enhancements, or process improvement initiatives that strengthen accuracy, efficiency, or consistency
• Ensure assigned deadlines, deliverables, and quality standards are met across the team
Qualifications:
• Leadership skills with the ability to guide, mentor, and support team members
• Strong understanding of general accounting practices & principles
• Ability to apply accounting knowledge across both day-to-day tasks and more complex issues
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to explain concepts clearly to both accountants and non-accountants
• Demonstrated ability to draw clear connections between operational processes and accounting outcomes
• Experience working with ERP systems (e.g., PeopleSoft) and comfort with financial data tools; SQL knowledge is preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across teams and departments
• Interest and ability in identifying and implementing process improvements
• Openness to incorporate new technologies, including AI-supported tools, to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and consistency in accounting work
Education & Experience
• BS/BA in Accounting
• CPA or progress toward CPA preferred
• Eight or more years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including some level of review or mentorship responsibilities
Independence has implemented a "Hybrid" model which consists of Associates working in the office 3 days a week (Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday) and remotely 2 days a week (Monday & Friday). This role is designated as a role that fits into the "Hybrid" model. While associates may work remotely on our designated remote days, the work must be performed in the Tri-State Area of Delaware, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania
Must have an Android or iOS device which is compatible with the free Microsoft Authenticator app.
