Location(s)
Chicago, Illinois
Position Summary: Kemper, a publicly-traded, multi-billion-dollar insurance and financial services company, seeks a talented and motivated professional to join its Accounting team at its headquarters in downtown Chicago. This is a fantastic role for a strong performer who is looking to help lead the Company's efforts to transform the Accounting and Finance functions through maximization of process efficiency, automation of manual processes (including the use of bots), and improved speed-to-delivery. This role has significant exposure to GAAP, statutory, and SEC accounting, all within a multi-faceted insurance company (life, health, P&C). Kemper has a proven track record for developing its people for higher roles within the department as well as other functions across its corporate and operating entities. The dynamic work environment at Kemper encourages critical thinking, engaging and empowering finance leaders to work collaboratively with others outside the finance function, and allowing them to achieve their potential, while still enabling work/life flexibility.
Position Responsibilities: - Leading efforts to automate various processes by developing a deep understanding of source data and end users needs, and then directing in the design, implementation and
- oversight of solution
- Overseeing the team responsible for preparation and review of monthly journal entries and account reconciliations in Blackline
- Mentoring and developing staff members to enhance skill sets and prepare them for advancement opportunities within the organization
- Building and analyzing management reports
- Assisting in the Company's evaluation of technical accounting matters, including those related to complex transactions, emerging areas, and adoption of new accounting standards
- Assisting in the function of the Company's SOX program, including interfacing with internal and external auditors as well as business leaders
- Serving as a key resource for special projects with the ability to both lead as well as provide meaningful contributions
- Taking an active role in managing the Accounting/Finance team from an HR perspective, including recruiting quality professionals and developing high-performing teams
Minimum Qualification Requirements: - BA/BS degree in Accounting or Finance
- CPA is preferred
- 8-10 years of industry or public accounting experience. Insurance/financial services experience is a plus
Required job skills:- Bold strategic thinker with a keen eye for improving and even transforming processes
- Engaging leader with supervisory skills
- Progressive thinking skills, a strong work ethic, and a knack for innovative solutions
- Excellent communication skills to interact with varying levels of management and professional staff
- Effective writing skills and strong attention to detail required
- Strong analytical, organizational, and time management skills
- Ability to identify, analyze and solve accounting and operational issues
