Accounting Manager

EquiTrust; Chicago, West Des Moines (IL, IA); Hybrid; USD 115,000 - 158,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with Company Match

Paid time off

Paid Parental Leave

Hybrid/Remote Work Options

Early Friday Closure

Job summary

EquiTrust Life Insurance Company is seeking an Accounting Manager to lead a team of professionals handling general ledger, subledger activity, and reinsurance accounting. You will collaborate across departments to ensure accurate financial information and strengthen internal controls, while developing people and improving processes.

The role requires a strong accounting foundation, industry experience, and a collaborative leadership style to drive efficiency and precision across the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• At least seven years of progressively responsible financial reporting or accounting experience.
• At least five years of experience within the life insurance and/or annuity industry.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop accounting professionals by setting clear expectations, providing feedback, and supporting professional growth.
• Oversee the general ledger chart of accounts, accounting hierarchies, account mappings, and daily reconciliations.
• Ensure policy administration subledger activity is correctly configured and reconciled to the general ledger.
• Review and test accounting configurations for new products and system enhancements.
• Partner with IT and Policy Administration to improve automation and internal controls.
• Oversee reinsurance accounting, including journal entries and statutory schedules.
• Manage intercompany service agreements, cost-sharing, and intercompany invoicing and netting.
• Support internal and external audits with accurate documentation.

Skills

General ledger

Reinsurance accounting

Intercompany accounting

Internal controls

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Accounting systems

Job description

Posting Title: Accounting Manager
Location: Chicago, IL Or West Des Moines, IA (Mostly Off-Site)
Employment Type: Full-time
Salary Range: $114,837.00-157,901.00

About Us:

EquiTrust Life Insurance Company is a national carrier of competitive, client-friendly annuity products sold through a variety of distribution channels, including more than 20,000 independent agents and independent marketing organizations (IMOs). Since 2003, we have provided exceptional customer service to our clients by operating with integrity and passion. Our efforts are supported by a dedicated workforce who execute their responsibilities through teamwork and an entrepreneurial spirit. EquiTrust sells products nationwide and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with operations in West Des Moines, Iowa.

How You’ll Contribute:

As an Accounting Manager, you will lead a team of Financial Reporting and Accounting professionals while overseeing key general accounting functions, including the general ledger, policy administration subledger activity, reinsurance accounting, and intercompany accounting. You will collaborate with Financial Reporting, Treasury, Information Technology, Policy Administration, and other business areas to maintain accurate financial information, strengthen internal controls, and support system and product changes. We are looking for a collaborative leader who brings strong accounting knowledge, sound judgment, and a commitment to developing people and improving processes.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead, coach, and develop accounting professionals by setting clear expectations, providing feedback, and supporting professional growth
• Oversee the general ledger chart of accounts, accounting hierarchies, account mappings, and daily reconciliations
• Ensure policy administration subledger activity is accurately configured, reconciled, and transmitted to the general ledger and related systems
• Review and test accounting configurations associated with new products, product changes, and system enhancements
• Partner with Information Technology and Policy Administration to improve automation, efficiency, data integrity, and internal controls
• Oversee ceded and assumed reinsurance accounting, including journal entries, account reconciliations, treaty analysis, and statutory schedules
• Ensure discrepancies, aged items, suspense balances, and unusual activity are researched and resolved promptly
• Support internal and external audits and state insurance examinations by coordinating and providing accurate documentation
• Oversee accounting for intercompany service agreements, cost-sharing arrangements, and transactions among affiliated entities
• Maintain intercompany allocation methodologies and oversee related invoicing, netting, cash settlement, and reconciliation activities
• Establish team priorities and action plans that align with department and Company objectives
• Collaborate across the organization to solve problems, improve processes, and foster a positive and inclusive work environment

What You’ll Bring:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting preferred

Experience:

• At least seven years of progressively responsible financial reporting or accounting experience
• STAT (Statutory Accounting Principals) accounting experience required
• At least five years of experience within the life insurance and/or annuity industry
• Experience working with accounting systems
• Two or more years of people-management experience preferred
• Four or more years of reinsurance accounting experience strongly preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of general ledger, reinsurance, intercompany, and financial reporting principles
• Ability to interpret and apply accounting guidance, policies, and procedures to complex transactions
• Strong analytical, organizational, mathematical, and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail
• Ability to analyze financial data, recognize trends and variances, and apply sound judgment when resolving accounting issues
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and develop employees while delegating responsibilities and promoting accountability
• Ability to build productive relationships and collaborate effectively across teams and organizational levels
• Experience identifying process improvements and implementing solutions that strengthen accuracy, efficiency, and internal controls
• Clear written, verbal, and presentation skills
• Ability to prioritize competing responsibilities, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn and navigate accounting and proprietary systems
• Adaptability, professionalism, and a commitment to EquiTrust’s values of Integrity, Leadership, Accountability, Teamwork, and Passion

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to remain seated and use a computer for extended periods
• Ability to communicate and exchange information effectively
• Ability to perform repetitive hand and finger movements associated with computer work
• Occasional walking, standing, reaching, bending, driving, pushing, and pulling
• Ability to occasionally lift or carry up to 20 pounds
• Ability to perform effectively in a deadline-driven work environment

Where You’ll Work:

• Location: Chicago, Illinois or West Des Moines, IA
• Work Arrangements: Mostly Off-Site
• Travel Requirements: Occasional travel, approximately 5-10%

Compensation and Pay Philosophy:

Salary Range: $114,837.00-157,901.00. This reflects the expected compensation for the position at the time of posting. The final offer will be based on factors such as the candidate’s experience, qualifications, geographic location, and internal equity, and may be higher or lower than the posted range. The pay range is subject to change in the future in accordance with applicable laws. EquiTrust is committed to fair and competitive compensation that considers individual and organizational needs.

Total Rewards:

In addition to base pay, EquiTrust may, within its sole discretion and depending on the relevant circumstances, criteria, and considerations at the time, grant eligible employees annual discretionary incentive bonuses. Eligible employees also have access to a competitive benefits package including:

• 401(k) with Company Match
• Paid time off: Vacation, Sick, Holiday, and more
• Paid Parental Leave for both Mothers and Fathers
• Hybrid/Remote Work Options
• Early Friday Closure

EquiTrust is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in the U.S. Federal E-Verify program. Applicants have rights under federal and state employment laws. To learn more, visitEquiTrust Careers .