FEP Accountant

001_BCBSA Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Paid time off

11 holidays

Medical/dental/vision insurance

401(k) matching

Lifestyle spending account

Job summary

Blue Cross Blue Shield Association seeks a seasoned accountant to ensure accurate financial records, manage month-end close, and process journal entries. You will reconcile accounts, perform variance analyses, and prepare reports in line with GAAP and regulatory requirements.

Collaboration with accounts payable/receivable and finance teams is essential. The role supports audits, implements internal controls, and seeks process improvements.

Qualifications

• BS in accounting or equivalent experience; MS preferred.
• 4+ years of accounting experience including monthly close, transaction processing, cash management, and financial record-keeping.
• CPA certification required or in progress; knowledge of GAAP and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Ensure accuracy of financial records and manage month-end close.
• Prepare journal entries and reconcile accounts.
• Perform reconciliations of balance sheet accounts and analyze variances.
• Prepare financial statements and reports per GAAP and regulatory requirements.
• Support internal and external audits with documentation.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Journal entries

Reconciliations

Variance analysis

Financial reporting

Internal controls

Financial analysis

Audit support

CPA awareness

Education

BS in Accounting

MS in Accounting (preferred)

CPA certification

Tools

PeopleSoft

Workday

Job description

This role is primarily responsible for ensuring the accuracy of financial records, managing month-end processes, handling transactional tasks such as journal entries and payment processing, and preparing reports in compliance with accounting standards. This role involves conducting reconciliations, analyzing variances, implementing process improvements, and collaborating with other departments. Additionally, this role will support audits and perform ad hoc financial analysis to aid decision‑making and business initiatives. Lead or assist in the month‑end close process, including preparing journal entries, reconciling accounts, and analyzing variances. Prepare financial statements and reports in accordance with accounting principles and regulatory requirements. Perform regular reconciliations of balance sheet accounts to ensure accuracy and completeness of financial data. Analyze variances between actual and budgeted/forecasted figures, investigating discrepancies and providing explanations as needed. Assist in external and internal audits by providing necessary documentation, explanations, and support to auditors Implement and maintain internal control procedures to safeguard company assets and ensure compliance with accounting standards and regulations. Identify opportunities for process improvements in accounting procedures and systems to enhance efficiency and accuracy. Collaborate with other departments, such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, and finance, to ensure accurate and timely financial information exchange Perform ad hoc financial analysis and projects as requested by management to support decision‑making and business initiatives.

The posting range for this position is: 65,400.00 - 94,800.00

Qualifications: Education Required BS ; or equivalent experience Preferred MS ; or equivalent experience Experience Required 4+ Years accounting experience, including all aspects of the monthly close process, transaction processing, cash management, and financial record‑keeping

Knowledge Skills and Abilities Solid understanding of accounting principles, including GAAP. Ability to manage general ledger accounts, ensuring accurate recording of financial transactions. Effective analytical skills to interpret financial data, identify trends, and make informed decisions. High attention to detail. Understanding of internal controls to safeguard financial assets, prevent fraud, and ensure compliance. Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple priorities/projects under tight timeframes with a sense of urgency. Effective communication skills to clearly convey complex accounting issues to management, auditors, and other staff. Ability to understand complex accounting transactions and apply US GAAP and non‑GAAP standards. Demonstrates AI literacy and an understanding of generative AI tools, including appropriate business applications and limitations.

Certifications & Licenses Required: Certified Public Accountant (CPA) - Various

Extra Posting Information: Minimum four years of accounting experience, including all aspects of the monthly close process, transaction processing, cash management, and financial record‑keeping Experience with accounting software (PeopleSoft and Workday preferred). #LI-Hybrid

The posted salary range is the lowest to highest salary we, in good faith, believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the hiring range and this hiring range may also be modified in the future. A candidate’s position within the hiring range may be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, relevant experience, skills, seniority, performance, shift, travel requirements, and business or organizational needs.

This job is also eligible for annual bonus incentive pay.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, 11 holidays, medical/dental/vision insurance, generous 401(k) matching, lifestyle spending account and many other benefits to eligible employees.

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, or any other form of compensation that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company’s sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.

At Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), we are a national association of 33 independent, community‑based and locally operated Blue Cross Blue Shield companies and we are driven by purpose. Join the team who supports the nation’s largest healthcare network, providing coverage to nearly one in three Americans as we relentlessly pursue affordable healthcare and ensure peace of mind for the people we serve. Be part of our storied history of innovation as we advance well‑being and health equity. Experience a culture that is built on our core values, connection, work‑life flexibility, well‑being, and a commitment to our community. If you thrive at a company that values inclusivity, accountability, courage, teamwork, and respect, we’re glad you found us!