Financial Reporting Accountant II

Protective Life; Birmingham (AL); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

Protective Life seeks a Financial Reporting Accountant II in a hybrid role at its Birmingham, AL headquarters. You will lead the quarterly parent-company reporting, own the close for the Stable Value segment, and prepare earnings analyses for leadership.

The role partners across Finance, Tax, Investments, and Legal, delivering insights, ensuring GAAP compliance, and presenting results to stakeholders. CPA preferred; insurance industry exp beneficial.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting.
• 3 years of cumulative financial reporting or related experience.
• CPA designation strongly preferred.
• Insurance industry experience is a plus.
• Experience with SAP or similar accounting platforms.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Copilot or AI productivity tools.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate quarterly parent-company reporting on a JGAAP basis with consolidation from business segments.
• Own the monthly and quarterly close process for the Stable Value segment.
• Prepare and present quarterly earnings analyses to internal stakeholders.
• Analyze financial results, variances, and drivers against forecasts and budgets.
• Support audit activities and strengthen internal controls.

Skills

GAAP accounting

Analytical thinking

Communication

Presentation skills

Collaboration

Excel proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Tools

SAP

Copilot / AI tools

Job description

The work we do has an impact on millions of lives, and you can be a part of it.

We help protect our customers against life’s uncertainties. Regardless of where you work within the company, you’ll be helping provide protection and peace of mind when our customers need it most.

Protective is seeking a Financial Reporting Accountant II to join our Financial Reporting team in a hybrid capacity based at our Birmingham, AL headquarters. This role offers the opportunity to develop expertise in insurance financial reporting, GAAP accounting, parent-company reporting, and earnings analysis while partnering with stakeholders across Finance, Tax, Investments, Asset Liability Management, Legal, and Investor Relations.

The ideal candidate is a proactive accounting professional who enjoys solving complex problems, taking ownership of reporting processes, and delivering meaningful financial insights. This position provides visibility across the organization through regular interaction with senior leadership and the opportunity to present financial results to both internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate the quarterly parent-company reporting process on a JGAAP basis , including gathering, reviewing, and consolidating information from business segments and functional areas
• Research, analyze, and respond to reporting and accounting inquiries from parent-company stakeholders
• Own the monthly and quarterly close process for the Stable Value segment
• Analyze financial results against historical trends, forecasts, and budgets, identifying and explaining key business drivers and variances
• Prepare and present quarterly earnings analyses and reporting packages to internal stakeholders
• Perform accounting activities related to new Stable Value contract issuances and support Investor Relations and Legal with issuance activity
• Prepare journal entries related to Stable Value contract payments and initiate payout wire requests
• Analyze, report, and present GAAP financial results for the Corporate & Other segment
• Execute and maintain key financial controls and support internal and external audit activities
• Identify opportunities to improve reporting processes, increase efficiency, and enhance controls
• Support special projects, ad hoc analyses, and company-wide initiatives as needed

Core Competencies (Skills, Knowledge and Abilities):

• Strong knowledge of GAAP accounting principles and financial reporting practices
• Ability to think critically and independently when evaluating accounting and business issues
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to effectively present financial results and communicate insights to stakeholders
• Ability to prioritize work and consistently meet deadlines in a quarterly close environment
• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to build relationships across multiple business functions
• Self-starter with a willingness to take initiative and learn new areas of the business
• Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on process enhancement and operational efficiency
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting
• 3 years of cumulative financial reporting, accounting, audit, or related experience
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Effective communication and presentation skills

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA designation strongly preferred
• Public accounting experience
• Insurance industry experience
• Knowledge of statutory accounting principles
• Experience presenting financial results to leadership
• Experience driving process improvements, automation initiatives, or reporting efficiencies
• Familiarity with SAP or similar accounting platforms
• Experience using Microsoft Copilot or other AI-enabled productivity tools

The internal title for this role is Analyst II Financial Reporting.

Employee Benefits:

We aim to protect the wellbeing of our employees and their families with a broad benefits offering. In addition to offering comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance, we support emotional wellbeing through mental health benefits and an employee assistance program. Work/life balance is important and Protective offers a variety of paid time away benefits (e.g., paid time off, paid parental leave, short-term disability, and a cultural observance day). The financial health of our employees is just as important as physical and emotional health. Some of the financial wellbeing benefits include contributions to healthcare accounts, a pension plan, and a 401(k) plan with Company matching. All employees are encouraged to protect their overall wellbeing by engaging in ProHealth Rewards, Protective’s platform to improve wellbeing while earning cash rewards.

Eligibility for certain benefits may vary by position in accordance with the terms of the Company’s benefit plans.

Accommodations for Applicants with a Disability

If you require an accommodation to complete the application and recruitment process due to a disability, please email [e-mail]. This information will be held in confidence and used only to determine an appropriate accommodation for the application and recruitment process.

Please note that the above email is solely for individuals with disabilities requesting an accommodation. General employment questions should not be sent through this process.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to being inclusive and attracting, retaining, and growing an inclusive workforce.

Protective’s targeted salary range for this position is $70,000 to $92,000. Actual salaries may vary depending on factors, including but not limited to, job location, skills, and experience. The range listed is just one component of Protective’s total compensation package for employees.