Lead Accountant

Independence Blue Cross; Philadelphia, Northern (Philadelphia County, KY); Hybrid; USD 98,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Independence Blue Cross in the Philadelphia area seeks a Lead Accountant to ensure timely, accurate GAAP and statutory reporting for Independence Health Group and subsidiaries. This role blends hands-on accounting with leadership, guiding staff and collaborating across departments to strengthen controls and improve processes.

You will oversee monthly close, prepare schedules, and coordinate with external auditors, while applying technical accounting expertise and a continuous improvement mindset

Qualifications

• BS/BA in Accounting is required.
• CPA or pursuit of CPA is preferred.
• 8+ years of progressively responsible accounting experience with mentoring responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Support preparation and review of financial information for internal and external GAAP/Statutory reporting.
• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes including journal entries and reconciliations.
• Provide guidance and mentoring to staff accountants and collaborate across departments.
• Assist with regulatory filings and health insurance industry compliance.
• Coordinate with external auditors and ensure timely audit deliverables.
• Lead process improvements and maintain internal controls documentation.

Skills

Leadership

GAAP knowledge

Mentoring staff

Interdepartmental collaboration

Analytical thinking

Process improvement

AI tools awareness

Education

BS/BA in Accounting

CPA or progress toward CPA

Tools

PeopleSoft ERP

SQL

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Bring your drive for excellence, team orientation, and customer commitment to Independence; help us renew and reimagine our business and shape the future of health care.

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

IBX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, or disability.

Must have an Android or iOS device which is compatible with the free Microsoft Authenticator app.

Inclusion and Belonging

At IBX, everyone can feel valued, supported, and comfortable to be themselves, and all associates have a fair opportunity to achieve their full potential. We put these principles into action every day by acting with integrity and respect. Celebrating and embracing diverse thoughts and perspectives that make up our workforce means our company is more vibrant, innovative, and better able to support the people and communities we serve.

About Our Company

Serving more than 8 million people nationwide, including 2.5 million in southeastern Pennsylvania, Independence Health Group — together with its subsidiaries — is the leading health insurance organization in the Philadelphia region. Our mission to build healthier lives for you, your family, and your employees shapes our actions and decisions every day.

At Independence, we see each of our members as an individual, with unique needs and concerns. We’re dedicated to harnessing the very latest ideas and technologies to deliver access to care that meets those needs and surpasses your expectations. For more information about Independence access our website at www.ibx.com . We’re revolutionizing health care, and our focus is on you!

IBX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, or disability.