Lead Accountant

American Guardian Warranty Services, Inc.; Warrenville (IL); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k) with up to 6% matching

Professional development

Job summary

American Guardian Warranty Services, Inc. seeks a Lead Accountant to support insurance and underwriting accounting, ensuring adherence to U.S. GAAP.

You will guide monthly, quarterly, and year-end closes, prepare schedules, and collaborate with Finance, Underwriting, Claims, and Operations to ensure accurate financial reporting. The role emphasizes strong analytical, Excel, and communication skills, and demands 3–5 years of experience with a background in insurance accounting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• CPA preferred.
• 3–5 years of progressive accounting experience.
• Background in insurance services accounting required.
• Familiarity with insurance-related accounting activities (premium, commission, claims, reserves).
• Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP and ASC 606.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration.
• Advanced Excel skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist monthly, quarterly, and year-end close with journal entries.
• Perform account reconciliations and investigate variances.
• Support insurance and underwriting accounting activities.
• Reconcile system activity to the general ledger.
• Prepare financial reports and audit documentation.
• Support regulatory and statutory reporting.
• Maintain and improve accounting processes and controls.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Time management

Cross-functional collaboration

Written and verbal communication

Independent work

GAAP knowledge

ASC 606 knowledge

Insurance accounting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field

CPA designation preferred

Tools

Excel

Financial reporting software

Job description

• Excellent written and verbal communication

Position Description

American Guardian Warranty Services, Inc. (AGWS), an affiliate of Reynolds and Reynolds, is looking for a Lead Accountant to join our growing team. As a Lead Accountant, you will be responsible for supporting the insurance and underwriting accounting function and the day-to-day accounting operations while ensuring compliance with U.S. GAAP and company policies.

The Lead Accountant will play an important role in the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes, financial reporting, account reconciliations, insurance and underwriting accounting, and technical accounting activities. This position will work closely with Finance, Underwriting, Claims, Operations, and other business partners to ensure the accuracy and completeness of financial information.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial close processes, including preparation and review of journal entries and supporting schedules within the team.


• Perform account reconciliations and investigate and resolve variances, unusual activity, and discrepancies.


• Support insurance and underwriting accounting activities, including premium, fee‑based (e.g. commission), claims, deferred revenue, reserves, and related balances.


• Reconcile underwriting and operational system activity to the general ledger and investigate differences.


• Prepare and analyze financial records and reports to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with GAAP


• Prepare audit schedules and supporting documentation and assist with external and internal audit requests


• Support the preparation of regulatory and statutory reporting, as applicable


• Maintain and improve accounting processes, procedures, and internal controls

Requirements

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


• CPA designation preferred


• 3–5 years of progressive accounting experience


• Background in insurance and/or insurance services accounting required


• Familiarity with premium, commission, claims, reserves, underwriting, and other insurance‑related accounting activities preferred


• Comprehensive understanding of U.S. GAAP and ASC 606


• exposure to insurance accounting under ASC 944 is a plus


• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and organizational skills


• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including data analysis, pivot tables, and lookup functions


• Excellent written and verbal communication


• Proven success working independently and partnering with cross‑functional teams


• Effective prioritization and time-management skills in a fast‑paced environment

Benefits

We strive to offer an environment that provides our associates with the right balance between work and family. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and a health savings account


• 401(k) with up to 6% matching


• Professional development and training


• Promotion from within


• Reynolds offers a hybrid work schedule, based on position eligibility. Following completion of your training period, eligible associates may work‑from‑home up to two days per week.


• Paid vacation and sick days


• Eight paid holidays


• Referral bonuses

Reynolds and Reynolds promotes a healthy lifestyle by providing a non‑smoking environment. Reynolds and Reynolds is an equal opportunity employer.