Senior Manager, Accounting

Kemper Corporation; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental plans

401(k) match

Tuition assistance

Employee discounts

Job summary

Kemper Corporation in Chicago seeks a talented accounting professional to help lead our transformation of the Accounting and Finance functions, focusing on automation, GAAP, statutory, and SEC reporting. You will work with a dynamic team to drive efficiency and accuracy.

This role offers exposure to SOX, complex transactions, and opportunities for career progression within a respected insurance/financial services company. A strong work ethic and collaborative mindset are essential.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in Accounting or Finance; CPA preferred.
• 8–10 years of industry or public accounting experience; insurance/financial services a plus.

Responsibilities

• Automate processes by understanding data and guiding design/implementation.
• Oversee monthly journal entries and reconciliations in Blackline.
• Mentor staff and develop for advancement opportunities.
• Build and analyze management reports.
• Assist in technical accounting matters and adoption of new standards.
• Support the SOX program with auditors and business leaders.
• Lead or contribute to special projects.
• Recruit and develop high-performing Accounting/Finance teams.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Communication

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Accounting knowledge

Education

BA/BS in Accounting or Finance

CPA preferred

Tools

BlackLine

Excel

Job description

Location(s) Chicago, Illinois

Kemper is one of the nation’s leading specialized insurers. Our success is a direct reflection of the talented and diverse people who make a positive difference in the lives of our customers every day. We believe a high-performing culture, valuable opportunities for personal development and professional challenge, and a healthy work-life balance can be highly motivating and productive. Kemper’s products and services are making a real difference to our customers, who have unique and evolving needs. By joining our team, you are helping to provide an experience to our stakeholders that delivers on our promises.

Position Summary

Kemper, a publicly-traded, multi-billion-dollar insurance and financial services company, seeks a talented and motivated professional to join its Accounting team at its headquarters in downtown Chicago. This is a fantastic role for a strong performer who is looking to help lead the Company’s efforts to transform the Accounting and Finance functions through maximization of process efficiency, automation of manual processes (including the use of bots), and improved speed-to-delivery. This role has significant exposure to GAAP, statutory, and SEC accounting, all within a multi-faceted insurance company (life, health, P&C). Kemper has a proven track record for developing its people for higher roles within the department as well as other functions across its corporate and operating entities. The dynamic work environment at Kemper encourages critical thinking, engaging and empowering finance leaders to work collaboratively with others outside the finance function, and allowing them to achieve their potential, while still enabling work/life flexibility.

Position Responsibilities

• Leading efforts to automate various processes by developing a deep understanding of source data and end users needs, and then directing in the design, implementation and oversight of solution
• Overseeing the team responsible for preparation and review of monthly journal entries and account reconciliations in Blackline
• Mentoring and developing staff members to enhance skill sets and prepare them for advancement opportunities within the organization
• Building and analyzing management reports
• Assisting in the Company’s evaluation of technical accounting matters, including those related to complex transactions, emerging areas, and adoption of new accounting standards
• Assisting in the function of the Company’s SOX program, including interfacing with internal and external auditors as well as business leaders
• Serving as a key resource for special projects with the ability to both lead as well as provide meaningful contributions
• Taking an active role in managing the Accounting/Finance team from an HR perspective, including recruiting quality professionals and developing high-performing teams

Minimum Qualification Requirements

BA/BS degree in Accounting or Finance CPA is preferred 8-10 years of industry or public accounting experience. Insurance/financial services experience is a plus

Required job skills

• Bold strategic thinker with a keen eye for improving and even transforming processes
• Engaging leader with supervisory skills
• Progressive thinking skills, a strong work ethic, and a knack for innovative solutions
• Excellent communication skills to interact with varying levels of management and professional staff
• Effective writing skills and strong attention to detail required
• Strong analytical, organizational, and time management skills
• Ability to identify, analyze and solve accounting and operational issues

Kemper is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability status or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We are committed to supporting diversity and equality across our organization and we work diligently to maintain a workplace free from discrimination. Kemper is focused on expanding our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts to align with our vision, mission, and guiding principles.

Kemper does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Kemper and Kemper will not be obligated to pay a placement fee. Kemper will never request personal information, such as your social security number or banking information, via text or email. Additionally, Kemper does not use external messaging applications like WireApp or Skype to communicate with candidates. If you receive such a message, delete it.

Kemper at a Glance

The Kemper family of companies is one of the nation’s leading specialized insurers. With approximately $12 billion in assets, Kemper is improving the world of insurance by providing affordable and easy-to-use personalized solutions to individuals, families and businesses through its Kemper Auto and Kemper Life brands. Kemper serves over 4.6 million policies, is represented by approximately 24,200 agents and brokers, and has approximately 7,500 associates dedicated to meeting the ever-changing needs of its customers. *Alliance United Insurance Company is not rated. We value diversity and strive to be an employer of choice. An Equal Opportunity Employer, M/F/D/V Eligible employees may enjoy benefits such as:

• Qualify for your choice of health and dental plans within your first month.
• Save for your future with robust 401(k) match, Health Spending Accounts and various retirement plans.
• Learn and Grow with our Tuition Assistance Program, paid certifications and continuing education programs.
• Contribute to your community through United Way and volunteer programs.
• Balance your life with generous paid time off and business casual dress.
• Get employee discounts for shopping, dining and travel through Kemper Perks.

Benefits eligibility may vary based on position classification, scheduled hours, work location, temporary or contingent status, independent contractor status, SkillBridge participation, and applicable plan terms.