Staff Accountant

Talentify; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

United Fire Group (UFG Insurance) is seeking a Staff Accountant to assist with accurate accounting, reporting and analysis of financial transactions in accordance with GAAP and statutory principles. You will support month-end/quarter-end closes, strengthen internal controls, and collaborate across departments to modernize processes.

The role requires a Bachelor's in accounting, CPA progress preferred, and experience in property and casualty insurance.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of GAAP and statutory accounting principles.
• Analytical problem-solving with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Advanced Excel skills including pivot tables and VLOOKUP.
• Experience with financial systems or subledgers is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Prepare month-end and quarter-end close activities including journal entries, reconciliations, and variance analysis for multiple entities.
• Assist with analyzing financial information and preparing detailed reports for management decisions.
• Identify discrepancies and raise them to senior team members for review; maintain documentation.
• Contribute to SOX-compliant documentation and support internal audit requests.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Analytical skills

Excel proficiency

Cross-functional collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting

CPA progress toward

Tools

Financial systems

Subledgers

Job description

UFG is currently hiring for a Staff Accountant to assist with accurate accounting, reporting and analysis of United Fire Group’s (UFG) financial transactions. This role prepares supporting documents and performs procedures to ensure all transactions are properly recorded in accordance with GAAP and statutory accounting principles while maintaining data integrity across subledger and financial reporting systems.

Working closely with other members of the Financial Reporting team, the Staff Accountant provides support for the month-end and quarter-end close processes, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting across multiple company entities. This individual also assists in implementing process improvements, strengthening internal controls, and supporting both external and internal audit requests. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong technical accounting skills, attention to detail, analytical skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a complex insurance environment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Accounting & Financial Reporting

• Prepare month-end and quarter-end close activities including journal entries, reconciliations, and variance analysis for multiple company entities
• Assist with analyzing financial information and preparing detailed reports to support management decision-making
• Identify and raise discrepancies to senior team members for further review
• Maintain organized documentation for all accounting activities and follow department procedures
• Understand fundamental accounting principles and apply them to routine transactions

Governance & Controls

• Prepare SOX-compliant documentation, ensuring adherence to company policies and internal control requirements
• Assist with audit requests, including internal controls and testing evidence

Collaboration & Process Improvement

• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives aimed at optimizing processes, standardizing reporting, and automating data flow
• Support system enhancements and testing related to financial reporting applications
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including operations and IT to support finance transformation initiatives designed to modernize systems and standardize financial processes
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the financial reporting team and company goals

Job Specifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting required
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or progress toward certification preferred

Experience:

• Prior experience within property and casualty insurance, preferred

Knowledge, skills & abilities:

• Principle understanding of GAAP and statutory accounting principles
• Analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to accuracy and detail
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, complex formulas)
• Experience with financial systems or subledgers desirable
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams
• Ability to handle multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work effectively in a dynamic environment
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team setting
• Process understanding mindset with ability to identify and implement efficiency enhancements
• Critical thinking skills and sound professional judgment

Working Conditions:

• General Office Environment
• Travel Requirements: Infrequent travel, only as needed

Pay Transparency Statement:

UFG Insurance is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The base salary range for this position is $55,000 - $60,000 annually, which represents the typical range for new hires in this role. Individual pay within this range will be determined based on a variety of factors, including relevant experience, education, certifications, skills, internal equity, geography and market data.

In addition to base salary, UFG Insurance offers a comprehensive total rewards package that includes:

• Annual incentive compensation
• Medical, dental, vision & life insurance
• Accident, critical Illness & short-term disability insurance
• Retirement plans with employer contributions
• Generous time-off program
• Programs designed to support the employee well-being and financial security.

This pay range disclosure is provided in accordance with applicable state and local pay transparency laws.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.