Staff Accountant

EquiTrust; Chicago, West Des Moines (IL, IA); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k match

Paid time off

Parental leave

Hybrid/Remote options

Early Friday closure

Job summary

EquiTrust Life Insurance Company seeks a Staff Accountant to support daily financial reporting and accounting activities, including reconciliations, journal entries, financial analysis, and general ledger maintenance. You will contribute to monthly and quarterly close processes and assist with financial statements, regulatory filings, and audit requests.

Collaboration across teams is essential to maintain accurate, timely information.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated understanding of GAAP and fundamental financial accounting concepts.
• Knowledge of the accounting cycle, including journal entries, reconciliations, accruals, and month-end close.

Responsibilities

• Prepare journal entries related to accounts payable, payroll, taxes, investments, treasury, and operations.
• Complete general ledger and bank reconciliations to support accurate financial records.
• Assist with monthly and quarterly closing activities.
• Reconcile daily accounting feeds and resolve errors or discrepancies.
• Prepare and upload statutory filings into the regulatory reporting system.
• Process regulatory fee payments and related filings.
• Provide documentation and support for internal and external audit requests.
• Maintain checklists and logs used to manage workflows and deadlines.
• Cross-train on accounting responsibilities and serve as a backup when needed.
• Support the Financial Reporting and Accounting teams and other departments as needed.
• Contribute to department and Company goals by collaborating effectively and fostering a positive, inclusive work environment.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Accounting cycle

Journal entries

Excel proficiency

Education

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

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting

Tools

Statutory accounting principles

Job description

About Us:

EquiTrust Life Insurance Company is a national carrier of competitive, client-friendly annuity products sold through a variety of distribution channels, including more than 20,000 independent agents and independent marketing organizations (IMOs). Since 2003, we have provided exceptional customer service to our clients by operating with integrity and passion. Our efforts are supported by a dedicated workforce who execute their responsibilities through teamwork and an entrepreneurial spirit. EquiTrust sells products nationwide and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with operations in West Des Moines, Iowa.

How You’ll Contribute:

As a Staff Accountant, you will support daily financial reporting and accounting activities, including reconciliations, journal entries, financial analysis, and general ledger maintenance. You will contribute to monthly and quarterly close processes and assist with financial statements, regulatory filings, and audit requests. This role works closely with the Financial Reporting and Accounting teams and business partners across the organization to maintain accurate, complete, and timely financial information. We are looking for a collaborative, detail-oriented professional who brings foundational accounting knowledge, sound judgment, and a commitment to continuous learning.

What You’ll Do:

• Prepare journal entries related to accounts payable, payroll, taxes, investments, treasury, and operations.
• Complete general ledger and bank reconciliations to support accurate and complete financial records.
• Assist with monthly and quarterly closing activities.
• Reconcile daily accounting feeds and resolve errors or discrepancies.
• Prepare and upload statutory filings into the regulatory reporting system.
• Process regulatory fee payments and related filings.
• Provide documentation and support for internal and external audit requests.
• Maintain checklists and logs used to manage workflows and deadlines.
• Cross-train on accounting responsibilities and serve as a backup when needed.
• Support the Financial Reporting and Accounting teams and other departments as business needs arise.
• Contribute to department and Company goals by collaborating effectively and fostering a positive, inclusive work environment.

What You’ll Bring:

Education:

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

Experience:

• Demonstrated understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and fundamental financial accounting concepts.
• Knowledge of the accounting cycle, including journal entries, account reconciliations, accruals, and month-end close processes.
• Previous financial accounting internship or at least one year of junior-level corporate accounting experience preferred.
• Familiarity with Statutory Accounting Principles preferred.
• CPA designation or progress toward obtaining a CPA preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Foundational knowledge of accounting principles and practices.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to review work for accuracy and completeness.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain financial information clearly.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet established deadlines.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across departments.
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word.
• Adaptability and a willingness to learn new responsibilities, processes, and systems.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to remain seated and use a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to communicate and exchange information effectively.
• Ability to occasionally stand, walk, bend, reach, and lift or carry up to 20 pounds.
• Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Where You’ll Work:

• Location: Chicago, Illinois or West Des Moines, IA
• Work Arrangements: Mostly Off-Site
• Travel Requirements: Travel is not regularly required

Compensation and Pay Philosophy:

The salary range is to be determined. This reflects the expected compensation for the position at the time of posting. The final offer will be based on factors such as the candidate’s experience, qualifications, geographic location, and internal equity, and may be higher or lower than the posted range. The pay range is subject to change in the future in accordance with applicable laws. EquiTrust is committed to fair and competitive compensation that considers individual and organizational needs.

Total Rewards:

In addition to base pay, EquiTrust may, within its sole discretion and depending on the relevant circumstances, criteria, and considerations at the time, grant eligible employees annual discretionary incentive bonuses. Eligible employees also have access to a competitive benefits package including:

• 401(k) with Company Match
• Paid time off: Vacation, Sick, Holiday, and more
• Paid Parental Leave for both Mothers and Fathers
• Hybrid/Remote Work Options
• Early Friday Closure

EquiTrust is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in the U.S. Federal E-Verify program. Applicants have rights under federal and state employment laws.