Financial Reporting Accountant II

About the role

Protective is seeking an accounting professional to join our financial reporting team in Birmingham. You will focus on Separate Accounts, managing monthly and quarterly close cycles while ensuring financial accuracy across multiple entities. The role requires ownership of the month end and quarter end close processes within a multi entity environment. You will be responsible for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial data used for both internal management and external statutory reporting. This position demands a high level of personal accountability for the timely execution of complex accounting tasks. You will own the detailed execution of journal entries and reconciliations as part of the full close cycle. Success in this role means partnering with various stakeholders to deliver clear, accurate, and compliant financial information. Your work will directly support the company's internal controls and regulatory compliance objectives.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Execute monthly and quarterly close tasks including journal entries and account reconciliations.
• Develop and review financial statements according to GAAP and STAT standards.
• Manage audit support by preparing necessary schedules and coordinating with external auditors.
• Conduct general ledger analysis to verify data integrity.
• Partner with actuarial, reinsurance, IT, and internal audit departments.
• Create internal financial reporting packages.
• Propose and execute process improvements to enhance reporting quality.
• Handle ad hoc reporting requests and special projects.
• Perform detailed account analysis to ensure the accuracy of activity within assigned line of business segments.
• Assist in the preparation and maintenance of technical accounting documentation for complex transactions.
• Coordinate the collection and validation of data from various source systems for consolidation purposes.
• Monitor open item reports and aging reports to ensure timely resolution of discrepancies.
• Support the implementation of new accounting standards and related system changes as they apply to reporting functions.
• Validate that financial results align with budget forecasts and actual operational results.

Requirements

• Bachelor or Master degree in Accounting.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in financial reporting, corporate accounting, or public accounting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel and Word.
• Ability to work in a hybrid capacity, reporting to the office 3 days per week.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Accounting or a related field is mandatory for this position.
• Candidates must possess a minimum of two years of cumulative experience in relevant accounting disciplines.
• Demonstrated experience preparing financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles is required.
• Strong working knowledge of statutory accounting principles and reporting standards is essential for this role.
• Applicants must be proficient in using advanced features of Microsoft Excel to manipulate financial data.
• The successful candidate must be able to commit to a hybrid work schedule, including three days on-site in the Birmingham office.
• You must have the legal right to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship at this time.
• This role requires the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict monthly closing deadlines.
• Candidates should have the foundational skills to perform detailed account reconciliation and variance analysis.

Nice to have

• Master degree in Accounting or a related field.
• Experience with SAP or similar general ledger systems.
• Prior involvement in month-end and quarter-end close cycles.
• Background in audit or audit preparation.
• Exposure to insurance accounting or separate account structures.

Practical notes

Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, mental health support, and an employee assistance program. Financial benefits consist of a pension plan, 401(k) with company match, and contributions to healthcare accounts. Paid time off includes parental leave, short-term disability, and a cultural observance day. Applicants requiring disability accommodations for the recruitment process may contact eric.hess@protective.com.