At American Equity Investment Life Holding Company®we offer leading annuity products that help empower our clients to fulfill their needs and wants in retirement. Our success comes from hiring high-energy individuals who embody the beliefs that drive our unique culture. We currently fund over half a million retirements nationwide, and have been headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa, for over twenty-five years with satellite offices in Charlotte, NC and New York, NY.
The Senior Accountant is responsible for a variety of accounting procedures. The incumbent prepares and records pre-paid assets, fixed assets, deposit accounting and unclaimed property reporting on a recurring basis in addition to playing a lead role in a variety of other accounting department processes and reconciliations.
***this position is located onsite in our West Des Moines, Iowa office***
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Completes monthly accounting and reporting work, including account reconciliations and recurring journal entries
- Work along with the Accounting Manager and SOX team to maintain adequate control environment in line with AEL standards
- Assist the accounting team in ad hoc special projects and analysis for senior leadership
- Participate in audits, as needed
- Monitoring and analyzing financial accounting data
- Provides back-up support to other team members as needed.
- Provides work direction to junior accountants.
- Performs other related work as assigned.
- Initial key areas of focus: Prepaid assets, fixed assets, deposits accounting, unclaimed property reporting
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Direct Reports: None
General Description of Indirect Reports (2 and 3-downs): None
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field of study; plus four (4) to seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in accounting and/or financial reporting; or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Proficient in US GAAP and related financial reporting regulations and standards
- Excellent financial and analytical skills, as well as an excellent attention to detail
- Strong verbal and written communication skills with the proven track record of communicating effectively with cross-functional departments
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task and delegate as needed
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to work under pressure and cultivate and develop key relationships
- Ability to multi-task and effectively prioritize work to meet deadlines.
- Customer service oriented.
- Good interpersonal skills with the ability to establish effective working relationships with internal and external parties at all levels.
- Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
- Ability to successfully handle pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced work environment.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills. Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, financial systems and various software applications. Experience in SAP is a plus.