Accountant Hourly Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 an Investment Accountant or Senior Investment Accountant, you will support investment accounting, financial reporting, data integrity, and reconciliation activities across EquiTrust’s investment portfolio. You will work closely with the Investment Accounting team and other business partners to record and analyze investment activity, resolve accounting and data-related issues, and meet internal and external reporting requirements.

What You’ll Do (All Levels):

Investment Accounting and Reporting

• Record investment accounting entries in the general ledger for multiple legal entities.
• Investigate and resolve unapplied cash, receivables, payables, and other investment-related accounting items.
• Review and resolve reconciliation differences among investment accounting, data warehouse, custody, and trading systems.
• Maintain organized workpapers and support monthly, quarterly, and annual close activities.
• Analyze and reconcile investment activity across asset classes, including fixed-income securities, private placements, options, swaps, equities, and alternative investments.
• Monitor trade activity, portfolio earnings calculations, realized gains and losses, and other investment-related activity.
• Support the preparation of investment portfolio reports, statutory financial statements, investment schedules, footnotes, disclosures, and management reporting.
• Research technical and transactional accounting issues and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Assist internal and external auditors, regulators, and other stakeholders by providing requested documentation and resolving inquiries.

Data Quality, Analytics, and Process Improvement

• Review investment accounting information and perform trend analysis to identify inconsistencies, risks, or emerging issues.
• Use exception-management processes and tools to support the accuracy and integrity of investment data.
• Troubleshoot data-related issues across investment systems, including Princeton for Investments/PAM, BlackRock Aladdin, the investment data warehouse, and external investment and ratings data sources.
• Support the maintenance and enhancement of the investment data warehouse, reporting tools, controls, and workflows.
• Assist with the development of new reports, ledgers, and processes for investment-related projects.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen controls, improve processes, and enhance the quality of investment accounting and reporting.

Collaboration and Team Support

• Partner with Investment, Finance, Operations, and other business areas to meet accounting and reporting requirements.
• Develop knowledge of complex investments and their applicable statutory accounting treatment.
• Support the Investment Accounting team and other departments as business needs arise.
• Contribute to department and Company goals by working collaboratively and fostering a respectful, positive, and inclusive workplace.
• Take on additional responsibilities as needed to support department and organizational objectives.

Leveling Guide (Investment Accountant vs Senior Investment Accountant):

We are open to hiring at either level based on experience, skills, and demonstrated capabilities:

Investment Accountant

Hourly Range: $31.56-$43.40

• At least 1 year of investment accounting or similar relevant experience.
• Experience in life insurance, annuities, or investments is preferred.
• Experience preparing statutory financial statements or Blue Book schedules is preferred.
• Completes and supports day-to-day investment accounting, reconciliation, and reporting activities.
• Records general ledger entries and assists with monthly and quarterly close processes.
• Investigates accounting and data discrepancies with guidance from senior team members.
• Supports statutory reporting, portfolio reporting, audit requests, and special projects.
• Builds technical knowledge of investment products, systems, and statutory accounting requirements.
• Reviews trade activity, portfolio earnings, realized gains and losses, and investment-related calculations.
• Demonstrates ownership, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn and develop within the role.
• Requires at least one year of investment accounting or similar relevant experience.

Senior Investment Accountant

Hourly Range: $41.74-$57.40

• At least 3 years of investment accounting experience.
• At least 2 years of experience within insurance, investments, or a related financial services environment.
• Experience preparing statutory financial statements or Blue Book schedules.
• Working knowledge of investment accounting and operations systems. 
• Independently manages complex investment accounting, reconciliation, and reporting activities.
• Prepares and reviews quarterly and annual statutory investment schedules, footnotes, disclosures, and management reports.
• Reviews general ledger entries, workpapers, reconciliations, and investment performance data.
• Researches complex technical and transactional accounting matters and recommends solutions.
• Leads or contributes to control enhancements, data-quality initiatives, and process-improvement projects.
• Coordinates with internal and external auditors and supports the resolution of complex inquiries.
• Develops and maintains investment accounting policies, procedures, and documentation.
• Partners directly with front- and middle-office Investment personnel to ensure reporting requirements are met.
• Mentors and trains junior team members on investment accounting concepts, systems, and reporting requirements.
• Monitors regulatory and statutory accounting developments that may affect the investment portfolio.

What You’ll Bring:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• CPA designation is preferred for the Senior Investment Accountant level.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of investment accounting principles, financial reporting, and reconciliation processes.
• Ability to analyze detailed financial information and communicate findings clearly.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and appropriately handle confidential and proprietary information.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with internal and external partners.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word.
• Familiarity with PAM for Investments, BlackRock Aladdin, BusinessObjects, or similar investment systems is preferred.
• Ability to work effectively as both an individual contributor and a collaborative team member.
• For the Senior Investment Accountant level, the ability to mentor, train, and positively influence other team members.

Physical Requirements:

• Primarily sedentary work involving frequent sitting and computer use.
• Ability to communicate effectively and participate in meetings.
• Occasional standing, walking, reaching, bending, and lifting or carrying items weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to perform fine hand movements associated with computer and office equipment use.

Where You’ll Work:

• Location: Chicago, Illinois
• Work Arrangements: Mostly Off-Site
• Travel Requirements: Infrequent travel, generally less than 5% of the time

Compensation and Pay Philosophy: 
The pay range for this role is either $31.56-$43.40 per hour for an Accountant or $41.74-$57.40 per hour for an Senior Accountant. 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:

• Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
• 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. To learn more, visit EquiTrust Careers. 

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