General Ledger Staff Accountant

• (18000709)

Position Summary

This position is part of the Corporate Finance and reports to the Corporate Reporting and Operations-GL (CRO-GL) Manager. The incumbent will assist the Manager/AVP in supporting the Business Customers and the other Corporate Finance Departments within the CRO-GL Accounting function.

Candidate Responsibilities

Obtain a solid understanding of all financial close dependencies and fully support the General Ledger Accounting Manager/AVP in the financial Close and related processes.

Assist in maintaining a controlled environment within PeopleSoft general ledger, maintain/test key controls and processes as part of the Model Audit Rule (MAR).

Participate and support the General Ledger Manager/AVP in projects and initiatives across the company and recommend areas for improvement.

Communicate effectively with Guardian Businesses to increase the accuracy and detail of information provided to management.

Follow up with Guardian Businesses and other Corporate Finance Departments in all requested Corporate deliverables. Ability to review what was received and provide detailed status updates.

Ability to grasp concepts quickly, especially PeopleSoft, and apply that knowledge in assisting Guardian businesses in resolving issues.

Willingness to learn PeopleSoft functionality and apply that knowledge in the day to day operations.

Ability/willingness to learn and thrive in an environment of competing and changing priorities

Perform monthly journals and reconciliations timely and accurately and follow up on open issues. This includes performing and validating hierarchy changes and allocations within PeopleSoft.

Perform and analyze various monitoring/control reports during the Financial Close (utilizing PeopleSoft queries) and follow up with Corporate and Business teams. Elevate issues appropriately.

Support the GL Manager and AVP in financial special projects involving process improvements and enhancements for realizing efficiencies and cost savings

Support the Business CFO attestation process by collecting and reviewing the CFO attestation letters.

Assist in preparing, collecting and explaining PwC audit deliverables. Perform testing of Financial Close Key Controls annually.

Perform various year end regulatory reporting and financial statement footnotes for stat and GAAP.

Assist AVP/Manager in integrating Subsidiaries into PeopleSoft and Guardian close operating model

Reporting Relationships

This position reports to the Manager, GAAP who, in turn, reports to the Assistant Vice President, General Ledger and Financial Control.

Functional Skills

Competencies/Skills:
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, ability to interact effectively with all levels of the Company

Very Strong organizational skills, detail-oriented

Ability to adapt to changes and work effectively under tight deadlines

Ability to quickly grasp and perform tasks assigned

Fast learner and ability to follow directions

Positive attitude, hardworking and diligent

Willingness to learn Peoplesoft

Knowledge:
General Accounting knowledge of GAAP/Stat principles and controls as related to the Life Insurance Industry

Knowledge in PeopleSoft general ledger accounting, processing and reporting tools (i.e. Essbase/Smart view)

Proficient in Microsoft applications (Excel – pivot tables, Word, PowerPoint and One Note)

Comfortable utilizing SharePoint Sites

Position Qualifications

Education:
Bachelor’s degree required in Accounting or Finance

Experience:
Two + years of relevant experience preferably within the Insurance Industry with knowledge of PeopleSoft

Other Requirements:
Overtime required during peak periods

Company Overview:
The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), currently ranked #218 on the Fortune 500, is one of the largest mutual life insurers. As of December 31, 2016, Guardian reports $1.5 billion in operating income, $7.4 billion in capital, and $66.5 billion in assets under management. Guardian consistently scores high marks for financial strength from all four major credit rating agencies and enjoys a strong competitive position in its major businesses: life insurance, disability income insurance, annuities, investments, dental and vision insurance and employee benefits.

As a mutual company founded over 150 years ago, Guardian is owned by its policyholders. The company has paid dividends to policyholders every year since 1868 and the Company’s 8,800 employees and 2,750 financial representatives are aligned with its mission to help individuals, families, and small businesses achieve financial security and protection. Guardian states its aspiration in the following way: “To be the trusted mutual partner, delivering financial security how, when, and where our clients prefer.”

Guardian is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, affectional or sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, military or veteran status, or any other classification protected by applicable law.

Primary Location United States-New York-New York

Job Finance

Schedule Full-time

Shift Day Job

Job Type Standard

Travel Yes, 10 % of the Time

Job Posting May 8, 2018, 6:52:58 AM