Accounting Associate II - Insurance (Hybrid)
* We have returned to the office in a hybrid structure to maximize collaboration and flexibility, blending time working remotely (part-time in the office/part-time remote), and may be asked to travel between Springfield and Boston campuses.
The Opportunity
As an Accounting Associate II in the Controllers Organization of Corporate Finance you will join us as we continue our progress towards becoming the best in class financial stewards for MassMutual. This position is a key contributor on the team that manages and executes insurance accounting and analysis, including oversight of financial reporting outcomes of all MassMutual insurance products. This is an opportunity for an experienced accounting professional who thrives in a highly dynamic and agile environment to collaborate across teams seeking solid execution and improving outcomes. We look forward to returning to the office in a hybrid structure to maximize collaboration and flexibility, blending time working remotely and in the office at either our Boston, MA or Springfield, MA locations.
The Team
The Insurance Accounting Operations team is a high-profile team in the Controller's organization comprised of talented accounting professionals who possess diverse ranges of experiences and backgrounds. Overall responsibility for our team is month end close and oversight of general ledger in order to support financial statements and regulatory filings. Our team has a high business acumen and is driven to provide timely and accurate financial information to our customers. We pride ourselves on working with agility and being a reliable source of information in the organization. We strive to continuously improve and achieve results by actively listening, seeking, understanding and creating solutions as a unified team. The team continues to grow due to the growing number of projects and initiatives that we are part of.
The Impact
As an Accounting Associate II, you will have impact through your contribution to oversight of the insurance accounting execution and controls for monthly and quarter-end closes. You will also have the ability to contribute to various initiative work focusing on increasing efficiency and adding value, while continuing to develop your project management skills, hone your skills in insurance product accounting and related financial impacts. Your daily/monthly responsibilities will include, but are not limited to the following:
- Ensures the accurate, timely completion of monthly, quarterly and annual accounting close cycles for complex insurance accounting by effectively planning, monitoring, and problem solving
- Analyze trends and results, use strong business acumen and communication skills collaborating with peers and other departments to draft commentary which enables readers to quickly understand the financial results and drivers
- Effectively collaborates with Treasury, Investment Accounting, Reinsurance Accounting, Strategic Business Partner, Reporting and Corporate Actuarial teams and builds key relationships to become an expert in insurance product accounting and related financial impacts
- Supports the Financial reporting team in providing complete and accurate accounting information such as financial statements, footnote schedules, regulatory reports and other management reports
- Develops, documents, and assures adherence to an internal control framework that ensures accurate and timely financial reporting. Makes recommendations to continuously improve the overall control environment. Monitors the control execution of insurance accounting, including accounting performed by vendors. Ensures policies and procedures are adhered to
- Lead the accounting policy research and implementation for new insurance products or insurance related transactions ensuring accuracy and compliance with accounting regulations. This includes the monitoring and governance, oversight, process change and transaction controls, including those executed by vendors that provide accounting services to the Company
- Lead the research and implementation of new statutory and GAAP insurance accounting guidance
- Plays a key role in creating a collaborative and inclusive culture by working closely with outsourced vendors and other areas within the Controllers Organization to build trust through increasing understanding of and respecting differences
- Uses professional insight to identify, initiate and/or lead initiatives and continuous improvement activities that increase efficiency and add value. Leads problem solving to improve quality, reduce close cycle times, improve team collaboration, including collaboration with vendors, and improve customer satisfaction
- Effectively collaborates with internal and external auditors and provide complete and accurate source document information, including control execution documentation and support
- Demonstrates the technical competencies and passion for continuous improvement
The Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
- Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in public accounting or working in large, sophisticated corporate environment providing insurance accounting, general ledger processing and month end close related matters
- Experience in executing internal controls and identifying internal control issues and remediation efforts
- Knowledge of GAAP and NAIC statutory accounting
- Ability to effectively supervise and develop core level accountants and external consultants
The Ideal Qualifications
- CPA, Master or MBA or equivalent
- Experience collaborating with and supporting several corporate units and external stakeholders
- Ability to partner with and influence business leaders and peers in insurance accounting process improvements
- Capable of conducting research and applying knowledge to handle complex problems independently
- Experience in using accounting data and information to analyze and articulate financial results
- Experience working with insurance accounting and ERP tools (SAP, Cadency, Power BI, Alteryx etc.)
- Experience working in a Lean Six Sigma environment with strong root cause problem solving experience
- Intellectual curiosity to continue learning and adding breadth and depth to understanding
- Ability to coach and develop core level accountants and external consultants
What to Expect as Part of MassMutual and the Team
- Regular meetings with the Insurance Accounting Team
- Focused one-on-one meetings with your manager
- Access to mentorship opportunities
- Networking opportunities including access to Asian, Hispanic/Latinx, African American, women, LGBTQ, veteran and disability-focused Business Resource Groups
- Access to learning content on Degreed and other informational platforms
- Your ethics and integrity will be valued by a company with a strong and stable ethical business with industry leading pay and benefits
About MassMutual
We've been around since 1851. During our history, we've helped millions of people find financial freedom, offer financial protection, and plan for the future.
Today, we continue to develop meaningful relationships with our customers by building their trust, being knowledge problem solvers and always prioritizing their needs. MassMutual is guided by a single purpose: We help people secure their future and protect the ones they love. As a company owned by our policyowners, we are defined by mutuality and our vision to put customers first. It's more than our company structure – it's our way of life.
MassMutual was recognized as an Ethisphere 2020 World's Most Ethical Company, a Top Place to Work in 2020 according to The Boston Globe and named among America's Best Employers for Diversity according to Forbes 2020. MassMutual ranks No. 84 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies.
MassMutual is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer Minority/Female/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Individual with Disability/Protected Veteran. We welcome all persons to apply. Note: Veterans are welcome to apply, regardless of their discharge status.
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MassMutual is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer Minority/Female/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Individual with Disability/Protected Veteran. We welcome all persons to apply. Note: Veterans are welcome to apply, regardless of their discharge status.
If you need an accommodation to complete the application process, please contact us and share the specifics of the assistance you need.
At MassMutual, we focus on ensuring fair, equitable pay by providing competitive salaries, along with incentive and bonus opportunities for all employees. Your total compensation package includes either a bonus target or in a sales-focused role a Variable Incentive Compensation component.