AAA Life is has an exciting opportunity for a Financial Analyst III. This candidate coordinates the monthly expense close and performs key expense management functions. Plans, coordinates, leads, facilitates and monitors the operating expense planning cycle for AAA business units. Acts as a primary liaison between the financial planning department and managers/officers for budgeting and various expense analyses. Conducts research activities as needed on actual expense results and budgeting issues. Ensures modifications are incorporated into the financial management process. This position is responsible for planning and assisting in projects and to ensure the overall success of those projects. This person must be able to effectively interact with all levels of management.
- Plan and manage monthly expense close, including monitoring of closing entries, calculation of expense allocations and expense management reporting
- Prepare variance analysis on expenses and staffing counts, evaluate actual results and projected impact on full year operating plan. Anticipate/discover problems through analysis, and suggest corrective actions.
- Maintain various spreadsheets including accruals, expense models, trend analysis, departmental budgets, etc. Develop and maintain complex financial models using advanced spreadsheet and database applications.
- Develop and maintain productive relationships with project sponsors, other business unit associates, and senior management. Establish regular meetings or other communication channels as deemed appropriate. Guide and make recommendations to cost center management with regards to expense management.
- Lead the expense management, budgeting and variance reporting processes in the X_One operating system.
- Work to develop and enhance expense allocations through the identification of key drivers of operating expense. Enhance and streamline the allocation process by eliminating cumbersome and overly complex calculations that provide little value.
- Expand the use of non-ledger metrics (i.e. staffing counts) in the analysis of operating expenses.
- Enhance internal analysis of “non-operating” expenses.
- Work to enhance knowledge of X_One system administration, maintenance and report writing.
- Develop and maintain job documentation and procedures, including process and control documentation as it relates to Model Audit Rule compliance.
Required Skills
- Achieves Results/Has Bias for Action - Achieves stretch results. Strong bias for action with sense of urgency and high energy. Practices collaborative working environment to achieve more.
- Customer Focus - Has ability to look from customer’s view. Viewed as business partner by external and internal customers. Anticipates customer needs to ensure no barriers to doing business.
- Uses Effective Communication Skills - Candid, clear and concise in communication. Effectively matches style, tone and method to audience. Connects with intended audience. Manages communication and feedback within the organization.
- Displays Team Orientation - Works collaboratively to achieve organization’s success.
- Technical/Professional Skills - Strives to stay ahead of technical/professional expertise, is proactive and inspires others to stay current in areas of technical expertise.
Required Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required.
- Minimum 4 years of experience in accounting/finance position.
- 1 - 3 years of experience in insurance industry is preferred.
- Prefer experience with relational databases and related financial management applications.
- Proficiency in PC applications and advanced spreadsheet modeling.
- Extensive knowledge in Microsoft office applications.
- Detailed-oriented, with a high degree of accuracy.
- Strong analytical abilities and financial aptitude.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to handle multiple priorities and to be self-motivated.
- Ability to interact with a variety of functional groups and at multiple levels of leadership within the organization.
- Strong understanding of Statements of Statutory Accounting Principles (SSAP).
- Working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
- Work extended hours or weekends as needed.