Accounting Specialist

Job Title: Accounting Specialist

Job Category: Finance & Accounting
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Position Summary

The Accounting Specialist is responsible for supporting the analysis, accounting, and reporting of insurance loss reserves within a property insurance setting. This position works in close collaboration with Actuarial and Finance partners to ensure reserve balances are appropriately calculated, supported, and reported in compliance with U.S. GAAP and statutory accounting standards. The role is a key contributor to the monthly and quarterly close cycles and assists with audit and regulatory requirements through thorough reconciliations and documentation.

Primary Responsibilities

• Record and prepare journal entries related to insurance loss reserves, including case reserves and incurred but not reported (IBNR).
• Complete monthly and quarterly reconciliations comparing loss reserve balances between actuarial reports and the general ledger.
• Assist with month‑end and quarter‑end close activities, including analysis of variances and documentation of reserve changes.
• Work closely with Actuarial teams to understand reserving methodologies and convert actuarial outputs into financial reporting results.
• Develop and maintain loss development triangles along with other reserving support schedules.
• Ensure adherence to U.S. GAAP and statutory accounting standards as they relate to insurance reserves.
• Support statutory reporting efforts, including Schedule P and other regulatory filings when required.
• Provide audit support by preparing reconciliations, workpapers, and clear explanations for internal and external auditors.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls related to reserving and financial reporting processes.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes through enhanced efficiency, documentation, automation, and controls.
• Use Excel and analytical tools (PowerQuery, PowerPivot, SQL) to evaluate financial data and prepare reports.
• Utilize internal systems to automate recurring tasks and properly document standard operating procedures.
• Assist with special initiatives and perform additional duties as needed.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Actuarial Science, Statistics, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
• At least four years of professional accounting experience, ideally within insurance or reserve‑focused environments.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Solid understanding of accounting fundamentals; GAAP experience required, statutory accounting exposure preferred.
• Experience supporting Schedule P or other statutory insurance filings.
• Background in journal entries, balance sheet reconciliations, and financial close processes.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
• Familiarity with general ledger platforms such as SAP, Oracle, or comparable systems is preferred.
• Working knowledge of insurance reserving concepts and actuarial data.
• Exposure to SOX compliance or internal control frameworks is a plus.
• Experience with PowerQuery, PowerPivot, and/or SQL is a plus.
• Strong analytical capabilities and attention to detail.
• Ability to clearly explain how actuarial results affect financial reporting.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Self‑motivated, collaborative, and able to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment.
• Demonstrates integrity, teamwork, professionalism, and a mindset focused on continuous improvement.