Sr Field Accounting Specialist

Summary

Possess a high level of expertise in the area of field accounting systems and field accounting practices.  Provide customer service, guidance and training for a wide range of field accounting support issues and independently resolve the most complex problems and non-routine issues.  Provide consultative expertise and guidance to the field in all areas pertaining to accounting systems and functions; interact with field accountants, CFOs, Managing Directors, and occasionally with Managing Partners.  Review and analyze Network Office or District Network Office financial statements to determine financial stability and adherence relative to home office standards.  Analyze and approve expense reimbursements for the modified contract Network Offices.  Provide training and consultation to field accountants, 3rd party accountants, and field office CFOs.  Independently lead special projects within the Field Accounting team, including project formation, developing project deliverable for various project scopes, execution and outcome realization.  Drive operational and field service improvements within the Field Accounting team, continually improving operational processes to gain efficiency and higher service.  Is an informal leader within the team, developing and maintaining Field Accounting policies and procedures.  Mentor less experienced staff in the field accounting area. May also provide guidance to business clients and the IS Department in order to meet departmental goals, including supporting business clients with system enhancements, problem resolution, documentation and process improvement initiatives for new and/or existing systems and processes. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide effective daily consulting services to the field on all matters related to accounting procedures and systems, e.g., supports field bookkeepers with research and analysis to solve the most complex and uncommon bookkeeping problems; assist field accountants with software application questions, etc.

• Provide telephone guidance and supplemental training to new or inexperienced field accountants in the Network Offices or District Network Offices.  This supplemental support includes accounting procedures, use of the Field Financial System, and other processes and/or systems.

• Analyze and follow up on accounting data anomalies and inconsistencies found within and across Network Offices and District Network Offices. 

• Monitor Network Office and District Network Office financial stability and consistency relative to Home Office accounting standards.  Proactively initiate remedies with field accountants to address inconsistencies, variances from recommended practices, and financial stability issues.

• Suggest, document, implement and provide training on process improvements and procedural changes affecting the accounting in Network Offices and District Network Offices.

• Mentor less experienced staff in the field accounting area.

• Determine viable alternatives; analyze and recommend appropriate action in response to Northwestern Mutual field audit reports and recommendations.

• Lead significant elements of the annual financial analysis for Network Offices and District Network Offices, including heavy contribution to the plan and execution to that plan. 

• Directly perform financial statement reviews, propose detailed adjustments to include as part of the analysis, validate data quality, perform ratio analysis, determine Network Office / District Network Office inclusions / exclusions, and guide other team members through their work to complete the analysis with the highest possible timeliness and quality.

• Provide technical expertise for year-end reporting and for all situations involving Network Office and District Network Office turnovers, mergers, and splits.

•  Analyze and approve expenses submitted for Home Office reimbursements by the modified contract Network Offices; provide reports and recommendations regarding the progress of those Network Offices to the Agencies Leadership.

• Recommend modifications to existing accounting software to meet the needs of the Network Offices, District Network Offices and Agents, and participate in the development of software changes.

• Research and analyze accounting and financial reporting issues which may impact Network Offices and /or District Network Offices, or which may impact the ability for Northwestern Mutual to host financial accounting and management services for the benefit of those offices.

• May provide guidance and support to business clients and the IS Department, including system enhancements, problem resolution, documentation, and process improvement initiatives for new and/or existing systems and processes. 

•  Performs other accounting, reporting and analysis projects as assigned. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or Business, or equivalent work experience required.  Master's degree in Accounting, Finance or Business preferred.

• Three to five years of experience in the areas of accounting, audit, and/or financial analysis required or CPA (Certified Public Accountant) certification or CMA (Certified Management Accountant) certification in lieu of work experience.

• Strong knowledge of GAAP and basic knowledge of small business tax requirements.

• Knowledge of good internal control practices and audit principles. 

• Experience with Northwestern Mutual's Field Financial System or Oracle Enterprise One software strongly preferred.

• Superior interpersonal and communications skills with the ability to build rapport and gain acceptance at all levels within the Home Office and in the Field. 

• Seen as a role model whose motivations are focused on improving the performance of the team and overall organization.

• Strong analytical skills with proven ability to analyze business problems and make decisions.

• Proven ability to manage concurrent assignments, with a high degree of personal initiative and motivation.

• Demonstrated experience in planning project, establishing priorities and meeting deadlines.

•  Knowledge of field operations and understanding of agency contracts preferred. 

•  Deep proficiency with software applications, e.g., Word, Excel and PowerPoint. 

We a re an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you work or would be working in California, Colorado, Ne w York City, Washington or outside of a Corporate location, please click here for information pertaining to compensation and benefits.

Please note: Any wages or wage ranges listed directly on a specific job requisition or posting will supersede corresponding wage ranges listed within Pay Transparency Guide linked above.​

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