Staff Accountant- Commissions at Guardian in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Job Description:

Position Objective:

The primary role of the Group Cash & Suspense Accounting (GCSA) area is to assure an accurate and complete flow of financial information within Group and from Group to the corporate accounting areas. GCSA performs various financial and administrative functions related to Group Premiums, Group Claims, and Subsidiary Commissions.

Major Opportunities and Decisions:

• The Staff Accountant performs functions assuring accurate financial information, balancing results of one process or stage to another, running mainframe jobs or following up to assure that jobs are run properly, assembling summary information for other areas, and more. In particular, the Staff Accountant monitors the assigned processes and systems and identifies problems, helps define the cause or source and implements solutions. The Staff Accountant will participate in developing criteria for system enhancements and will develop, implement and monitor control procedures resulting from the system enhancements.


• The Staff Accountant also carries out special projects and ongoing tasks assigned to GCSA. Because they are well versed in Group accounting processes and systems and have strong PC skills, they often accomplish special projects and set up new ongoing tasks with minimal direction.


• The position therefore requires an understanding of Statutory (NAIC Statements on Statutory Accounting Principles) and GAAP principles, data processing concepts and solid knowledge of the systems and procedures supporting the area(s) they work with. Because their day-to-day work includes many instances of summarization and balancing, they must be very familiar with PC-based spreadsheet tools, and because they are in constant communication with other areas and offices, they must be able to use the PC effectively in other ways, especially email. This position operates under minimal supervision, and therefore the incumbent must be experienced and self-motivated. In addition, because the position involves substantial interaction with others, it also requires strong interpersonal skills.


• The position is designed to provide a broad spectrum of exposure to all department functions as well as those of Guardian. With demonstrable ability, the Staff Accountant may be afforded greater opportunities for growth and development within the organization.

• Assemble, provide and analyze account activity/data for compliance with Statutory and GAAP Accounting principles


• Prepare/review journal entries and general ledger account analysis to assist in the month/quarter-end closing process


• Assure that daily, weekly and monthly accounting processes are accomplished accurately and that control balances are maintained


• Analyze accounting problems, particularly system-related problems, and develop corrective actions


• Participate in development of system enhancement criteria and the subsequent testing of the system


• Act as backup in the performance of balancing and control processes not directly assigned to the Staff Accountant


• Train other GCSA personnel and provide ongoing support to them regarding systems and accounting processes


• Carry out special projects and ongoing tasks as assigned


• Identify and implement process improvements to streamline workflows


• Provide ad-hoc reporting and/or analytical review. Maintain documentation of procedures and analysis.


• The above description includes most significant duties performed. However, other occasional work assignments not mentioned are assumed to be included. Management reserves the right to assign and/or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time.


• Interacts with FCW/MDC/Premier Management, Group Financial Management, Corporate Accounting, Treasury and Internal Audit areas


• Works closely with Group Regional Home Office personnel in problem identification and resolution


• Interacts with Information Technology staff in providing input on systems changes


• Participates in meetings with Group Product Development and other Group staff relating to implementation of new products and procedures


• Limited contact with claimants, agents and planholders in answering questions and solving problems


• Occasional overtime may be required to achieve quarterly and regulatory reporting deadlines

• Customer Focus


• Respect for Diversity


• Focusing on Detail


• Collaborating with Others


• Information Seeking


• Analytical Thinking


• Demonstrating Initiative


• Adapting to Change

• Good PC skills, solid knowledge of Microsoft Excel

• A good understanding of accounting principles and procedures

• Knowledge of Zeus system, ClaimFacts system and/or Commissions system, especially accounting aspects


• Working knowledge of Oracle General Ledger and Accounts Payable modules an asset

• Organized and able to meet daily/weekly/monthly deadlines

• Education and Experience: (Identify types and length of education and experience needed to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to accomplish the desired end results.)

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or equivalent insurance industry experience

• Minimum 2 years of business experience in the life/health insurance industry


• Other Requirements: (Consider other specific requirements essential to the successful performance of position responsibilities and accountabilities. Identify the frequency of action and weight involved with the physical demands of essential functions performed by the position, if applicable - Occasional 0-33% of time; Frequent - 34-66% of time; Constant - 67-100% of time)


• Interacts with FCW/MDC/Premier Management, Group Financial Management, Corporate Accounting, Treasury and Internal Audit areas


• Works closely with Group Regional Home Office personnel in problem identification and resolution


• Interacts with Information Technology staff in providing input on systems changes


• Participates in meetings with Group Product Development and other Group staff relating to implementation of new products and procedures


• Limited contact with claimants, agents and planholders in answering questions and solving problems


• Occasional overtime may be required to achieve quarterly and regulatory reporting deadlines

Through skill-building, leadership development and philanthropic opportunities, we provide opportunities to build communities and grow your career, surrounded by diverse colleagues with high ethical standards

We offer:

• Meaningful and challenging work opportunities to accelerate innovation in a secure and compliant way.


• Competitive compensation package.


• Excellent medical, dental, supplemental health, life and vision coverage for you and your dependents with no wait period.


• Life and disability insurance.


• A great 401(k) with company match.


• Tuition assistance, paid parental leave and backup family care.


• Dynamic, modern work environments that promote collaboration and creativity to develop and empower talent.


• Flexible time off, dress code, and work location policies to balance your work and life in the ways that suit you best.


• Employee Resource Groups that advocate for inclusion and diversity in all that we do.


• Social responsibility in all aspects of our work. We volunteer within our local communities, create educational alliances with colleges, drive a variety of initiatives in sustainability.

Guardian has been helping people protect their futures and secure their lives for 160 years. Every day, we serve approximately 29 million people through a range of insurance and financial products. We help people and their families pursue financial security and well-being in life, health, and wealth. We help companies take care of their employees. And we help people recover and thrive after unexpected loss.

From our founding in 1860, when a community of immigrants joined together to insure and protect their businesses and families, doing the right thing for our policyholders and customers has guided everything we do. Our dedication to customers has helped us remain one of the most highly rated in client satisfaction and financial strength.

And as one of the largest mutual insurance companies, we know what matters most: putting the needs of our customers first. Because everyone deserves a Guardian. Learn more about Guardian at www.GuardianLife.com.

© Copyright 2021 The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, NY

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EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

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.