Sr. Accountant, Operational Accounting

At American Equity Investment Life Holding Companywe offer leading annuity products that help empower our clients to fulfill their needs and wants in retirement. Our success comes from hiring high-energy individuals who embody the beliefs that drive our unique culture. We currently fund over half a million retirements nationwide, and have been headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa, for over twenty-five years with satellite offices in Charlotte, NC and New York, NY.

GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

The Senior Accountant is responsible for a variety of accounting procedures. The incumbent prepares and records pre-paid assets, fixed assets, deposit accounting and unclaimed property reporting on a recurring basis in addition to playing a lead role in a variety of other accounting department processes and reconciliations.

• this position is located onsite in our West Des Moines, Iowa office*

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Completes monthly accounting and reporting work, including account reconciliations and recurring journal entries

• Work along with the Accounting Manager and SOX team to maintain adequate control environment in line with AEL standards

• Assist the accounting team in ad hoc special projects and analysis for senior leadership

• Participate in audits, as needed

• Monitoring and analyzing financial accounting data

• Provides back-up support to other team members as needed.

• Provides work direction to junior accountants.

• Performs other related work as assigned.

• Initial key areas of focus: Prepaid assets, fixed assets, deposits accounting, unclaimed property reporting

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Reports: None

General Description of Indirect Reports (2 and 3-downs): None

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or related field of study; plus four (4) to seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in accounting and/or financial reporting; or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Proficient in US GAAP and related financial reporting regulations and standards

• Excellent financial and analytical skills, as well as an excellent attention to detail

• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the proven track record of communicating effectively with cross-functional departments

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task and delegate as needed

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to work under pressure and cultivate and develop key relationships

• Ability to multi-task and effectively prioritize work to meet deadlines.

• Customer service oriented.

• Good interpersonal skills with the ability to establish effective working relationships with internal and external parties at all levels.

• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.

• Ability to successfully handle pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced work environment.

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills. Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, financial systems and various software applications. Experience in SAP is a plus.