Senior Accountant

Reports To: Controller 

Department: Accounting

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: Hybrid schedule but must be able to commute weekly to Miami, FL.

Position Overview

The Senior Accountant is a key member of the accounting team at Phoenix American Companies, responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, supporting regulatory and compliance reporting, and providing meaningful analysis to leadership. This role requires deep knowledge of GAAP, experience with insurance or financial services accounting, and the ability to operate independently in a lean, entrepreneurial environment.

Key Responsibilities

General Accounting & Month-End Close

• Manage the full general ledger including journal entries, account reconciliations, and month-end/year-end close processes.
• Prepare and review balance sheet reconciliations, ensuring accuracy and timely resolution of reconciling items.
• Maintain fixed asset schedules, depreciation entries, and prepaid expense amortization.
• Support the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
• Ensure intercompany transactions and eliminations are recorded accurately across affiliated entities.

Insurance & Financial Services Accounting

• Record and reconcile premium income, commissions, loss reserves, and reinsurance transactions.
• Maintain accurate records of policyholder liabilities, unearned premiums, and claims payable.
• Support statutory reporting requirements and assist with state insurance department filings as applicable.
• Reconcile investment portfolios and record mark-to-market adjustments, interest income, and dividend income.
• Assist in the preparation of GAAP-to-statutory reconciliations and related disclosures.

Financial Analysis & Reporting

• Produce monthly financial reports and variance analyses comparing actuals to budget and prior periods.
• Assist with annual budget preparation, forecasting, and cash flow projections.
• Identify and communicate financial trends, anomalies, and opportunities to management.
• Prepare ad hoc financial analyses and special projects as requested by the Controller or CFO.

Compliance, Audit & Internal Controls

• Ensure compliance with GAAP, internal policies, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Support external auditors and examiners by preparing work papers, schedules, and supporting documentation.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls over financial reporting; identify and remediate control gaps.
• Assist with tax preparation support including schedules for income tax, sales tax, and premium tax filings.

Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities to streamline accounting processes, reduce manual effort, and improve accuracy.
• Document accounting policies, procedures, and workflows to support cross-training and scalability.
• Collaborate with operations and IT on system improvements, integrations, and data quality initiatives.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 2 years in financial services or insurance.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP; experience with statutory accounting principles (SAP) a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Business 365 and Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, financial modeling).
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines independently in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred

• CPA designation or active CPA candidacy.
• Familiarity with premium tax filings, loss reserve calculations, or reinsurance accounting.
• Experience working in a privately held, owner-operated business environment.
• Exposure to multi-entity consolidations or intercompany accounting.

Core Competencies

• Attention to Detail & Accuracy
• Technical Accounting Proficiency
• Analytical Thinking
• Integrity & Confidentiality
• Initiative & Self-Direction
• Collaboration & Communication
• Adaptability in a Dynamic Environment

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive salary commensurate with experience. Full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and continuing education support.

This job description outlines the primary duties and qualifications of the role and is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Responsibilities may be modified at management's discretion.