Account Reconciliation Specialist

Overview: Performs the analysis, reconciliation and resolution of numerous and complex bank and suspense accounts. Independently evaluates, monitors and coordinates the resolution of open/aged items through timely research and communication with external resources and/or multiple departments and levels of management within Western & Southern Financial Group. Demonstrates extensive knowledge and expertise in MAR account reconciliation requirements and the Enterprise Account Reconciliation Policy. Prepares documentation of new processes, and trains account reconciliation analysts, providing direction daily. Resolves problem situations, and assists management in analyzing processes and workflow for improvements in operational effectiveness. Serves as a liaison and source of expertise with internal and external auditors and the Financial Reporting, and the Financial Controls and Compliance group (includes coordinating information requests within the department). Works independently, with limited supervision and is responsible for making an established range of decisions, escalating to manager when appropriate and updating manager on a regular basis. Responsibilities: What you will do:

• Performs the analysis, reconciliation and resolution of numerous and complex bank statements and suspense accounts for multiple Enterprise companies, in compliance with MAR regulations. Independently communicates with internal and/or external resources in order to research, resolve and approve open/aged items in an accurate and timely manner, in accordance with the Corporate Reconciliation Policy. Researches, analyzes and resolves problems beyond the scope of account reconciliation analysts.
• Serves as a first-line resource for problem resolution for team members and other departments. Provides training, critical guidance, instruction and support to staff who perform account analysis functions.
• Performs daily balancing of cash deposits and returns for both Integrity/National Integrity and Western & Southern companies. Works closely with Insurance Operations to eliminate financial risk associated with out-of-balance situations.
• Assumes ownership of new accounts. Develops new reconciliations and provides training to the Reconciliation Analysts. Works in collaboration with others to identify, develop and present recommendations to expedite workflow and improve efficiency. Participates in various process improvements and project initiatives.
• Complies with requests from internal and external auditors and Financial Reporting, and the Financial Controls and Compliance group relating to document retrieval, bank reconciliation and accounting procedures. Coordinates information requests with the department.
• Writes, updates and maintains procedure documentation for all reconciliations/processes assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.
• Provides direction to and development of associates through daily coaching, the administration of the Performance Management Model, and the creation and implementation of development plans. Recruits, hires, trains and develops staff.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree Or commensurate selection criteria experience. - Required
• Proven experience coaching and mentoring individuals. Must cite examples of providing direction and giving effective feedback to team members. - Required
• Demonstrated experience motivating teams in situations associated with high volumes of work, high degrees of accuracy and customer demands. - Required
• Demonstrated experience of self-initiative with strong analytical skills. Experience identifying and effectively researching and resolving complex problems, quantifying the problems and providing creative solutions to resolve. - Required
• Proven experience handling multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with little or no direction. Must demonstrate strong attention to detail with excellent organizational skills. Must cite examples of organization and time management skills to manage and prioritize workloads. - Required
• Proven experience working in a customer-oriented field and effectively articulating information to clients in a patient and understanding manner while managing multiple tasks/issues involving clients. Demonstrated experience maintaining a calm and professional demeanor when handling stressful situations. - Required
• Demonstrated working knowledge of business mathematics, principles behind monetary transactions and general understanding of basic accounting principles and business concepts. -
• Proven ability to execute and teach others to complete more complex reconciliations. -
• Proven excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to successfully interpret and convey information to internal and external customers in a clear, focused and concise manner. Cite examples of customer-related experiences. -
• Proven ability to interact and communicate with all levels of staff and management. -
• Provide examples from work experience of going above and beyond the call of duty to assist team members. -
• Working knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet applications. -

Work Setting/Position Demands:

• Works in an office setting and remains in a stationary position for long periods of time while working at a desk, on a computer or with other standard office equipment, or while in meetings.
• Requires the ability to verbally communicate and exchange accurate information to customers and associates on a regular basis.
• Requires visual acuity to read and interpret a variety of correspondence, procedures, reports and forms via paper and electronic documents, visual inspection involving small defects; small parts, and/or operation of machinery (including inspection); using measurement devices continuously. Visual acuity is required to determine accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of work assigned.
• Requires the ability to prepare written correspondence, reports and forms using prescribed formats and conforming to rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style on a regular basis.
• Requires the ability to apply principles of logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Performs substantial movement of wrists, hands, and fingers for continuous computer work.
• Extended hours required during peak workloads or special projects/events.

Travel Requirements:

• 0% travel