OVERVIEWAccounting ManagerLocation: Hybrid - Grand Rapids, MI
About Alera GroupFounded in 2017, Alera Group has grown to become the 14th largest broker of U.S. business. We serve clients across Employee Benefits, Property & Casualty Insurance, and Financial Services. With offices nationwide, we combine national strength with local service through a deeply collaborative approach.
The Accounting Manager is responsible for the accurate and timely execution of accounting and financial reporting activities for various offices within the Midwest Region. This is a tactical, hand-on role overseeing daily accounting operations with focus on month-end close execution, balance sheet integrity, producer-related reporting, and commission calculations.
Why Alera Group- Make an Impact: Your work supports businesses and individuals in protecting what matters most.
- Grow With Us: We invest in development, mentorship, and long-term career growth.
- The Collaborative Way: We believe in accountability, teamwork, and shared success across all offices and lines of business.
- National Strength. Local Heart: Scale, resources, and expertise - with relationships that feel personal.
RESPONSIBILITIESWhat You'll DoResponsibilities for this role include:
- Supporting strategic finance initiatives that drive operational excellence, scalability, and organizational growth
- Partnering with cross-functional teams, including regional and local leadership and operations, to interpret financial results and support decision-making
- Managing month-end close activities, including journal entries, balance sheet reconciliations, bank reconciliations, intercompany transactions, and financial statement analysis
- Supporting office-level reporting of new business, lost business, variance analysis, and related financial inputs
- Preparing and calculating commission payables and producer book reporting
- Leading budgeting, forecasting, benchmarking, and ad hoc financial analysis
- Analyzing financial data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement
- Ensuring compliance with company policies, U.S. GAAP, and applicable regulatory and audit requirements
- Supporting audit and tax processes through preparation of schedules, documentation, and coordination with external auditors
- Assisting with financial integration of newly acquired firms
- Driving process improvements, close efficiencies, and automation initiatives
- Providing oversight and development support for accounting team members as needed
- Contributing to a collaborative culture that supports colleagues across Alera Group's national network
QUALIFICATIONSWhat You Bring- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
- 5+ years of progressive accounting experience
- Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP and financial reporting requirements
- Experience in a corporate accounting, public accounting, or multi-entity environment
- Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
- Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional stakeholders
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel
What Sets You Up for Success- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced environment
- Strong sense of accountability and ownership for accuracy, deadlines, and outcomes
- Curiosity and willingness to continuously improve accounting processes and controls
- Strategic thinking with the ability to balance detailed execution and broader business impact
- Commitment to supporting a performance-based and client-focused culture
- Comfort leading and developing team members while driving consistent execution
Preferred Qualifications- Supervisory or people-management experience
- Experience in the insurance industry
- Experience with ERP systems such as NetSuite or Workday
- Understanding of internal controls and audit support
- CPA or progress toward CPA certification
ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONCompensation:Salary range: $85,000 - $115,000 per year
Benefits:Alera Group offe