Accounting Team Lead

Summary: We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Accounting Team Lead to join our dynamic team in Urbandale, IA. This role is a 3-month contract with the strong opportunity to convert to a full-time employee. You will be responsible for overseeing daily accounting operations, ensuring the accuracy of financial reporting, and contributing significantly to the enhancement of our internal control environment. Ideal candidates will have at least 1 year of experience in a similar leadership role, possess strong financial acumen, and be adept at leveraging advanced Excel skills to drive operational efficiency and support our strategic financial goals.

Your Role & Responsibilities:

• Operational Oversight: Lead and manage day-to-day accounting processes, systems, and financial transactions, guaranteeing accuracy and compliance.
• Reporting Excellence: Ensure the integrity and maintenance of all financial reporting activities.
• Control Environment: Actively assist in improving and maintaining internal controls, including SOX compliance and supporting external audits.
• Compliance: Conduct daily management activities in strict adherence to internal and external control requirements.
• Adherence to Principles: Apply accounting principles, practices, and regulatory guidelines consistently in daily work.
• Analytical Support: Delegate and review ad hoc financial analyses, and prepare analyses when necessary, drawing insights from operational and financial data.
• Team Leadership: Provide mentorship and leadership to accounting staff, fostering a positive and engaging team culture.
• Strategic Consultation: Understand business financial strategies, acting as a consultant to management on processes with financial implications.
• Process Improvement: Lead initiatives to identify efficiencies, implement new technologies, and drive process improvements across the team and cross-functionally.

What You'll Bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a related field.
• At least 3 years of leadership experience, with a minimum of 1 year in a similar accounting leadership position.
• Proven ability to drive consistent execution and possess strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of interacting effectively with various stakeholders in a fast-paced setting.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications, especially Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, data analysis).
• Demonstrated ability to manage workload efficiently and meticulously.
• Strong financial and analytical capabilities.
• Exceptional attention to detail.

Bonus Points (What Makes You Stand Out):

• Experience leading and collaborating with colleagues across multiple locations.
• A proven track record of managing complex business process issues, resolving conflicts, and ensuring timely project delivery.
• Background in the insurance industry or professional services is a plus, but not required for consideration. We value strong accounting operators from diverse sectors.