Junior Accountant

• Hybrid schedule: 2 days remote / 3 in‑office
• Competitive pay + generous PTO
• Medical, dental & vision starting day one
• 401(k), tuition reimbursement & longevity bonuses

*We are advertising this opportunity as Junior Accountant to align with common market terminology and help candidates find the role. Internally, this position is titled Statutory Accountant I. 

Overview

GUARD is looking for a Junior Accountant to join its Finance and Accounting organization in Wilkes-Barre, PA.

This role will support the preparation, analysis and reporting of the company's statutory financial results and regulatory filings. It is an excellent opportunity for a qualified accountant who wants to develop expertise in property & casualty insurance accounting and statutory reporting.

Prior statutory accounting and insurance industry experience are desirable but not required. The successful candidate will have a strong grounding in accounting principles, good analytical skills, attention to detail, and an interest in developing a deeper understanding of insurance accounting and regulatory reporting.  The role will work closely with other members of Finance and Accounting and with functions including actuarial, reinsurance, investments, tax and finance operations.

What you'll do:

• Support the monthly, quarterly and annual statutory financial close process for the company's insurance entities; including preparing quarterly and annual statutory statements and related regulatory filings and schedules.
• Prepare and post journal entries and maintain supporting accounting documentation.
• Prepare account reconciliations, investigate differences and ensure reconciling items are resolved on a timely basis.
• Develop an understanding of the differences between statutory accounting principles (SAP) and GAAP and how those differences affect the company's financial statements.
• Assist with balance-sheet and income-statement analysis, including explanations of significant period-over-period movements.
• Collaborate with Statutory Accounting, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Collections, IT, and business leaders on reporting and accounting matters.
• Assist with internal and external audits and regulatory examinations.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, internal controls, and statutory accounting requirements.
• Develop knowledge of the principal accounting areas affecting a property & casualty insurer including written and earned premiums, loss and loss adjustment expenses and reserves, assumed and ceded reinsurance, acquisitions cost, expenses, investments and tax
• Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or a closely related discipline.
• Good understanding of fundamental accounting concepts, financial statements and regulations
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and intellectually curious
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Microsoft Excel and data manipulation skills (e.g., SQL, Python, Power BI)
• Ability to organize work effectively and meet deadlines, particularly during quarter-end and year-end reporting periods.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills and comfortable asking questions when something does not make sense
• Willingness and ability to learn new accounting concepts and systems.
• Works collaboratively while being able to manage assigned responsibilities independently.
• Looks for opportunities to make processes simpler, more controlled and more efficient

This role is intended to provide a strong development path within insurance finance.  The successful candidate will gain hands-on experience in statutory accounting, regulatory reporting, insurance operations and financial analysis, with increasing responsibility as technical knowledge and experience develop.  Prior statutory insurance accounting experience is therefore not essential. We are looking for a strong accountant with the aptitude and motivation to develop that expertise.

Salary Range: 

$50,000 – $70,000. 

In accordance with applicable pay transparency laws, the above range represents a good-faith estimate. Final compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, credentials, geographic location, and other considerations permitted by law.