Staff Accountant

Summary

EquiTrust Life Insurance Company is a national provider of annuity products and related insurance services. The Staff Accountant will support daily financial reporting and accounting activities, including reconciliations, journal entries, financial analysis, general ledger maintenance, close processes, regulatory filings, and audit requests.

Responsibilities

• Prepare journal entries related to accounts payable, payroll, taxes, investments, treasury, and operations
• Complete general ledger and bank reconciliations to support accurate and complete financial records
• Assist with monthly and quarterly closing activities
• Reconcile daily accounting feeds and resolve errors or discrepancies
• Prepare and upload statutory filings into the regulatory reporting system
• Process regulatory fee payments and related filings
• Provide documentation and support for internal and external audit requests
• Maintain checklists and logs used to manage workflows and deadlines
• Cross-train on accounting responsibilities and serve as a backup when needed
• Support the Financial Reporting and Accounting teams and other departments as business needs arise
• Contribute to department and Company goals by collaborating effectively and fostering a positive, inclusive work environment

Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required
• Demonstrated understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and fundamental financial accounting concepts
• Knowledge of the accounting cycle, including journal entries, account reconciliations, accruals, and month-end close processes
• Foundational knowledge of accounting principles and practices
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to review work for accuracy and completeness
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain financial information clearly
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet established deadlines
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across departments
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word
• Adaptability and a willingness to learn new responsibilities, processes, and systems
• Ability to remain seated and use a computer for extended periods
• Ability to communicate and exchange information effectively
• Ability to occasionally stand, walk, bend, reach, and lift or carry up to 20 pounds
• Location: Chicago, Illinois or West Des Moines, IA
• Travel Requirements: Travel is not regularly required
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting preferred
• Previous financial accounting internship or at least one year of junior-level corporate accounting experience preferred
• Familiarity with Statutory Accounting Principles preferred
• CPA designation or progress toward obtaining a CPA preferred

Qualifications

Must Haves

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required
• Demonstrated understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and fundamental financial accounting concepts
• Knowledge of the accounting cycle, including journal entries, account reconciliations, accruals, and month-end close processes
• Foundational knowledge of accounting principles and practices
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to review work for accuracy and completeness
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain financial information clearly
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet established deadlines
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across departments
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word
• Adaptability and a willingness to learn new responsibilities, processes, and systems
• Ability to remain seated and use a computer for extended periods
• Ability to communicate and exchange information effectively
• Ability to occasionally stand, walk, bend, reach, and lift or carry up to 20 pounds
• Location: Chicago, Illinois or West Des Moines, IA
• Travel Requirements: Travel is not regularly required

Nice to Haves

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting preferred
• Previous financial accounting internship or at least one year of junior-level corporate accounting experience preferred
• Familiarity with Statutory Accounting Principles preferred
• CPA designation or progress toward obtaining a CPA preferred

Benefits

• Eligible employees may, within the Company's sole discretion and depending on the relevant circumstances, criteria, and considerations at the time, receive annual discretionary incentive bonuses.
• Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Paid time off: Vacation, Sick, Holiday, and more
• Paid Parental Leave for both Mothers and Fathers
• Hybrid/Remote Work Options
• Early Friday Closure