Assistant Controller

Join our dynamic Finance team and play a vital role in leading a team of accounting professionals  ensuring journal entries and general ledger work is prepared correctly and making sure financial statements are completed accurately.   

The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, an eye for detail and the ability to inspire change.  This is position is an add to staff because the Finance Department is growing  due to SFM's growth   This is a great way to join a top-notch company that believes your success is our success. 

SFM’s  Assistant Controller will lead the accounting team in their mission to deliver effective financial reporting. Creating continuous improvement opportunities to ensure accuracy and efficiency is a key function, as is developing the team so each member is able to excel in their position. Some of the key areas of responsibilities will be ensuring high quality financial reporting is followed and working with external auditors to meet regulatory requirements.  You will review and have oversight of monthly and quarterly close processes, quarterly financial statements, and regulatory reporting. You will partner with the Controller and other key stakeholders in the organization  to define financial requirements to achieve strategic goals and initiatives and seek out appropriate resources to drive success.   

Applicants must live in MN for this position.  Hybrid work is offered.

What You Will Be Doing 

• Reviews quarterly standard journal and general journal entries in coordination with the accounting team in an accurate and timely manner. Reconciles general ledger balance sheet accounts to accompanying detail files on a quarterly basis.
• Prepares and coordinates with accounting team the accuracy and timely quarterly financial statements for managements review.
• Prepares and/or oversees preparation of annual and quarterly statements for the NAIC in advance of their deadlines.
• Reviews and coordinates premium tax returns and other regulatory filings as required.
• Ensures adherence to established internal controls. Identifies weaknesses and provides recommendations for stronger control environment to Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting Officer.
• Reinforces the culture of innovation and continuous improvement among team members by leveraging technology and process change while seeking sustainable productivity gains.
• Manages external auditor requests and implements recommendations with Chief Accounting Officer approval. Keeps management apprised of audit progress and findings.
• Collaborates with Corporate Controller on tax returns, budget process and other projects as required.
• Acts as the banking contact for daily triage on issues related to daily transactions, website downtime, and access to daily files.
• Assists with ad hoc analyses of the organizations finances and prepared reports to facilitate decision making regarding accounting/financial matters.
• Guides and participates in internal projects when needed.

Leadership and Staff Development:

• Communicates vision and expectations to team members that support corporate strategic priorities.
• Consistently provides feedback and communication to staff members related to company and team performance.
• Provides team members with the tools needed to work effectively.
• Leads team members to make decisions based on established criteria/goals and monitors performance to achieve successful results.
• Defines and develops team member’s job, responsibilities, and accountabilities, in both a physical and virtual environment.
• Selects, coaches, and retains staff. Inspires team members to attain goals and pursue excellence. Identifies opportunities for improvement and makes constructive suggestions for improved performance. Effectively utilizes each team member to his/her fullest potential.
• Partners with and uses Human Resources as a resource for talent acquisition, training, and performance management.
• Provides training and development opportunities. Identifies and develops future leadership within the team. Challenges team members to develop professionally while serving as a role model and mentor.

What We'll Love About You 

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration.
• CPA designation preferred.
• Statutory Accounting experience preferred.
• 10 or more years’ experience working with financial reporting responsibilities; and/or working for an auditing firm performing insurance audits.
• People management or project management experience preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of accounting practices and applicable tax requirements.
• Proficiency in the use and navigation of financial accounting systems, Microsoft Office suite, regulatory software, and other analytical tools.
• Strong conflict management skills and ability to deal with difficult employment and business situations. Knowledge of Statutory accounting principles is a plus.
• Proven ability and passion for identifying and inspiring innovative process improvement.
• Meets internal and external deadlines and produces a consistently high-quality product.
• Adheres to strict code of confidentiality and trains team members in like.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and troubleshooting skills with an eye for detail.
• Strong organizational skills including the ability to prioritize demands while working with minimal direction.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills and ability to build sound relationships with internal and external customers.
• Ability to assimilate, understand and analyze financial models and other information from a variety of sources.
• Sound judgment and decision-making capabilities.
• Able to lead a self-directed workforce and inspire others to be effective team players.
• Works effectively within a team and independently.
• Must be able to work at the corporate offices when needed and expected.
• Ability to delegate work to others and follows through, ensuring the completion of projects and/or assignments in a timely fashion.

Physical Requirements

Regular attendance is required. Work takes place in a semi paperless environment within an in or office home office setting, using standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and photocopiers, which requires being stationary for extended periods of time. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear, and maintain concentration and focus. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands and fingers, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms and work with close vision. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift office products and supplies, up to 20 pounds. Work is performed indoors with little to no exposure to extreme outdoor weather conditions. Travel as needed.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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SFM Mutual Insurance Company and each of its parent companies, subsidiaries and/or affiliated companies are Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employers. SFM provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

SFM Companies, EEO/AA Employers. SFM is a participant of E-Verify. Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws.