Senior Accountant, Financial Reporting

The work we do has an impact on millions of lives, and you can be a part of it. We help protect our customers against life’s uncertainties. Regardless of where you work within the company, you’ll be helping provide protection and peace of mind when our customers need it most. Protective is seeking a Senior Analyst, Financial Reporting to support financial reporting and accounting activities across annuity products, the Retirement segment, assigned legal entities, and reinsurance arrangements. This role offers meaningful ownership of financial results, direct visibility to leadership, and opportunities to influence reporting quality, controls, and process improvements. The ideal candidate brings a strong foundation in accounting or audit, enjoys understanding the business drivers behind financial results, and is motivated by solving complex reporting challenges. This position is well suited for accounting professionals seeking broader business exposure and increased responsibility, as well as public accounting professionals interested in applying their technical and analytical expertise in an industry environment. This opportunity offers a blend of technical accounting, financial analysis, leadership exposure, and cross-functional partnership, making it an attractive next step for experienced accounting professionals seeking broader ownership and influence within a growing business environment. This is a Hybrid role which reports to the Birmingham, AL office 3 times a week. Key Responsibilities: Lead quarterly earnings analysis for annuity products, identifying and explaining key trends, variances, and financial driversPrepare and review Retirement segment reporting packages, earnings analyses, disclosures, and close-related deliverablesPresent financial results during quarterly review meetings and perform follow-up analysis to address management questionsPerform and review GAAP and statutory income statement and balance sheet variance analyses for assigned products, legal entities, and reporting areasServe as the primary accounting and financial reporting contact for assigned product transactions and reporting responsibilitiesResearch and evaluate complex accounting matters, new transactions, reinsurance arrangements, and emerging reporting requirementsCoordinate reporting activities and critical deadlines across multiple stakeholders to ensure timely and accurate deliverablesSupport reporting and analysis related to assigned legal entities and subsidiaries, including reinsurance-related activityPartner with actuarial, FP&A, accounting, investment accounting, reinsurance accounting, technology, and operational teams to resolve issues impacting financial resultsExecute and document internal controls and support internal and external audit requestsIdentify reporting risks, control enhancement opportunities, and process improvement initiativesLead or contribute to automation efforts, reporting enhancements, and the implementation of new accounting or business requirementsProvide technical guidance, work direction, and quality review for team members supporting reporting activities Core Competencies (Skills, Knowledge and Abilities): Strong financial analysis and problem-solving capabilitiesAbility to interpret complex financial information and communicate conclusions clearly to varying audiencesSound understanding of accounting principles, financial reporting, reconciliations, and close processesStrong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlinesEffective collaboration and relationship-building skills across diverse business functionsAbility to exercise professional judgment and independently resolve complex issuesContinuous improvement mindset focused on efficiency, accuracy, and strong controlsAttention to detail while maintaining an understanding of broader business impactsStrong written and verbal communication skillsAdvanced Microsoft Excel proficiency Minimum Requirements Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a closely related fieldFour or more years of progressive experience in accounting, financial reporting, auditing, or a related disciplineDemonstrated experience analyzing financial results and investigating variancesKnowledge of financial reporting processes, internal controls, reconciliations, and month-end or quarter-end close activitiesExperience working with complex financial data and delivering accurate, timely resultsAbility to lead projects, workstreams, or key deliverables with limited supervisionProven ability to collaborate effectively across functions and levels of an organization Preferred Qualifications Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designationPublic accounting experience, particularly within assurance or auditExperience supporting insurance, annuity, life insurance, or reinsurance accounting and reportingKnowledge of GAAP and statutory reporting requirementsExperience with financial reporting, earnings analysis, or legal entity reportingExperience with SAP S/4HANA, Analysis for Office, or similar enterprise reporting toolsExperience leading process improvement, automation, or accounting change initiatives The internal title for this role is Sr. Analyst, Financial Reporting. Employee Benefits: We aim to protect the wellbeing of our employees and their families with a broad benefits offering. In addition to offering comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance, we support emotional wellbeing through mental health benefits and an employee assistance program. Work/life balance is important and Protective offers a variety of paid time away benefits (e.g., paid time off, paid parental leave, short-term disability, and a cultural observance day). The financial health of our employees is just as important as physical and emotional health. Some of the financial wellbeing benefits include contributions to healthcare accounts, a pension plan, and a 401(k) plan with Company matching. All employees are encouraged to protect their overall wellbeing by engaging in ProHealth Rewards, Protective’s platform to improve wellbeing while earning cash rewards. Eligibility for certain benefits may vary by position in accordance with the terms of the Company’s benefit plans. Accommodations for Applicants with a Disability: If you require an accommodation to complete the application and recruitment process due to a disability, please email eric.hess@protective.com. This information will be held in confidence and used only to determine an appropriate accommodation for the application and recruitment process. Please note that the above email is solely for individuals with disabilities requesting an accommodation. General employment questions should not be sent through this process. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to being inclusive and attracting, retaining, and growing an inclusive workforce. Protective’s targeted salary range for this position is $90,000 to $120,000. Actual salaries may vary depending on factors, including but not limited to, job location, skills, and experience. The range listed is just one component of Protective’s total compensation package for employees. This position also offers additional incentive opportunities through an annual incentive based on individual and Company performance.