Accountant II - job 1 of 2

As an Accountant II at Horace Mann Insurance, your primary responsibilities will include managing ledger entries, coordinating monthly settlements with third-party administrators, and performing thorough account reconciliations to ensure financial accuracy. You will also be actively involved in data analysis and preparing financial reporting filings on a periodic basis, ensuring that we meet all compliance and regulatory standards.

To apply for the Accountant II position at Horace Mann Insurance, candidates should possess a bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance. Relevant coursework and additional certifications can enhance your application. We're also looking for candidates with 1-3 years of hands-on accounting experience, who can demonstrate a solid understanding of financial practices and compliance considerations.

The environment at Horace Mann Insurance as an Accountant II is dynamic and collaborative. You will be working closely with a diverse group of professionals both internally and externally while contributing to several projects aimed at continuous improvement in the accounting functions. A positive attitude and eagerness to learn will be key to thriving in this role.

The Accountant II role at Horace Mann Insurance is crucial in maintaining the financial integrity of our operations, allowing us to fulfill our mission of supporting educators. By ensuring accurate financial reporting, compliance, and efficient accounting processes, you will enable the company to allocate resources effectively, directly contributing to our goals of helping educators secure their financial future.

For success as an Accountant II at Horace Mann Insurance, strong analytical skills, proficiency in Microsoft Excel, and a comprehensive understanding of accounting principles are essential. Additionally, excellent communication abilities, a collaborative spirit, and a continuous learning mindset will help you excel in this role while supporting our mission to empower educators.

When answering this question, share specific examples highlighting your proficiency in performing account reconciliations. Discuss the tools you used, the frequency of reconciliations, and any challenges you faced. Emphasize your ability to identify discrepancies and how you resolved them, showcasing your attention to detail.

In your response, explain your time management strategies, such as setting priorities, breaking tasks into manageable steps, and using digital tools to track your progress. Highlight your experience during month-end closes and any specific methods you employ to ensure all accounting tasks are completed on time.

Detail your understanding of relevant financial regulations and how you stay updated on compliance requirements. Discuss any previous experience you have with audits and state filings, highlighting your proactive approach to ensuring all financial activities align with regulations.

Share your familiarity with different types of financial reports. Provide examples of reports you've prepared in previous roles and discuss your process for ensuring accuracy and clarity in financial statements. Express your understanding of the significance of accurate reporting.

Refer to specific financial software or accounting systems you've used. Discuss how your proficiency with these tools has enhanced your efficiency in performing accounting tasks. If you have experience with data analysis tools like Excel, highlight how you've used them in past positions.

Describe a project where you took on a collaborative role, discussing your contributions and how they aligned with the team's goals. Focus on your ability to work effectively with colleagues to achieve a common objective, showcasing your teamwork skills.

Discuss your methods for staying informed on changes in accounting standards, such as following relevant journals, participating in continuing education or webinars, and being involved in accounting associations. Mention how you apply new learnings to your current practices.

Outline your approach to data analysis, including how you gather data, what analytical methods you employ, and how to translate findings into actionable insights. Provide examples of past analysis that influenced decision-making in your prior roles.

Explain the steps you would take to investigate and resolve discrepancies, emphasizing your commitment to accuracy. Discuss your communication approach with colleagues and external partners to ensure clarity and understanding in problem-solving.

Share your excitement about the opportunity to work at Horace Mann Insurance, tying it to their mission of supporting educators. Express your appreciation for the company values and how you believe your skills and experiences align well with their goals.