Accountant III

As an Investment Accountant III at Horace Mann, your key responsibilities include managing the pricing process in ePAM, compiling investment cash flow statements, and overseeing the OTTI and CECL processes. You will be involved in financial reporting duties for both SEC and statutory reporting, ensuring compliance with accounting standards, and maintaining accurate reconciliations across various investment accounts.

To qualify for the Investment Accountant III position at Horace Mann, candidates should hold a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. While a Master's degree or CPA is preferred, having 3-5 years of experience in investment accounting, financial reporting, or auditing is crucial. Proficiency in pricing, FAS157, and financial data analysis are also required.

The Investment Accountant III plays a vital role in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of financial reporting, which supports Horace Mann's mission to help educators protect their financial futures. By managing compliance and audit processes, you contribute to the overarching goal of providing quality financial products and services tailored to educators.

Essential skills for an Investment Accountant III at Horace Mann include strong analytical abilities, advanced Excel skills, and the capacity to problem-solve effectively. Attention to detail, organization, and a team-oriented spirit are also critical for maintaining internal controls and collaborating with various departments.

The salary range for the Investment Accountant III role at Horace Mann varies based on experience and location, with a range of $61,900.00 to $91,300.00. This competitive pay reflects our commitment to attracting top talent and is commensurate with the skills and qualifications of successful candidates.

When answering this question, highlight specific instances where you managed financial reporting, focusing on adherence to GAAP and SAP. Discuss your familiarity with SEC reporting and provide examples of how you ensured compliance in past roles.

In your response, detail your organization and prioritization skills. Share examples of specific techniques you’ve employed, such as delegating tasks, setting interim deadlines, or using project management tools to streamline processes.

When answering, provide a concrete example of a process you improved that resulted in increased efficiency or accuracy. Discuss the steps you took to identify the problem and implement the solution, emphasizing your analytical skills.

Explain that you would approach such situations with professionalism and a willingness to listen. Emphasize the importance of clear communication, providing complete documentation, and maintaining a collaborative spirit to resolve any issues.

Address your adaptability to remote work by discussing tools and practices you use to stay connected with team members, such as regular check-ins, video calls, and continuous updates on projects. Highlight your ability to maintain productivity and collaboration from a distance.

You should demonstrate your commitment to professional development by mentioning specific resources such as accounting journals, industry seminars, and online courses. Emphasize how staying informed allows you to contribute effectively to your role.

Detail any specific projects you have worked on involving ePAM, including how you utilized it for pricing and financial analysis. Mention your proficiency in handling and interpreting complex data sets to drive informed decision-making.

Describe a scenario where you caught a critical error in financial reporting, explaining the steps you took to address it. Focus on your analytical skills and the impact of your discovery on reporting accuracy.

Discuss the importance of a can-do attitude, strong communication abilities, and attention to detail. Emphasize how these soft skills facilitate collaboration and ensure high-quality work.

Share your passion for financial accuracy and the impact of thorough financial reporting on organizational success. Talk about how your work ultimately supports educators and contributes to their financial well-being.