Financial Reporting Accountant II

Protective is seeking an analytical accounting professional to join our Financial Reporting team in our Birmingham, AL office. This role supports the preparation and analysis of financial results across our life insurance and annuity businesses, including the Protection, Retirement, and Acquisitions segments.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong foundation in accounting and financial analysis, along with a collaborative mindset and attention to detail. This position offers the opportunity to partner cross-functionally with accounting, FP&A, and actuarial teams, contributing to accurate and timely financial reporting while supporting ongoing process improvements.

This is a Hybrid role which reports to the office 3 times a week.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform analysis of traditional life product performance, including review of trends and variance drivers
• Prepare segment-level reporting packages and disclosures for the Acquisitions segment
• Partner with accounting, FP&A, and actuarial teams to understand and communicate financial results
• Serve as a primary contact for assigned products or acquisition transactions, including accounting analysis and journal entries
• Support quarterly close processes through income statement and balance sheet analytics and explanations
• Ensure assigned controls are performed and operating effectively in support of accurate financial reporting
• Coordinate with internal teams to improve processes impacting financial reporting and analysis
• Support internal and external audit requests and respond to accounting-related inquiries
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives, including reducing manual processes

Core Competencies (Skills, Knowledge and Abilities):

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret financial results
• Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present financial information to non-financial partners
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across teams
• Strong organizational skills and commitment to accuracy
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial analysis tools

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in accounting or financial reporting
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel and Word
• Experience performing accounting functions and financial analysis

Preferred Qualifications

• Insurance or financial services accounting experience
• CPA designation or progress toward certification
• Experience with SAP S/4HANA or other ERP systems
• Experience with Workiva (Wdesk)
• Familiarity with Microsoft Copilot or other AI tools