Manager, Accounting

WHO WE ARE

We are PEAK6, a leading investment firm, using technology to find a better way of doing things. The company’s first tech-based solution was developed in 1997 to optimize options trading, and over the past two decades, the same formula has been used across a range of industries, asset classes, and business stages to consistently deliver superior results. Today, PEAK6 seeks transformational opportunities to provide capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs and forward-thinking businesses. PEAK6’s core brands include PEAK6 Capital Management, PEAK6 Strategic Capital, Apex Fintech Solutions, FOCUS, We Insure, Evil Geniuses, Poker Power, Zogo, and Bruce Markets.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

Position Objective

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Accounting Manager at FOCUS to oversee core accounting operations at our insurance company. This role will manage day-to-day accounting activities, support timely financial reporting, and improve decision making, vision driven and growing organization. Working in the Finance team at FOCUS means that you’ll always be presented with a variety of new possibilities as you continue to enhance your skills within the Insurance space. The ideal candidate brings a strong understanding of the insurance industry’s financial regulations and the ability to lead and mentor a small team. This position will report to the Director of Finance and is a hybrid role at our office in Chicago. FOCUS proudly operates as a subsidiary of PEAK6.

What You’ll Do

Financial Reporting: Oversee month-end close processes like posting/reviewing journal entries, reconciling balance sheet accounts, preparing monthly financial statements, and other accounting/finance responsibilities. Interpret complex financial information and provide updates, including variance analysis, and identifying trends

Core Accounting: Oversee general ledger maintenance including, but not limited to, trial balance, accounts payable, accounts receivable, accruals, pricing, and fixed assets. Review, investigate and correct errors and inconsistencies in financial entries, documents and reports. Lead reconciliations of key accounts, including premiums, claims reserves, reinsurance, and investments. Approve vendor bills and expenses.

Audit & Compliance: Assist in the annual audit including preparation of PBC items, support for audit samples, timely response to testing questions, and preparation of various footnote schedules within the audited financial statements. Liaise with the compliance department to complete periodic state and federal filings.

Business Partnership: Collaborate closely with FOCUS’ FP&A, and financial operations teams to continuously improve workflow. Have a "Hands on" mentality with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively with FOCUS’ internal departments and PEAK6 Finance on their ad-hoc projects.

Automation and Controls: Proactively identify opportunities to implement efficiencies and internal controls, accounting policies, and play a key role in the development of cross-business standardization and implementation of accounting processes and automation platforms across FOCUS and PEAK6. Contribute to the enhancement of allocation methodologies.

Strategy and Planning. Support initiatives of FP&A Manager, Director of Finance, and senior management. Assist with budgeting, forecasting, operating plans and long-term strategic forecasts. Act as a liaison between accounting and other departments to ensure alignment of goals, and consistency in processes.

Essential:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• 5-7 years of progressive accounting experience in a multi-entity organization
• Experience in the P&C Insurance strongly preferred
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with various ERP systems
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and Statutory Accounting Principles
• Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and effectively.
• Strong grasp of income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements along with the ability to analyze financial results and assess impact of business decisions.
• Strong written, verbal communication and presentation skills; must be able to convey information to all levels of the organization in a clear, focused, and concise manner

Nice to have

• CPA Preferred
• Experience with NetSuite, Workday, Adaptive, FloQast are a plus
• Experience working in a carrier environment, with exposure to reinsurance accounting and investment reporting
• A tech-forward approach to managing day-to-day tasks – we love to au