General Accounting Manager

Job Description:

Citizens, Inc. is a growing life insurance company committed to delivering exceptional service and innovative solutions to our policyholders. We are seeking a General Accounting Manager to join our dynamic team and help drive operational excellence in a SOX-controlled environment. This role is responsible for maintaining and reconciling general ledger accounts, supporting monthly accounting close, and ensuring compliance with internal control. This position requires strong leadership, analytical skills, and the ability to manage cross-functional teams while driving process improvements. This position is in The Domain, Austin, TX and reports directly to the VP, Accounting Operations.

Responsibilities:

General Accounting

• Oversee month-end close for assigned areas, partner with departments on accruals and other close activities.
• Review and approve journal entries (accruals, allocations, reclassifications) for monthly, quarterly, and annual close. 
• Review and approve bank and balance sheet reconciliations; resolve discrepancies and validate completion across teams. Report key issues and suspense account statistics to management.
• Develop and maintain financial policies and procedures, including proper application and documentation of GAAP in all transactions. 
• Maintain and update SOX process documentation; ensure compliance and timely updates for process changes.
• Oversee unclaimed property reporting, including validation, reconciliation, and compliance with state-specific requirements.
• Evaluate and improve internal accounting controls and processes to align with organizational goals. 
• Supervise accounting support staff; conduct performance evaluations and plan training and development.
• Assist financial reporting group with audit requirements and compliance.
• Participate in special projects to drive organizational change.

Treasury

• Support treasury operations including cash management, forecasting, and bank relationships. 
• Identify and implement process improvements to optimize cash flow and efficiency. 
• Ensure compliance with SOX controls for treasury; maintain updated documentation. 
• Collaborate with Financial Reporting Team on accounting for cash, investments, and inter-company activity.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 5 years of progressive accounting experience, including 2 years in a supervisory role.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; advanced Excel skills required.
• Excellent leadership, analytical, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with insurance accounting systems (e.g., Oracle Fusion Financial Cloud and Account Reconciliation Cloud Service, or policy administration platforms).
• Insurance or banking industry experience preferred.
• Knowledge of escheatment laws and regulations.
• Experience with reinsurance accounting and intercompany transactions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Ability to meet critical business deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong understanding of internal controls and SOX compliance.
• Strong collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Professional approach to addressing issues and driving innovation.
• Knowledge of insurance products a plus.

Work Environment

Primarily indoors with heating and cooling regulated in a general office environment. The noise level in the work environment is generally low.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

Ability to reach high and low; open, close and retrieve files from file cabinets as well as operate computer keyboard and appropriate office equipment. The position requires the ability to frequently stand, walk, sit for extended periods of time, lift up to 15 lbs., open filing cabinets and bend or stand on a stool, as necessary.