Senior Accounting Operations Manager

CNA National is seeking an experienced senior accounting operations manager to lead the team ensuring accurate and effective processing of many key transactions. The senior manager will play a critical role in nurturing a work culture that promotes open, frequent, and interactive communication in order to stimulate teamwork and achieve goals and objectives. The senior manager works with the team to provide outstanding levels of service to all external and internal CNAN customers.

Ideal candidates will be dynamic, results-driven leaders who are quick learners with an aptitude for problem solving. They combine an analytical mindset and a quantitative outlook with the ability to influence and lead. They should thrive in a fast-paced, customer-oriented environment, and be capable of building and maintaining positive relationships with business areas. Other critical skills are ability to exercise independent judgment, adapt to change and value diverse opinions and ideals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Leads, directs and has full management accountability for team; acts as a change-oriented and engaging mentor/coach who builds confidence in and empowers his/her teams; One who communicates goals, expectations, and purpose clearly as well as the actions required to achieve them
• Oversees timely and accurate processing of team’s transactions and reporting, manages team’s work distribution, reviews work in progress, promotes team’s delivery of outstanding customer service and manages month-end close activities; ensures cross-training and back-up strategies are implemented for all functions
• Sets performance standards for duties performed by team, providing measurement and feedback through the use of metrics/KPI reporting; continually develops team to enhance efficiencies, increase accuracy, resolve issues and drive accountability
• Supports internal and external audits by preparing documentation and providing explanations
• Ensures compliance with GAAP and other relevant regulations
• Actively manages customer/vendor escalations
• Documents, implements and administers established accounting operations policies, guidelines, procedures and practices; Reviews and makes recommendations to support continuous improvement efforts while maintaining strong financial controls
• Maintains in-depth working knowledge of all CNAN’s systems and processes; Acts as SME representing accounting operations in projects
• Participates in determining the proper accounting treatment of complex or unusual transactions
• Assures adequate documentation/support of transactions and reports
• Ensures all internal controls are working effectively and adhered to by team; supports Sarbanes-Oxley compliance activities

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance or related field. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a plus.

Experience

At least eight (8) years of related accounting experience including at least three plus (3 ) years of experience in overseeing and managing a team. Experience within the vehicle service contract industry preferred.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Proven experience overseeing AP and AR functions
• Knowledge of accounting practices, procedures and principles as they relate to the organization and industry
• Knowledge of GAAP and statutory accounting principles
• Knowledge of SOX
• Collaborative team player with excellent communication skills
• Possess a strong customer orientation and the ability to build relationships of trust and mutual respect with internal and external partners
• A self-starter who takes initiative to exceed expectations and deliver outstanding results
• Possess strong analytical skills to grasp complex situations with changing circumstances for well-reasoned solutions that balance risk
• Ability to oversee and manage diverse activities with a clear understanding of how they relate to corporate objectives, requirements, and priorities
• Proven track record of working under deadlines in a fast-paced environment, adapting to changing priorities and achieving objectives
• Have a mindset for continuous improvement with ability to understand and develop unique and innovative solutions to meet the needs of internal and external customers
• Tableau, or other financial and reporting systems usage and implementation experience a plus
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and other business-related software

CNA National offers finance and insurance products to vehicle purchasers through franchised automobile dealerships nationwide. Our unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction has earned us a total of 22 Dealers' Choice Awards. Founded in 1982 as Western National by a visionary entrepreneur, we were purchased in 1995 by CNA Financial, one of the oldest insurance companies in the nation. As a wholly owned subsidiary of CNA, we operate as a “small company within a large company” bringing the best of both worlds to our clients – the speed, flexibility, and nimbleness of a small business, with the stability and backing of a $55 billion parent.

Among the benefits CNAN offers are:

• A competitive salary and bonus structure, along with a 401K match program
• A work culture which supports a healthy work/life balance, including no/very limited travel!
• Paid vacation time, paid sick time and holidays.
• Full benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability.
• A location in beautiful old town Scottsdale, Arizona.