Sr Acntg Suspense Analyst

AtAmerican Equity Investment Life Holding Company, we think of ourselves asThe Financial Dignity Company. Our policyholders work with independent agents, banks and broker-dealers through our wholly-owned operating subsidiaries, to choose one of our leading annuity products best suited for their personal needs to create financial dignity in retirement. We remain steadfast in our commitment to quality products, excellent customer service, integrity, safety and delivering on our promises to our policyholders. Our success comes from hiring people who embody the beliefs that drive our unique, energetic, fast-paced and caring culture of collaboration, ownership and innovation.

We currently fund over half a million retirements nationwide, and have been headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa, for over twenty-five years, withsatellite offices slated to open in 2022 in Charlotte, NC, and New York, NY. We are a NYSE-listed company and maintain an "excellent" rating from AM Best. Our companyhas over $57 billion in assets, 26,000 active agents and over 650 employees.

GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

The Senior Accounting Suspense Analyst analyzes complex and outstanding items in suspense accounts, and determines what needs to be done in the policy administration system or in the general ledger to fully process the transaction. The incumbent exercises considerable independent judgment and discretion in clearing suspense accounts, addressing outstanding matters personally, or providing work direction to junior analyst(s). The Senior Accounting Suspense Analyst also assists with the build and troubleshooting of accounting processes within the company's policy administration system.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Suspense Accounts

• Investigates complex suspense items that are not clearing per Company processes due to uncertainty or discrepancies and determines the fix for the item.
• Monitors suspense account items on a recurring basis; researches and validates against policies and controls.
• Ensures an adequate internal control system remains in place to guarantee reliability of financial results.
• Works with teams internally to ensure that clearing of suspense accounts is done appropriately in accordance with current procedures.
• Troubleshoots DTCC transactions and retained commission transactions.
• Handles the accounting side of the Unclaimed Property process.
• Provides work direction and guidance to junior analyst(s).

Policy Administration and General Ledger

• Assists in building the accounting framework and the cash transaction files for the new policy administration system, FAST.
• Provides historical and other related expert administrative and process advice on legacy LifePro system to ensure successful migration to FAST.
• Troubleshoots issues encountered with policy administration system interfaces with the general ledger or banking files used for transmission of cash for annuitants.
• Proactively participates in identifying ways to automate current processes to increase efficiencies and controls in Policy Administration to guarantee reliability of financial results.
• Assists in the development of management reports and monthly reconciliation reports.
• Works with Financial Reporting on coordinating and preparing supporting documentation for annual audit reports.
• Analyzes issues to determine if changes are needed in the policy administration system or if it is an isolated incident.
• Performs other related work as required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Reports: 0

General Description of Indirect Reports (2 and 3-downs): 0

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration or other related field of study; plus five (5) years of related accounting experience; or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience. Annuity or insurance accounting experience a plus.

Prior experience with LifePro, FAST or similar policy administration system preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS:None

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong mathematical, analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Effective communication and presentation skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to prioritize workflows, establish and meet deadlines and manage multiple concurrent tasks.
• Strong computer skills and the ability to navigate multiple systems and programs including Microsoft Office, proprietary systems and other technology solutions.
• Excellent interpersonal skills are required, including a high degree of professionalism.
• Ability to work effectively in a variety of situations and respond to change in a positive manner.
• Understanding of DTCC or Policy admin systems a plus.
• Ability to layout the process or accounting flow and compare what did happen to what should have happened with the transaction.
• Self-starter/independent worker
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Mathematical skills and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work cooperatively and successfully with employees, customers, and other outside third parties.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.