Zurich is currently looking for a Life Financial Close Analyst to work out of our North American head\-quarters in Schaumburg, Illinois\.
The Financial Analyst is responsible for building key financial models and presentations for strategic projects as and when they arise\. The role spans across all North America Life Units and Function, providing accounting and system integration/process support and expertise for cost benefit analysis, new business tenders, valuations and acquisitions as required\.
High Level Influencer Internally Focused \- This job’s core deliverables rely on influencing or negotiating with a broad range of internal clients, specifically executives and/or senior management\. Expectation is to employ specialized techniques and substantial experience\. Relationships typically involve persuading or countering opposition\.
+ Act as first point of contact for all strategic initiatives for a region/segment, provide advanced financial analysis and modeling
+ Serve as a point of contact for any external consultancy support when required to support business performance reviews including deep dives on specific areas
+ Lead the preparation of key messages, reporting and financial analysis to brief leadership teams on projected outcome of specific initiatives
+ Lead the production of all regular benefit tracking for key initiatives within the relevant region/segment to ensure delivery of financial targets
+ Lead in assessment and development of new product accounting and reporting functions, specifically addressing financial system impacts and process changes
+ Develop and maintain governance framework to ensure that all business initiatives are subject to a consistent high level of financial challenge
+ Prepare analysis and commentary for all group project reporting requirements and be a first point of contact for all queries relating to financial projections to ensure all project deliverables are met
+ Lead the production of profitability reporting on behalf of the region/segment, monitoring performance trends by product/line of business to highlight any material under or over performances
+ Lead the development of new reporting initiatives for the region/segment in order to provide additional, deeper insight on performance trends to facilitate enhanced decision making
+ Lead in the support for finance in the monthly North America Life close cycle managing issues and resolution
+ Business Travel, as required
+ Extended Hours during Peak Periods, as required
+ Pass Applicable Exam/Licensing, as required
Basic Qualifications
+ Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance and 8 or more years of experience in the Accounting or Finance area OR High School Diploma or Equivalent and 10 or more years of experience in the Accounting or Finance area
Preferred Qualifications
+ CPA or MBA
+ Life insurance industry experience – 5 years
+ Strong knowledge of life statutory and IFRS accounting principles
+ Project management experience
+ SAP, Oracle or PeopleSoft General ledger experience
+ Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Office experience
+ Technology experience related to one or more of the following areas: General ledger, financial reporting systems, treasury workstation, Business Objects or other query tools
+ Strong verbal and written communication skills
Imagine working for a company that truly cares about their employees, customers, stakeholders, and communities they serve\.
Imagine working for a values\-driven organization that has the ambition and desire to be the best global insurance provider in the world\.
Zurich is that place where 55,000 employees across 200 countries and territories are all focused on helping people and helping companies protect what is truly most important to them\. We are a values\-driven organization that takes pride in the work that we do every day and we have the ambition to be the best global insurer in the world\.
EOE Disability / Vets
Zurich does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies\. Any unsolicited resume will become the property of Zurich American Insurance\. If you are a preferred vendor, please use our Recruiting Agency Portal for resume submission\.
**Title:** _Life Financial Close Analyst III_
**Location:** _Illinois\-Schaumburg_
**Requisition ID:** _16000A68_