At American Equity we offer leading annuity products that help empower our clients to fulfill their needs and wants in retirement. Our success comes from hiring high-energy individuals who embody the beliefs that drive our unique culture. We currently fund over half a million retirements nationwide, headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, for over thirty years with satellite offices in Charlotte, NC and New York, NY.

GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE JOB:    

The Financial Reporting Lead – SAP assists with operationalizing key projects and changes within the financial reporting function, particularly as it relates to the general ledger. This role focuses on managing cross-functional initiatives, enhancing reporting quality and efficiency, and supports compliance with internal and external reporting requirements. The Lead collaborates closely with teams across the business to drive strategic reporting initiatives.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:   

• Participate in strategic projects and initiatives and help operationalize those initiatives within the financial reporting function.  

• Serves as a steward for the general ledger (SAP) and the respective chart of accounts, consolidation groups, and hierarchies. 

• Partners with internal stakeholders to align reporting initiatives with business needs and compliance requirements. 

• Manage financial consolidation processes within SAP, including intercompany eliminations.  

• Ensure accurate and efficient group financial reporting and compliance with accounting standards.  

• Mentors and guides junior team members involved in financial reporting projects.  

• Develops and maintains documentation on financial reporting processes, controls, and procedures.  
• Performs other related work as assigned. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Direct Reports: None 

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

None 

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:   

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year accredited college or university in accounting, finance or related field of study; plus five (5) years of progressively responsible related experience; or equivalent combination of education and/or experience. 

• Demonstrated experience leading projects or initiatives involving financial reporting improvements or system implementations. 
• Extensive experience in SAP, including Group Reporting module. 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS: 

Certified Public Accountant preferred. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

• Knowledge of the life and annuity insurance industry, including products issued, operating activities performed across the entity, and the regulatory environment. 

• Broad understanding of financial statement accounts of a life and annuity company, including investment and actuarial balances. 

• Strong understanding of US GAAP, Statutory, and SEC reporting requirements 

• Exceptional analytical, project management, and organization skills.  

• Proficiency with financial systems (e.g. SAP, BlackLine) and advanced Excel skills.  

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to explain complex financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders. 

• Self-starter with a high attention to detail and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.