Technical Accountant

The Technical Accountant researches, interprets, and applies accounting guidance to support accurate financial reporting and compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Statutory Accounting Principles (SAP), and other applicable regulatory requirements. This role serves as a key technical accounting resource for complex transactions, contracts, business initiatives, financial statement preparation, accounting policy development, audit support, and implementation of new accounting standards. The role also partners with internal teams and external stakeholders to evaluate accounting conclusions, document technical positions, and communicate accounting impacts to management.

Work Location:

This position is eligible to work remotely, hybrid or onsite in accordance with our Telecommuting Policy. Applicants must reside in Kansas or Missouri or be willing to relocate as a condition of employment.

What you'll do 

• Research and analyze accounting guidance related to new transactions, contracts, business arrangements, acquisitions, strategic initiatives, regulatory developments, and emerging accounting standards.
• Prepare accounting position papers and technical memoranda documenting accounting conclusions and supporting rationale.
• Interpret and apply GAAP, SAP, NAIC guidance, and other applicable regulatory accounting and reporting requirements.
• Support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes by ensuring accuracy to internal controls, accounting policies, and financial reporting standards.
• Evaluate accounting implications of technical areas such as revenue recognition, leases, investments, reserves, contingencies, impairments, and capital or surplus impacts.
• Develop, maintain, and communicate accounting policies, including related control documentation, and support implementation of new accounting standards and process changes.
• Support internal and external audits, regulatory examinations, and compliance reviews by preparing schedules, analyses, and responses to inquiries.
• Identify and document opportunities to strengthen internal controls over financial reporting, improve processes, and increase reporting efficiency.
• Collaborate with cross-functional business partners and external auditors/regulators to provide accounting guidance, financial insights, and support cross-functional initiatives.
• Monitor developments in accounting and regulatory standards and communicate impacts and recommendations to management.
• Participate in special projects, system implementations, and finance transformation initiatives, where applicable.
• Assist the Manager in delegating tasks, overseeing execution of key responsibilities, and mentoring less experienced staff to promote quality work and professional growth.

Education

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Accounting or related field required
• Master's degree in Accounting OR Certified Public Accountant designation (active or inactive) OR minimum 5 years' experience leading technical accounting research, accounting policy development, accounting position papers, and technical accounting analyses required

Experience

• Minimum 5 years' experience in public accounting, technical accounting, financial reporting, or regulatory accounting required
• Minimum 2 years' experience in a Sr. Auditor, Sr. Accountant, project leadership, or similar role required
• Previous experience supporting audits or complex organizations, including coordination with internal audit teams, external auditors, or regulatory reviewers preferred
• Previous experience training or coaching others on accounting guidance, policy interpretation, and related documentation expectations preferred

Travel

• No travel

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting requirements, and technical accounting research.
• Experience researching, interpreting and applying accounting guidance to complex transactions, contracts, business arrangements, and new accounting standards.
• Experience preparing technical accounting memos, position papers, audit documentation, or related accounting analyses.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills to guide team members and support their professional development.
• Advanced analytical and strategic thinking abilities, with a focus on problem-solving and decision-making.
• Experience with financial statement preparation and disclosures under GAAP.
• High attention to detail, accuracy, and documentation quality.
• Understanding of internal controls over financial reporting, control documentation, and risk management practices.
• Ability to communicate complex accounting concepts clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including strong technical writing capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment.
• Knowledge of statutory accounting principles or insurance industry accounting preferred.