Who are we?

Western National Insurance Group is a private mutual insurance company with over 120 years of experience serving customers' property-and-casualty insurance needs in the Midwestern, Northwestern, and Southwestern United States. Known as “The Relationship Company®,” we define success as a measure of the relationships we’ve built over time. In everything that we do, we know that delivering a friendly and helpful interaction makes for a better experience for everyone involved. That’s the power of “nice”. At Western National, nice is something we work to bring to every person and organization with whom we partner and serve.

Does this opportunity interest you?

Western National is seeking an Accountant II to join our team! 

The individual in this role will have the opportunity to perform accounting tasks and support the Accounting Department.

What are the responsibilities and opportunities of this role?

• Prepares and records journal entries.
• Performs monthly general ledger account reconciliations.
• Reconciles financial discrepancies by collecting and analyzing account information and resolves issues.
• Substantiates financial transactions through auditing documentation. 
• Analyzes financial statements and provides a summary explanation of changes.
• Maintains, performs, and updates internal control procedures.
• Works with external auditors and prepares audit reports as required. 
• Manages assigned elements of the budgeting process.
• Manages assigned elements of regulatory compliance and state filing to ensure timely submissions.
• Actively engages in department projects.
• Seeks relevant information and answers to key questions from defined sources.
• Recommends changes to improve accounting procedures and the accounting operation to enhance efficiency and decision-making within the Accounting Department.
• Makes decisions for routine activities.
• Identifies and / or analyzes straightforward problems and recommends solutions.
• Consistently acts according to our customer experience standards, including responding quickly, maintaining a positive attitude, building rapport, demonstrating empathy, managing the customer’s expectations, using the proper communication channel for the situation, and taking ownership to ensure the customer’s issue is resolved.
• Performs special projects and other duties as assigned.

What are the must-have qualifications for a candidate?

• Demonstrated knowledge of accounting principles and practices.
• Ability to work additional hours to meet deadlines and / or complete projects.
• Ability to research technical accounting issues.
• Proficient use of various core systems, office and computer equipment, and software packages.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or business with an emphasis in accounting; experience in lieu of degree acceptable.

What will our ideal candidate have?

• Demonstrated analytical skills.
• Three to five years of accounting experience. 
• Demonstrated time management skills with ability to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Proven ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to follow process and make some process improvements.
• Insurance accounting experience.

Compensation overview

The targeted hiring range for this role is $69,065 - $99,990, annually. However, the base pay offered may vary depending on the job-related knowledge, skills, credentials, and experience of each candidate as well as other factors such as the scope and location of the role. Candidates looking for compensation outside of the posted range are encouraged to apply and will be considered based on their individual qualifications and / or may be considered for other positions.

Western National Insurance Group reserves the right to fill this position at a level above or below the level included in this posting.

Culture and Total Rewards

Western National has long been known as “The Relationship Company®” and caring for our employees is part of that relationship commitment. We value connectiveness, empowerment, and accountability, and we believe that our employees are our biggest asset. 

Currently ranked as the 41st largest private company by revenue in Minnesota (Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal), Western National has earned accolades year-over-year as an employer of choice and garnered multiple awards for wellness in the workplace. Western National has also been named a Top Workplace by the Star Tribune for the past four consecutive years. In addition, the Group is consistently recognized as a Ward’s 50 property-and-casualty insurance company for its outstanding financial results.

Western National offers full-time employees a significant Total Rewards Package, including:

• Medical insurance plan options and other standard employee benefits, including dental insurance, vision benefits, life insurance, disability insurance, and more!
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401(k) Plan (participants are eligible for 100% matching on the first 6% of their contributions)
• Wellbeing Program, including onsite fitness studio
• Paid Time Off – including holiday, vacation, and volunteer
• 100% company-paid tuition reimbursement for approved job-relevant coursework and access to The Institutes (Risk and insurance education)
• Paid parental leave
• Bonus opportunities

Western National believes in supporting balance between work and life by providing a flexible work environment, which includes a variety of hybrid and remote work arrangements designed to balance individual, job, department, and company needs. 

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Western National provides employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.