Accounting Specialist

Job Description

Accountant I | Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas

The Tone:
This is a full-time role at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, located in Topeka, KS, with hybrid and onsite options available for residents of Kansas or Missouri. The company is one of the most trusted organizations in Kansas, with over 80 years of commitment to the health and well-being of Kansans. This Accountant I position directly contributes to maintaining the financial accuracy and integrity of the company’s operations and its subsidiaries. Your work in this inclusive environment will make a positive impact by ensuring reliable financial data for critical decision-making and supporting the overall stability and mission of the organization.

The TL;DR
• Role: Early Career
• Type: Full-time
• Location: Hybrid, Topeka, KS

• Mission: Own the accuracy and integrity of financial accounting systems and ensure timely, GAAP-compliant financial statements for the company and its subsidiaries.
• Tech Stack: Accounting software, Microsoft Excel

What You’ll Actually Do
• Transactions: Accurately compute, analyze, and record a wide range of financial transactions within the general ledger, preparing necessary journal entries and supporting spreadsheets.
• Reconciliations: Prepare and diligently review balance sheet reconciliations, proactively identifying and resolving any discrepancies to maintain financial integrity.
• Reporting: Conduct thorough reviews and analyses of monthly financial statements and reports, ensuring strict compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and relevant governmental reporting standards.
• Closing: Provide essential support for month-end and year-end closing processes, which includes the recording of accurate journal entries and performing detailed variance analysis on key financial metrics.
• Audits & Processes: Investigate financial discrepancies, prepare and provide comprehensive documentation for internal and external audits, and actively contribute to process optimization projects aimed at enhancing team efficiency.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field is required. This is an early-career role focusing on the foundational principles of financial accounting.
• Experience: Less than 1 year of experience in financial accounting or a related field is required.
• Skills:
• Domain Knowledge: Strong understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), managerial accounting, and financial reporting standards. Specialized knowledge in costing, line of business, and governmental accounting is also needed for certain aspects of this role.
• Technical Proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency in various accounting software applications and advanced skills in Microsoft Excel for data analysis and reporting.
• Analytical & Accuracy: Excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities, coupled with a strong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy in all financial transactions and records.
• Communication & Organization: Effective verbal and written communication skills to clearly convey financial information, alongside the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain organized financial records.