Financial Accounting and Reporting Operations Project Consultant

Zurich North America is looking for a Financial Accounting and Reporting Operations Project Consultant to work out of our North American Headquarters in Schaumburg, IL. 

This position supports the Financial Accounting and Reporting team on several operational Finance projects leading in the development of project plans, defining requirements, assisting in, and confirming the recommended solution designs within various financial systems (i.e, SAP), and implementing approved solutions including addressing change management across all key stakeholders and business partners. The ideal candidate will work closely with all areas of Finance, the BUs/SSUs, and IT to support in the development and rollout of new or enhanced processes and ensure that the required change management activities are fully addressed and communicated across our Finance business partners.

Key Accountabilities:

• Assists in medium to large complexity projects, which are often cross-functional (Finance, Business units, Operations, and IT) and highly visible. Applies knowledge of financial accounting and reporting processes to practice when working to develop and implement innovative solutions.
• Takes an initiative-taking, comprehensive approach to business practices and processes; provides methodologies, tools, and measurements to sponsors and team members to support initiatives.
• Supports the development of high level and detailed project plans for projects and initiatives working and collaborating with cross-functional areas to ensure timelines, resources and deliverables established and executed upon; addresses issues and escalates risk and issues to project sponsors and key stakeholders in a timely manner.
• Ensures appropriate change management practices are effectively utilized throughout the project lifecycle to improve execution and delivery of results.
• Partners across the business to identify, develop, and implement change management strategies; acts as a leader, influencer, and change agent in the implementation of initiatives that support the strategic and operational priorities.
• Understands the scope of projects, reviewing output and undertaking impact analysis to ensure that the impact of the changes is fully understood, consistent, and that the benefits are measurable and achievable.
• Serve as a liaison between team members and external stakeholders to maintain momentum of delivery.
• Deploy risk management techniques to ensure risks identified, evaluated, reported and that there are suitable plans in place to manage them.
• Support in the review of new and enhanced processes implemented against the ICR control framework and ensure alignment or work to develop new controls, if required.
• Manage the resolution of issues through the project team members and liaison with affected business areas. Define and gain agreement on the acceptance criteria which must be met before change can be implemented.
• Engage, influence, manage expectations and provide regular reporting to relevant stakeholders throughout the duration of delivery
• Undertake close down activities to ensure completion of all necessary tasks along with the relevant sign offs.
• Business Travel, as required
• Extended Hours during Peak Periods, as required

This role will be filled as either Operations Implementation Manager or Operations & Project Consultant. The hiring manager will determine the appropriate level based upon the selected applicant’s experience and skill set relative to the qualifications listed for this position.

Basic Qualifications:

Operations Implementation Manager:

• Bachelors Degree in Accounting or Finance and 6 or more years of experience in the Accounting and Finance area
  OR
• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 8 or more years of experience in the Accounting and Finance area
  OR
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 6 or more years of experience in the Accounting and Finance area
  AND
• Experience in Financial Accounting and Reporting, Project Management and Financial Business systems / integrations 

OR

Operations & Project Consultant:

• Bachelors Degree in Accounting or Finance and 7 or more years of experience in the Accounting and Finance area
  OR
• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 9 or more years of experience in the Accounting and Finance area
  OR
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree in the area and 7 or more years of experience in the Accounting and Finance area
  AND
• Experience in Financial Accounting and Reporting, Project Management and Financial Business systems / integrations 

Preferred Qualifications:

• 10 or more years of systems related experience related to one or more of the following areas: General ledger, financial reporting systems, Business Objects or other query tools
• CPA
• CPCU
• MBA
• Insurance industry experience
• Advanced knowledge of financial accounting and reporting
• Public accounting experience
• Project management experience
• General ledger or general accounting/operational experience
• Advanced Microsoft Office experience
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

At Zurich, compensation for roles is influenced by a variety of factors, including but not limited to the specific office location, role, skill set, and level of experience. In compliance with local laws, Zurich commits to providing a fair and reasonable compensation range for each role. For more information about our Total Rewards, please click here. Additional rewards may encompass short-term incentive bonuses and merit increases. We encourage candidates with salary expectations beyond the provided range to apply as they will be considered based on their experience, skills, and education. The combined salary range for this position is $94,100.00 - $203,700.00. The proposed salary range for the Operations Implementation Manager is $94,100.00 - $154,000.00, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 15%. The proposed salary range for the Operations & Project Consultant is $124,500.00 - $203,700.00, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 20%.

As an insurance company, Zurich is subject to 18 U.S. Code § 1033.

A future with Zurich. What can go right when you apply at Zurich?

Now is the time to move forward and make a difference. At Zurich, we want you to share your unique perspectives, experiences and ideas so we can grow and drive sustainable change together. As part of a leading global organization, Zurich North America has over 150 years of experience managing risk and supporting resilience. Today, Zurich North America is a leading provider of commercial property-casualty insurance solutions and a wide range of risk management products and services for businesses and individuals. We serve more than 25 industries, from agriculture to technology, and we insure 90% of the Fortune 500®. Our growth strategy is not limited to our business. As an employer, we strive to provide ongoing career development opportunities, and we foster an environment where voices are diverse, behaviors are inclusive, actions drive equity, and our people feel a sense of belonging. Be a part of the next evolution of the insurance industry. Join us in building a brighter future for our colleagues, our customers and the communities we serve. Zurich maintains a comprehensive employee benefits package for employees as well as eligible dependents and competitive compensation. Please click here to learn more.

Zurich in North America is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. 

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. 

Location(s): AM - Schaumburg
Remote Working: Hybrid
Schedule: Full Time
Employment Sponsorship Offered: No  
 
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