Senior Accountant - Payroll (Remote possible)

Who We Are

Join a team that puts its People First! Since 1889, First American (NYSE: FAF) has held an unwavering belief in its people. They are passionate about what they do, and we are equally passionate about fostering an environment where all feel welcome, supported, and empowered to be innovative and reach their full potential. Our inclusive, people-first culture has earned our company numerous accolades, including being named to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for ten consecutive years. We have also earned awards as a best place to work for women, diversity and LGBTQ+ employees, and have been included on more than 50 regional best places to work lists. First American will always strive to be a great place to work, for all. For more information, please visit www.careers.firstam.com.

What We Do

Come work with us! - We were named to the FORTUNE "100 Best Companies to Work For®" list for six years in a row!

We need someone who understands the ‘big picture impact' of the payroll accounting process. Conducting insightful assessments of the internal and external business landscape with an awareness of financial impact will be an important part of your job.  You will review and approve highly complex account reconciliations and ensure they accurately reflect the account’s balance.  You will actively pursue process improvements and identify what success looks like to the customer. Your on-going partnerships with customers will lead to continuously improving service levels.

We are looking for someone who thrives in a dynamic, established company and enjoys the challenges of understanding business needs and acting on them. Someone with a strong technical background in accounting principles and practices to provide accounting support and guidance to our operating divisions. We want a hands-on strategic individual who works independently as well as in a highly collaborative team environment. Your job duties will include:

• Partnership with other departments in resolving issues and streamlining the accounting process.
• Perform complex accounting activities to maintain the integrity of the general ledger. This includes researching, as necessary, new pronouncements for reporting.  Review and identify trends or issues and the related sources to make recommendations for change.
• Prepares journal entries, reconciles general ledger accounts, and performs monthly and quarterly fluctuation analyses.
• Prepare monthly and quarterly reporting schedules for SEC filings.
• Interface and assists with internal and external audit.
• Participates in special projects including process improvement initiatives.
• Plays key role in monthly and quarterly close process.
• Perform account analysis to assist with ensuring accurate financial reporting.
• Perform high level review of account balances.
• Ability to demonstrate critical thinking by calling out assumptions and identifying root cause.
• Identify errors and risks that could have a financial impact on the company’s financial statements in accordance with company policies, US GAAP and in compliance with Sarbanes Oxley.
• Communicate with multiple levels in the organization and escalate issues to appropriate management.
• Partner with Training or subject matter experts to develop desktop procedures and training materials
• Prepares and analyzes monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports; ensures financial information has been recorded accurately.
• Prepares integrated revenue/expense analyses.

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related study, MBA preferred but not required
• CPA preferred but not required
• 4+ years of experience in the field or in a related area
• Prefer 2+ years of experience working with non-domestic based accounting teams
• Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field
• Organizing, planning, and prioritizing work -- Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Excellent analytical, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Advanced knowledge in the interpretation and application of accounting principles and practices under US GAAP.  Knowledge of IFRS a plus.
• Proficient in MS Office.  Strong Excel skills required.  Ability to work proficiently with large data files.
• Large ERP Software experience, Oracle preferred.
• Hyperion experience preferred.
• Critical Thinking -- Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Complex Problem Solving -- Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Judgment and Decision Making -- Consider the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

What We Offer

By choice, we don’t simply accept individuality – we embrace it, we support it, and we thrive on it! Our People First Culture celebrates diversity, equity and inclusion not simply because it’s the right thing to do, but also because it’s the key to our success. We are proud to foster an authentic and inclusive workplace For All. You are free and encouraged to bring your entire, unique self to work. First American is an equal opportunity employer in every sense of the term.

Based on eligibility, First American offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401k, PTO/paid sick leave and other great benefits like an employee stock purchase plan.