Financial Services Team Manager

For more than 85 years, American Family Insurance has built its reputation on sound principles. We strive to provide you industry-leading service, exceptional claims experience and products that build long-term relationships. This is accomplished by treating policyholders fairly in a helpful and caring way and making it easy and convenient to work with us. We know our customers like family.

Position Objective This position is responsible for the design, development and deployment of financial controls to ensure adequate and operational stability and accurate financial reporting. Works closely with the Shared Services Manager on the implementation of reconciliations and financial control points within the existing business processes. Reconciliation Activities (35%) * Works closely with the Shared Services Manager on the implementation of reconciliations and financial control points within the existing business processes. * Provides oversight of the development and implementation of uniform standards and guidelines within the B&A / RE Businesses for financial accounting, reporting and auditing in accordance with the General Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), the Professional Accounting Theory and Practice (GAAP) and the General Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS). * Performs financial oversight and controls of all cash management control activities including separation of duties within the businesses that includes daily cash reconciliations, vendor payments, disbursements, and receipts, etc. * Provides professional guidance in the interpretation and analysis of financial data. * Ensures proper financial documentation is maintained in a current manner and that all functional units within the organization are following the established guidelines and procedures. * Coordinates the communication and training efforts when financial business process changes occur and identify all interested parties (i.e. sales managers, sales staff, and support staff, etc.). * Assists in the planning, coordination and implementation of upgrades in collaboration with the technical leadership team and other functional and technical managers. Ensures that enhancements, upgrades and integration meet the requirements of financial reporting and controls. Service Center Team Management (30%) * Works collaboratively with other members of American Family to provide outstanding customer service. * Demonstrates a commitment to working with the staff from American Family to help solve problems, to participate in continuous improvement in processes and services, and implement functionality to meet business requirements. * Coordinates efforts related to data integrity and financial reporting. * Shares responsibility for resource allocation, including decisions to reassign staff if needed or share across the organization whenever necessary and feasible. * Develops and enhances skills of the team members in the area of quality improvement, team-building and problem-solving. Develops, practice and support team concepts and initiatives. Promote a positively charged network sharing environment both internally and externally. * Identifies emerging problems and works with individuals in rectifying problems. When needed, follows proper guidelines in working with Human Resources. * Plans, assigns and directs work assignments consistent with each employee's classification level and abilities to promote efficient achievement of the Service Center's goals. * Evaluates the work of employees supervised to ensure productivity standards are maintained. Conducts annual performance reviews. Operational/Financial Reporting Management (25%) * Manages the reconciliation activities for the unit. Develops strategic goals for the assigned work unit. May assist with the development of the budget for work unit. * Analyzes current financial systems to provide the information needed to make financial decisions; develop and implement improved systems. Coordinates improved systems for the collection and dissemination of financial information. * Works with Controller to write, evaluate and revise programs for B&A Refinancial statement reporting, monthly reconciliation of cash basis to accrual basis, control total checks and the departmental financial tracking systems. Designs and deploys an end-to-end reconciliation process to ensure ability to report and roll-up financial data. * Reviews and approves remittances for ensures; reviews and approval of transactions (e.g., review monthly accounts, determine vendor payments.) * Monitors the daily progression on all reconciliation activities and/or projects. * Develops and implements a cross training and back-up program for staff to promote knowledge sharing and effective account and vendor management. * Facilitates a collaborative working relationship among multiple functional teams and the work unit. * Analyzes, creates and champions financial, accounting and reporting controls and best practices. Oversees the creation and implementation of standard operating procedures. Develops and updates internal documentation for related processes. * Establishes and monitors a quality assurance program to ensure that customer and compliance needs are met. Ensures that quality control procedures are being followed by conducting periodic audits of ongoing work. * Ensures timely and accurate reporting of all financial transactions. Strategies Linked to the Division's Business Goals/Results (5%) * Establishes, communicates, and implements departmental plans, objectives, and strategies. * Participates as a member of the Management Team. * Maintains an active awareness of American Family's business environments, corporate culture, and structure to support key decision-making. Management/Leadership for Department or Unit (5%) * Manages direct reports, systems, and projects to achieve department/unit goals in accordance with Company policies and practices. * Prepares and analyzes department/unit plans and reports. * Provides leadership by exhibiting influence and expertise, thus affecting the results of the operating area. * Creates an effective work environment by developing a common vision, setting clear objectives, expecting teamwork, recognizing outstanding performance, and maintaining open communications. * Develops staff through coaching, providing performance feedback, providing effective performance assessments, and establishing performance & development plans.

Job Competencies * Achieve Results * Be Accountable * Lead Change * Lead Corp Vision & Strategy * Lead People * Maximize Customer Experience Specialized Knowledge and Skills Requirements * Basic knowledge and understanding of data processing principles. * Extensive knowledge and understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). * Solid knowledge and understanding of financial audits within a large and complex organization. * Solid knowledge and understanding of accounting reports and financial statements. * Solid knowledge and understanding of financial and business plan development and budget management. Preferred Knowledge and Skills Requirements * Basic knowledge and understanding of principles of six sigma process improvement, end-to-end process mapping, etc. * Solid knowledge and understanding of project management techniques and systems analysis techniques as applied to financial systems. * Demonstrated experience performing financial audits in a large organization. * Solid knowledge and understanding of cost benefit analysis and feasibility study techniques. * Solid knowledge and understanding of Financial Applications (such as PeopleSoft). * Basic knowledge and understanding of workflow management practices. * Solid knowledge and understanding of statistical report preparation.