Financial Project Accountant

Position Overview

This position will perform professional accounting work involving compilation, consolidation, and analysis of accounting and finance information. The incumbent will apply accounting techniques and standard practices to the classification and recording of financial transactions. This role will be responsible for the accounting of internally developed software and cloud computing arrangements in accordance with ASC 350. The incumbent will also perform the month end capitalization process and reporting.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the review and capitalization of costs for internally developed software and cloud computing arrangements and related quarterly close activities, including meeting with business contacts to gather information, evaluating costs to be capitalized, preparing journal entries and providing ongoing analysis
• Prepare journal entries and reconciliations in assigned areas such as internally developed software, cloud computing arrangements, etc. for month-end close
• Document processes and templates to improve efficiency and effectiveness
• Assist in performing, documenting, and monitoring effectiveness of internal controls related to compliance with Model Audit Rules (MAR) as well as support any external audit requests, including ad hoc requests from the internal tax area
• Provide training and educational sessions to the Project and Portfolio areas on the criteria, opportunities, and benefits on capitalization of Internally Developed Software Projects
• Collaborate with different functional teams to provide training and continue to develop and improve accounting processes
• Prepare and review monthly and quarterly financial schedules (EPIC and project forecast)
• Perform independent technical accounting research and document conclusions in memoranda
• Coordinate with other departments, locations, divisions, and/or outside agencies to resolve problems
• Communicate with Management at Highmark, subsidiaries, affiliates, and other third parties regarding project status and completion deadlines
• Advise management of expected outcomes and recommend ways to improve outcomes
• Conduct presentations to all levels of management to summarize analysis regarding financial results and trends
• Perform financial and business-related analysis, including evaluating and interpreting financial and statistical data
• Develop and/or document business policies, conduct special financial and business-related studies, and cooperate with other departments in preparation of analyses
• Conduct research and analysis including the preparation of forecasts and/or analysis of trends
• Provide reasoning for variances and make recommendations related to the accounting of reserves, assets, and expenditures
• Facilitate analysis and reporting
• Develop and maintain spreadsheets and databases
• Utilize PC and/or mainframe-based systems and software to compile and prepare reports, graphs, and charts
• Serve as a project lead for implementation rollouts or special projects within the department
• Lead and document financial analysis projects including the preparation of ad hoc reports; gathering data, analyzing, documenting findings, calculating results, and generating distribution reports
• Coordinate activities to ensure projects advance properly and are completed within established timeframes, including communication with Management at Highmark, subsidiaries, affiliates, and other third parties
• Make recommendations based on findings when necessary
• Perform other duties as assigned or requested

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance, or relevant experience and/or education as determined by the company in lieu of a bachelor's degree
• 3-5 years’ relevant, progressive experience in accounting

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) - Non-Specific
• 3 years’ public accounting experience
• Previous experience with large financial implementations including gathering, designing, testing, and rollout
• Accounting knowledge for creating various journal entries around the capitalization of software, as well as revenue and expense journal entries
• Knowledge of accrual accounting, query applications, and report writing software (e.g., OTBI, Power BI)
• Experience with U.S. GAAP and internal controls
• Familiarity with Oracle Cloud Fusion or similar ERP systems
• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills