Senior Accountant - Payroll and Benefits

Summary: Reporting to the Director of Finance, this newly created position will play a key role in continuing to develop the depth and breadth of knowledge within the accounting function. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of payroll and benefits accounting and reporting, including but not limited to, preparing key calculations, journal entries, and reconciliations; handling stock compensation; completing tasks related to retirement benefit plans such as 401(k) plans and Employee Stock Option Plans (ESOP); preparing proxy statements; and ensuring compliance requirements are met.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Payroll and Benefit Plan Accounting: Perform detailed calculations and data reconciliations for payroll and various employee benefit plans, retirement plans including the 401(k) plan and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), and other post-employment benefits.
• Journal Entries and Reconciliations: Prepare journal entries and account reconciliations related to payroll and employee benefits.
• Stock Compensation: Manage and calculate stock compensation expenses in compliance with ASC 718, ensuring accurate reporting for financial statements.
• 401(k) and ESOP Audits: Lead the preparation of financial statements and other documentation for 401(k) and ESOP audits, ensuring accurate and timely submissions to auditors. Coordinate with plan administrators to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Compliance and Reporting: Ensure compliance with GAAP, ERISA, and other regulatory requirements as they pertain to payroll and employee benefits. Prepare and assist with internal and external reporting as needed.
• Proxy Statement Preparation: Lead the preparation and review of annual proxy statements, ensuring compliance with SEC regulations and accurate financial reporting related to executive compensation and benefits.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with internal resources as well as third-party vendors regarding Human Resources, Legal, and Tax matters to ensure accurate accounting and reporting for payroll and employee benefit transactions, including monitoring and implementing related changes in the accounting and regulatory environment.
• Process Improvement: Identify opportunities to improve and streamline payroll and benefits accounting and reporting processes.

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. CPA or other relevant certifications are a plus.
• 3 to 5 years of accounting experience, with a focus on payroll and employee benefits accounting (e.g., stock compensation, 401(k) audits, etc.).
• Experience working in a public company environment or with a public accounting firm.
• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Netsuite or similar platforms).
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, including ASC 718 (stock compensation).
• Experience with SEC filings, particularly proxy statements, is highly desirable.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to analyze complex financial data.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to work independently and drive results, with a commitment to continuous improvement and excellence.

Location: Fargo, North Dakota, or Remote (North Dakota or Minnesota), with occasional travel to Fargo, North Dakota.

Physical Requirements: The work environment is typical of an office setting, where the employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Nodak Insurance Company complies fully with all federal, state, and local employment laws and shall provide equal employment and advancement opportunities for all persons regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, the presence of any mental or physical disability, status with regard to public assistance or marriage, or any other category protected by local, state or federal law.