Finance & Accounting Analyst

West Des Moines, IA 50266

• Position Type: Full Time

JOB PURPOSE

The Senior Finance & Accounting Analyst position pairs core accounting and financial analysis with AI, automation, and data analytics. This role contributes to building stronger controls, more efficient processes, and a more agile finance and accounting team. The position will have exposure to strategic priorities, system implementations, and process improvement initiatives, with the opportunity to shape processes and technology adoption. This role will interact with leaders at all levels across the organization as well as outside consultants and professionals.

CORE WORK RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial & Accounting Analytics & Analysis

• Analyzes financial and operational data to identify trends, anomalies, risks, and opportunities, bringing insights to leadership.
• Supports budgeting, forecasting, and strategic financial planning initiatives across the organization including cost and allocation studies.
• Performs ad hoc financial modeling and business analysis to support organizational decision-making.
• Utilizes technology, including AI-enabled tools, to analyze, model, and visualize financial and operational data.
• Builds and maintains reports, models, and analytical tools that improve business insight and decision speed.
• Assists with monthly close, financial reporting, account reconciliations, and variance analysis.

Technology, Automation, & Process Improvement

• Supports evaluation, implementation, and post-go-live administration of accounting and finance systems, partnering with IT and outside consultants/vendors, as needed.
• Identifies and implements opportunities to improve workflows, controls, reporting accuracy, and operational efficiency across accounting and finance.
• Leverages AI tools, automation platforms, and data analytics solutions to streamline accounting and finance processes, and shares that knowledge with colleagues to build department capabilities.

Strategic Support

• Partners with leadership on special projects, operational initiatives, and strategic analysis.
• Participates in due diligence, integration support, and process scaling initiatives as the Company grows and evolves.

Qualifications

REQUIRED:
• Bachelor's degree in Business with an emphasis in Accounting or Finance, or equivalent work experience.
• 3+ years of progressive experience in public accounting (audit or consulting) and/or corporate accounting or finance.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel; working knowledge of other Microsoft Office Suite applications.

PREFERRED:
• Master's degree or CPA.
• Insurance industry experience, including knowledge of Statutory Accounting principles and insurance financial metrics (e.g., loss ratios, combined ratios, and underwriting performance).
• Experience with financial modeling, process automation, and AI tools, including exposure to financial or ERP system implementations and upgrades.
• Familiarity with internal control frameworks (e.g., COSO) and SOX/MAR documentation standards.

Benefits at Merchants

At Merchants, we value balancing the needs of our associates and their families. We offer a wide range of benefits designed to help achieve a healthy work-life balance and support personal and professional growth. In addition to competitive pay, bonus programs, and generous paid-time off, here are a few stand-out benefits:

• Flexible hybrid and remote opportunities with 37.5 hour work week
• Free health insurance option
• Paid volunteer time off with matching gift program
• Infants in the Workplace Program with family resources
• Discover more at: https://www.merchantsbonding.com/careers#Benefits

About Merchants

For nearly a century, Merchants Bonding Company has focused almost exclusively on surety, delivering common sense underwriting and first-class experiences to agents, accounts, and associates across the country. Merchants stands apart from multi-line carriers by offering deep surety expertise, a flexible approach, and strong financials that instill confidence and foster lasting partnerships.

Our people-first culture is built on collaboration, inclusion, and shared success. We’re committed to helping associates grow through real opportunities for advancement, while supporting a sense of belonging.

If you're looking to join a company that values your unique perspective, encourages new ideas, and invests in your development, apply today!