Accounting Operations Expert (Insurance) at Gratia (Illinois)Accounting Operations Expert (Insurance)

We are looking for a senior accountant and process optimization expert for a project-based engagement with one of the world's largest international Managing General Agents (MGAs). Working directly with the finance leadership team, you will step into a distributed U.S. accounting group to untangle complex reconciliations, modernize the month-end close, and introduce AI and automation to legacy workflows.

What the role is not

• Not pure staff augmentation. The team already has clerical and day-to-day execution resources. This role is about challenging how the work is done, not just turning the crank.
• Not basic bookkeeping. The cleanup work involves complex MGA accounting, historical catch-ups, and untangling legacy processes.
• Not order-taking. We do not need someone who waits for step-by-step instructions. You must be proactive in uncovering inefficiencies, questioning existing processes, and proposing solutions.

• Take ownership of the claims accounting area, executing complex catch-up work, resolving historical discrepancies, and establishing clean go-forward processes for premium trust and claims funding.
• Shadow the team through month-end close and day-to-day operations to map existing workflows, identify bottlenecks, and recommend efficiency improvements in how data flows between the MGA and carrier partners.
• Leverage advanced Excel, automation tools, and AI capabilities (such as Copilot Pro) to eliminate manual data entry and streamline cross-system reporting (e.g., high-volume bank reconciliations and bordereaux reporting).
• Act as a thought partner to finance leadership, providing technical accounting context while driving a culture of continuous improvement across teams in San Diego, Dallas, New York, and North Carolina.

• Deep experience in the insurance sector is required, with specific knowledge of MGA/delegated authority models, premium trust accounting, and carrier reporting being a massive advantage.
• Strong grasp of complex accounting frameworks (CPA/CA preferred) with the ability to untangle legacy reconciliation issues.
• Proven track record of optimizing finance and accounting workflows. Formal training (Lean Six Sigma) is a plus but not required.
• Highly proficient in Excel with a demonstrated ability to apply automation or AI tools to finance workflows.

Engagement details

• Start timing: Expected to kick off within the next month, ramping up as the team approaches year-end.
• Duration: Flexible initial length. Will start as project-based support with the potential to extend into a longer-term relationship based on performance.
• Location & hours: Remote. Must be onshore or fully capable of aligning with U.S. working hours, with a strong preference for West Coast hours.
• Capacity: full time (40h per week)