Accounting Specialist

Accounting Consultant - 87FA5E
We're determined to make a difference and are proud to be an insurance company that goes well beyond coverages and policies. Working here means having every opportunity to achieve your goals - and to help others accomplish theirs, too. Join our team as we help shape the future.

Hartford Funds has an opening for a dynamic Accounting Specialist who will play a key role in sustaining and evolving the accounting function. This individual will be responsible for maintaining effective close processes, enhancing reporting capabilities, and continually identifying opportunities to further improve efficiency and scalability through the thoughtful use of technology, automation, and data analytics.

This role is well-suited for an accounting professional who enjoys combining strong technical accounting skills with a curiosity for how technology and automation can improve traditional finance processes. The Accounting Specialist will partner closely with Finance leadership, business stakeholders, and external auditors to support the continued success of the department and the organization.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare, analyze, and present financial and operational results and trends for Accounting and Finance leadership, including clear variance analysis and articulation of key drivers
• Oversee disciplined close, reconciliation, and reporting processes while continuously refining workflows to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and scalability through technology and automation
• Partner closely with internal business stakeholders to exchange insights related to financial performance, business activity, and decision-making
• Support monthly, quarterly, and annual regulatory reporting requirements, ensuring ongoing compliance with applicable standards and regulations
• Coordinate audit activities by working collaboratively with external auditors and internal partners, maintaining strong documentation of accounting processes and control procedures
• Perform ad-hoc financial analysis and research to support management decisions and strategic initiatives
• Evaluate emerging tools, system capabilities, and analytical approaches to enhance how accounting information is prepared, reviewed, and communicated
• Identify risks and opportunities within existing processes and recommend practical, scalable improvements that support long-term sustainability
• Contribute to a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement across the accounting team

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required; CPA preferred
• 4-7 years of progressive accounting experience; public accounting experience a plus
• Strong understanding of entity-level accounting, including general ledger, balance sheet, and income statement components
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills required (e.g., XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables), with the ability to learn and apply new tools and technologies as needed
• Proven ability to build strong working relationships and confidently engage with internal stakeholders to obtain and exchange information supporting accurate financial reporting and informed decision-making
• Demonstrated analytical capability, including experience working with large data sets to identify trends, issues, and opportunities
• Experience enhancing accounting or reporting processes through technology, automation, or improved use of existing systems and tools
• Exposure to data visualization, reporting, or analytics tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, Alteryx, or similar) preferred
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate financial results and insights to all levels of management
• Results-oriented, accountable, and adaptable, with the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment both independently and as part of a team
• Basic understanding of investment management or financial services industry concepts preferred
• Willingness to challenge the status quo and bring forward thoughtful, well-supported improvement ideas