Financial Analyst II - Financial Planning & Analysis at protective

The work we do has an impact on millions of lives, and you can be a part of it. We help protect our customers against life’s uncertainties. Regardless of where you work within the company, you’ll be helping provide protection and peace of mind when our customers need it most. At Protective, the Financial Analyst II on our Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) team plays a key role in driving clear, accurate, and actionable financial insights across the organization. This position focuses on expense management, reporting, and analysis that support multiple business divisions, including Protection, Retirement, and Acquisitions. This role is a hybrid/in-person role reporting to our Birmingham, AL office. In this role, you will work with complex data sets and translate financial activity into meaningful, easy-to-understand analysis for leaders. The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented accounting or finance professional who thrives in a deadline-driven environment and enjoys recurring monthly and quarterly cycles, while continuously improving processes and reporting along the way. You will partner closely with FP&A, Accounting, and business leaders to ensure expenses are accurately captured, allocated, and explained—supporting better operational and strategic decision-making at Protective. Key Responsibilities • Maintain, calculate, and execute monthly expense allocations. • Conduct expense reviews to identify unusual variances and determine root causes. • Prepare and present expense variance reports with clear analysis and commentary. • Complete calculations of deferred acquisition costs (DAC). • Produce unit cost reporting and provide insights that support operational decisions. • Prepare journal entries with complete and accurate supporting documentation. • Complete account reconciliations and ensure compliance with internal controls. • Partner with FP&A, Accounting, and business leaders to resolve discrepancies and enhance reporting accuracy. • Support annual budgeting and recurring forecasting cycles using Systems Applications and Products in Data Processing (SAP), Microsoft Excel, and Anaplan. • Contribute to additional FP&A analyses, reporting enhancements, and process improvement initiatives. Skills, Abilities, & Knowledge Required • Advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency, including complex formulas, pivot tables and data analysis. • Strong analytical and critical‑thinking skills with the ability to work with large and complex data sets. • Knowledge of accounting principles, financial statements, expense classifications, and internal control practices. • Ability to identify root causes behind financial variances and clearly explain trends. • Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in recurring monthly and quarterly cycles. • Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross‑functional teams. • Strong communication skills with the ability to translate financial information for non‑financial audiences. • Continuous improvement mindset with an interest in enhancing processes, spreadsheets, and reporting tools. • Understanding of expense allocation methodologies and cost analysis is a plus. Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field. • Minimum 2 years of relevant accounting, finance, or FP&A experience. • Advanced Excel proficiency. • Experience with SAP or similar general ledger/ERP systems; Anaplan experience is a plus. • Strong attention to detail and accuracy. • Effective interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work across teams. #LI-AP1 Employee Benefits:   We aim to protect the wellbeing of our employees and their families with a broad benefits offering. In addition to offering comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance, we support emotional wellbeing through mental health benefits and an employee assistance program. Work/life balance is important and Protective offers a variety of paid time away benefits (e.g., paid time off, paid parental leave, short-term disability, and a cultural observance day). The financial health of our employees is just as important as physical and emotional health.  Some of the financial wellbeing benefits include contributions to healthcare accounts, a pension plan, and a 401(k) plan with Company matching. All employees are encouraged to protect their overall wellbeing by engaging in ProHealth Rewards, Protective’s platform to improve wellbeing while earning cash rewards.    Eligibility for certain benefits may vary by position in accordance with the terms of the Company’s benefit plans. Accommodations for Applicants with a Disability: If you require an accommodation to complete the application and recruitment process due to a disability, please email [Upgrade to PRO to see contact]. This information will be held in confidence and used only to determine an appropriate accommodation for the application and recruitment process. Please note that the above email is solely for individuals with disabilities requesting an accommodation.  General employment questions should not be sent through this process. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to being inclusive and attracting, retaining, and growing an inclusive workforce.