Description
We are seeking a Direct Bill Specialist in Charlotte, NC with a hybrid work schedule. The Direct Bill Specialist will provide day-to-day Direct Bill processing and reconciliation support, principally for Howden US, with a focus on Health & Benefits and Private Client portfolios.
Operational Responsibilities
- Collect carrier and vendor statements and complete timely, accurate processing and reconciliation within agreed timelines, escalating exceptions where required.
- Reconcile carrier commission statements to agency management system records and ensure commissions are posted and applied to the correct policy and client accounts.
- Investigate and resolve billing, commission, and reconciliation discrepancies in partnership with carriers and internal stakeholders.
- Monitor Direct Bill aging, outstanding balances, and unapplied cash, following through with carriers and internal teams to resolve past-due or at-risk items.
- Maintain carrier portal access and credentials and download statements on schedule to support reconciliation, month-end processing, and reporting requirements.
- Coordinate and steer prioritization with offshore reconciliation partners and operations teams to ensure timely issue resolution.
- Respond to business and customer requirements with agility, professionalism, and sound judgment, while upholding the highest ethical standards in all interactions.
Reporting & Projects
- Maintain accurate, up-to-date system records and support Direct Bill accounting operations, KPI reporting, and management information.
- Use data-driven insights to prioritize aging and reconciliation activity, identify escalation needs, and communicate risks and progress clearly.
- Support assigned initiatives and actively contribute to cross-functional process improvement projects.
- Perform and validate account reconciliations with carriers, markets, and clients, ensuring issues are identified, investigated, and resolved efficiently and accurately.
- Respond to Direct Bill and account-related inquiries promptly and in line with defined service standards.
Compliance, Governance & Market Awareness
- Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and all applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
- Stay informed of relevant legal, regulatory, and market changes affecting the role and the business.
Qualifications:
- In-depth understanding of the Direct Bill lifecycle, including carrier and vendor statement collection, reconciliation, commission posting, aging management, and unapplied cash resolution within an agency management system; hands-on Applied Epic tactical experience is highly desirable.
- 2+ years of experience in Direct Bill, insurance accounting, commission reconciliation, or comparable accounting operations, preferably within an agency environment.
- Experience collaborating with offshore or cross-functional partners is a plus.
- Results-oriented professional with the ability to execute independently, manage Direct Bill and accounting processes accurately, and deliver high-quality outcomes in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret, manipulate, and draw insights from financial and operational data to identify trends, risks, and solutions.
- Solution-oriented mindset, capable of prioritizing tasks, resolving issues efficiently, and escalating appropriately when needed.
- Proven ability to interpret, implement, and consistently enforce policies, procedures, internal controls, and governance requirements.
- Clear, confident verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to translate data into actionable insights and influence outcomes.
- Collaborative team player and role model, contributing positively across functions and supporting shared objectives.
- Self-motivated with a proactive approach to learning and continuous improvement.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Compensation and Benefits
- The expected base salary range for this role is $80,000 - $100,000; actual base salary will be determined based on factors including candidate experience and work location.
- In addition to a competitive base salary, employees are eligible to receive a discretionary bonus.
- Howden also offers a variety of benefits and programs, subject to eligibility, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance, including healthcare savings and reimbursement accounts
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Flexible Paid Time Off and paid parental leave
- Life and Disability insurance