Direct Bill Specialist

About the role

Howden, a global insurance group, is hiring a Direct Bill Specialist in Charlotte, NC with a hybrid work schedule. The role provides day-to-day Direct Bill processing and reconciliation support mainly for Howden US, focusing on Health & Benefits and Private Client portfolios. Carrier and vendor statements are collected, reconciled and processed accurately and on time, billing and commission discrepancies are investigated, aging and unapplied cash are monitored, and records are kept complete and accurate in the agency management system.

Key responsibilities

• Collect carrier and vendor statements and process and reconcile them accurately and on time, escalating exceptions where required.
• Reconcile carrier commission statements to agency records so commissions are posted to the correct policy and client accounts.
• Investigate and resolve billing, commission and reconciliation discrepancies with carriers and internal stakeholders.
• Monitor Direct Bill aging, outstanding balances and unapplied cash and follow up with carriers and internal teams on past-due or at-risk items.
• Maintain carrier portal access and download statements on schedule, and coordinate with offshore reconciliation partners and operations teams.
• Support Direct Bill accounting operations, KPI reporting and management information, and perform and validate account reconciliations.
• Respond to Direct Bill and account inquiries promptly and support cross-functional process improvement projects.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures and legal and regulatory requirements, and stay informed of relevant changes.

Required profile

• 2+ years of experience in Direct Bill, insurance accounting, commission reconciliation or comparable accounting operations, preferably in an agency environment.
• Deep understanding of the Direct Bill lifecycle, including statement collection, reconciliation, commission posting, aging management and unapplied cash resolution within an agency management system; hands-on Applied Epic experience is highly desirable.
• Ability to work independently, analyse financial and operational data, and escalate issues appropriately.
• Proven ability to enforce policies, procedures and internal controls, and clear verbal and written communication.

Required skills

• Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Applied Epic (highly desirable).

What we offer

• Expected base salary of $80,000 - $100,000, depending on experience and location; the role is FLSA-exempt and eligible for a discretionary bonus.
• 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.
• Reasonable adjustments, including flexible hours or hybrid working where possible.