Operational Finance Accountant (Billing and Collection) - Parktown at PPS

Job Advert Summary    
A member of the PPS Life Insurance Operations Finance team reporting to the Team Manager Operational Finance. This role will be responsible for billing and collection of PPS members premiums and management reporting including day to day reviewing and processing.

A higher level of technical understanding is involved for this role. 

Duties include checking accounting records for accuracy, reconciliations and maintaining a system for organizing company documents.

Minimum Requirements    
Education: 

• Bahcelor of Commerce: Accountancy degree is a requirement.

Experience:

• 5-8 years’ experience within a financial services environment, preferably in the Insurance Industry advantage.
• Strong reconciliation experience is required. 
• Experience in the use of Microsoft Office applications (Word and Excel etc) 
• Proficient in MS Office - Advanced Excel.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of accounting and financial principles.
• Time management skills.
• General knowledge of insurance legislation/rules advantage.
• Exposure in dealing with members, brokers, and advisors an advantage.
• IT Skill: Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office Package at a Moderate level.
• Strong sense of commitment to the organization’s goals and values.
• Good business sense.
• Time management skills essential 

Competencies:

• Analytical and be able to make prudent business decisions.
• Flexible and adaptable in changing and challenging circumstances.
• Fast learner with the ability to rapidly assimilate and utilize new information and skills.
• Willing to work weekends if collection files are to be submitted next business day.
• High level of accuracy and be able to operate efficiently under pressure.
• Attention to detail.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be self-motivated.
• Be a team player and take responsibility for own development initiative.

Duties and Responsibilities 

Accounting:

• Reconciling bank statements, pacs system and billings reports.
• Prepare daily / month end journal files.
• Prepare monthly reconciliations.
• Month end reporting.
• Conduct reconciliation of all accounts on an as needed basis

Operational Process :

• Quality Assurance of documentation and assisting with processing billings and collections accurately and timeously.
• Reviewing and authorising of collection files and ensuring timeous submission to the bank.
• Preparation premium refunds and cancellation refunds.
• Liaising with internal stakeholders to ensure most up to date banking details are linked to the premium paying account.
• Liaising with IT where required to rectify Billings systems issues.
• Managing and investigating Billings exceptions and Current account credit balances.
• Resolution to internal and external request within Service level agreement.
• Providing support and assistance to team members.
• Maintaining high level of Management and Executive Escalations 

Stakeholder management:

• Provide support to the broader Life Operations teams.
• Establish, maintain, and build relationships with key stakeholders.
• Liaison function with internal and external department.
• Assist with year-end requirements and audit queries.

Additional Accountabilities:

• Respond to queries and investigations within agreed SLA.
• Adherence to process control and service levels agreements.
• Performing other duties assigned from time to time by the manager.