Accounting Specialist

What You Can Expect In This Role

Perform Treasury functions, handling financial documents and premium applications via several portals for various platforms and methodologies. Responsible for accurately exporting information into general ledger uploads for daily balancing of all monies received as well as researching, balancing, premium application and depositing all incoming money. Interact with all applicable departments related to these treasury functions with a professional, positive work demeanor that aligns with the Sammons Financial Group Companies (Sammons Financial Group) culture and values.

• Process all incoming money using multiple business systems to research and apply premium and loan payments.
• Batch and balance checks with premium batches and prepare for deposit.
• Handle, retain and maintain all checks that come in for other departments; provide copies to those departments; organize and follow up on all checks retained.
• Research, reconcile and address any rejected automatic premium application correctly.
• Maintain full cross train knowledge and be able to readily apply each processing for Life and Annuity business.
• Research, reconcile and post list bill payments through accounting screens and general ledger uploads.
• Handle rejected lockbox money by reconciling, researching and updating the policy through accounting transaction screens.
• Deposit any annuity payments received and provide supporting documentation to Annuity Cash Control.
• Balance the cash entered to policy suspense to the deposit spreadsheet for all companies each day; run macros and upload them to the general ledger; work with General Accounting to clear out of balance transactions if needed.
• Research and assist internal and external customers concerning incoming money received for all companies and all business systems.
• Reconcile, research and apply money to policies that are received as wires for Civil Service Allotment (CSA), government allotment, individual policy holders, Automated Clearing House (ACH) and electronic files; handle any returns with Cash Administration team.
• Reconcile clearing accounts daily for any outstanding items that are out of balance. Research and make adjusting entry to clear the out of balance.
• Adhere to all controls as set by management and company standards.
• Responsible for accessing Wells Fargo and Bank of New York bank sites to pull deposit information and check images.
• Receive, enter and distribute returned check items to assure that premium is reversed and the appropriate journal entries to the general ledger are made.
• Enter cash equivalents into Anti-Money Laundering (AML) portal for tracking of any potential fraudulent activity.
• Process rejected checks and return them to clients on a daily basis for each company; ensure a copy goes to the policy file.
• Communicate effectively and positively with areas throughout Corporate Accounting and the organization. Make phone calls to customers or agents regarding larger payments that are not identifiable.
• Fulfill Friday afternoon on-call function, as necessary, to accomplish transaction administration per U.S. Securities and Exchange (SEC) regulatory guidelines, by identifying security wires received through UMB and Wells Fargo and communicate the same to the securities administration team for processing.
• Assist in pulling information for internal and external audits.
• Promote teamwork by supporting team members and sharing knowledge; shadow Company values and professionalism with the understanding that this role is a representation of the Corporate Accounting division.
• Assist management with determining and implementing efficient workflow methods.
• Commitment to embrace Sammons Financial Group Companies shared values (Accountability, Connection, Openness, Respect and Integrity).
• As stated within the Company Attendance and Punctuality policy, regular attendance is required and expected in order to meet the business service levels and workflow demands.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Associate's Degree in Accounting Preferred
• 1-3 years' relevant work experience in accounting, banking or insurance industry Preferred
• Strong mathematical ability and bookkeeping skills
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Suite Excel, Outlook and Word
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• High level of accuracy and detail oriented with excellent organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to exercise good judgment and tact; strong problem solving skills
• Strong people skills
• Proven ability to work efficiently and independently
• Ability to adapt to frequent change
• Demonstrated collaborative team skills within and outside of Corporate Accounting

• Due to the financial nature and level of accountability of this position, a credit and criminal background check is required - The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires Sammons Financial Group Companies to notify you that, as a routine part of processing this application for employment, Sammons Financial…