Accounting Specialist

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan•Lansing, MI

13d

About The Position

This role serves as a key resource and the most senior position in its job family. It creates and maintains accurate, compliant financial records for the Enterprise through journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial reports. The position interacts with internal and external customers and vendors, including policyholders, claimants, banking institutions, and agents. The role reviews and prepares accounting transactions, monitors loss-sensitive business, reconciles complex general ledger accounts, and supports disbursements, financial schedules, tax filings, and audits. It also responds to customer requests, maintains data in ancillary systems, protects confidential information, and identifies opportunities to improve efficiency. Work is performed in an office setting with no unusual hazards.

Requirements

Minimum of an associate degree in Accounting with at least 30 credit hours of Accounting coursework; relevant education and work experience may be considered in lieu of the degree and credit hours.
Either at least five years of experience in accounts receivable, general ledgers, and financial reporting systems, or equivalent work providing the necessary skills, knowledge, and abilities; alternatively, a bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance and two years of such experience.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet established deadlines.
Thorough knowledge of general accounting and bookkeeping methods, including journal entries, general ledger accounts, cost center structures, budgets, and basic financial statements.
Knowledge of insurance operations.
Ability to proofread documents for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and format accuracy.
Ability to exchange information clearly and concisely, present ideas and facts, and respond appropriately to questions.
Ability to analyze accounting data and reports and make efficient, effective independent decisions within authority.
Ability to apply independent analytical thinking to define problems, establish facts, and communicate valid conclusions.
Excellent math skills and ability to use a ten-key adding machine.
Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize work.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Advanced knowledge of spreadsheet software.
Knowledge of computers and word-processing applications.
Basic knowledge of database software.
Ability to enter alphanumeric data accurately.
Effective analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to use diplomacy, discretion, and appropriate judgment when addressing callers.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business.
Experience with multiple-entity accounting.
Insurance-related coursework.
Two years of prior experience as an Accounting Operations Analyst II.

Responsibilities

Review general ledger entries and electronic banking transactions for accuracy; work with staff and propose correcting entries as needed.
Prepare standard monthly and quarterly journal entries from transaction-processing system reports, including entries for written and unearned premiums, paid losses, reserves, commissions, taxes, and banking transactions.
Monitor loss-sensitive business, including recording monthly premium and loss transactions, invoicing and collecting premiums and losses, calculating retrospective premium adjustments, and tracking collateral and aggregates.
Reconcile complex general ledger accounts and propose or make independent general ledger entries when necessary.
Request disbursement issuance for premiums, collateral and claims refunds, fraudulent check claims, regulatory filings, and commission calculations.
Compile and maintain Enterprise financial schedules and reports, including regulatory, external, and tax compliance materials.
Assist in preparing routine tax schedules and returns for all entities.
Complete ad hoc requests from internal and external customers through system analysis and review, including error resolution, system support, and financial statement support.
Support internal and external audits of financial and regulatory reports and filings by providing requested schedules and supporting information.
Propose efficiency opportunities or recommend improvements.
Prepare, maintain, and verify data accuracy in ancillary systems.
Respond to internal and external customer requests by telephone or written correspondence, drafting correspondence as needed to address complaints or information requests.
Maintain confidentiality of processed information.