Director, Premium Audit Operations

Encova Insurance•Columbus, OH

1d•$108,812 - $174,099•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, Premium Audit Operations is responsible for leading the Premium Audit function and ensuring audit operations are executed effectively, consistently and in alignment with Commercial Lines and enterprise objectives. The position provides operational direction for Premium Audit associates by overseeing work that improves quality, productivity, service and efficiency; supporting the development and application of technical competencies within the commercial lines Premium Audit function; and delivering services that support business team goals and competitive marketplace expectations. This position directly manages a team of field, mail and phone auditors and oversees the effective use of external premium audit vendors. The Director provides direction to associates responsible for ensuring vendor work is completed in accordance with company guidelines. Associates may work in one of Encova’s offices and/or remotely and conduct audits on commercial lines policies, including general liability, auto/equipment dealer, composite rated auto and workers’ compensation including large complex workers’ compensation accounts with loss sensitive programs. This position establishes and monitors production, service and quality standards for each audit method and develops goals, tactics and individual associate objectives that support Commercial Lines and company initiatives. The Director coaches, trains and mentors associates regarding performance standards and technical aspects specific to premium audit; analyzes quantitative and qualitative business indicators; recommends and implements continuous improvements; and makes technical and operational decisions in accordance with corporate goals and management direction.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration or related field is preferred; commensurate experience may be considered.
Professional insurance designations relevant to area of expertise desired.
Minimum of two years of management experience preferred.
Demonstrated ability to lead operational teams, manage performance standards, influence cross-functional stakeholders and drive continuous improvement initiatives preferred.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in insurance premium audit practices, systems, and workflow procedures preferred.
Working knowledge of ISO, NCCI, PCRB/DCRB, Independent state, company, and statutory audit requirements.
Experience in NCCI/Independent state workers’ compensation classification and regulatory systems from an underwriting or premium audit functional perspective preferred.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for use in internal team interaction and in collaboration with other business units for information gathering, reporting results, training, etc.
Strong customer service orientation with ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Excellent analytical, research, documentation and writing skills.
Effective decision-making and problem-solving skills.
Ability to organize work and manage multiple projects with minimal direction.
Ability to analyze strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches, and to implement solutions and/or make improvements.
Ability to read and interpret financial statements.
Demonstrates a strong understanding of business ethics.
Intermediate to advanced PC skills required, including auditing software, Microsoft Word and Excel.

Responsibilities

Effectively communicate premium audit decisions to agents and insureds.
Coach, mentor and motivate staff, including remote associates, and perform necessary staff management functions to meet production goals and ensure compliance and performance standards are achieved.
Conduct in-person visits or regular phone/video contacts with staff, as appropriate, to assure adherence to company practices and monitor job knowledge and technical proficiency.
Review performance and quality measures on all auditors to ensure they meet the established standards. Assure quality audits through review of audit worksheets and quality control programs.
Implement premium audit strategies, policies, workflows, processes and standards; ensure effective utilization by staff and vendors.
Develop or coordinate training materials and provide training as needed to strengthen technical capabilities and operational consistency.
Provide direction and technical guidance to auditors on complex audits and escalated premium audit matters.
Analyze premium audit issues in support of varied lines of business and partner with underwriting management to resolve audit-related concerns.
Responsible for performance management, approving time sheets and expense accounts.
Provide management information as necessary and utilize resources in a cost-effective manner.
Review and resolve audit disputes in accordance with regulatory and company guidelines.
Handle complex premium audits and escalated audit reviews as necessary.
Contribute to the development and implementation of premium audit strategic direction, best practices and business plan objectives.
Provide premium audit expertise to business unit leaders and other stakeholders regarding policy, strategies and tactics, technical disciplines, service development, processes and workflows, automation, business rules, regulatory compliance and market conduct matters.
Provide technical consultation in areas of expertise and serve as a subject matter resource for premium audit operations.
Participate in the development and application of models and methodologies to optimize the types of premium audits performed and support an efficient, profitable and competitive market approach.
Support tactical product and service development initiatives based on trend monitoring, stakeholder feedback and review of marketplace competitors.
Present to and train internal and external stakeholders on premium audit service requirements and associated processes, based on a solid understanding of the impact to functional disciplines; develop appropriate supporting materials.
Investigate compliance and regulatory issues and recommend appropriate business solutions.
Participate in the budgetary planning process and manage assigned department resources within budget.
Other duties as assigned.