Senior Accountant

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey•Newark, NJ

3d•$50,274 - $66,852

About The Position

This position is responsible for the billing of Minimum Premium and Cost Plus groups on a daily, weekly and monthly basis, as well as all the accounting associated with the posting of payments and maintenance of related General Ledger input. This position is also responsible fro preparing invoices and using pc-based software such as spreadsheets and /or databases to research and compile data Responsible for timely preparation, analysis, completion and mailing of Minimum Premium and Self Insured invoices, including compilation of claims and traditional bills with contract counts on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. Maintains accurate accounting sub ledgers for the tracking of advance deposits, receivables, contingent receivables, claims, retention, broker commission, interest charges, high level pooling charges and related billing accounts. Implements Plan collection procedures including the preparation of delinquent notices; arranges group suspensions and/or termination's for non-payment to expedite premium payment or correct invalid transactions which caused the delinquency. Applies all payments and prepares schedules tracking receivables, advance deposits and contract settlements. Assists in the preparation of routine and non-routine journal entries, reallocations, and other adjustment transactions for financial month end close. These activities may be needed in the sub-ledger, the general ledger, or both. Identify and resolves discrepancies and errors associated with the proper billings, receipts and disbursements. Answers phone inquiries and questions regarding Minimum Premium and Cost Plus billings while maintaining strong relations with the external clientele. Ensure timely payments are made by the groups and make the appropriate contacts to assure prompt payments including enforcement of the Plan collection policy on delinquent accounts. Maintain sub schedules per group to reflect monthly account balances. Prepare reconciliation's, analysis and various reports in order to show the status of the accounts. Balance all related accounts to the General Ledger, and recommend improvements to the current system. When required, determines need for development of specialized accounting procedures consistent with general acceptable accounting principles Visit accounts to explain the billings and resolve problems. Assist in ensuring good harmony in relation to workload and accountabilities in order to meet deadlines and department/division objectives. Perform Special projects as required by management.

Requirements

Requires a four (4) year college degree, preferably in a finance related major. Degree must include 15 hours of accounting.
Familiarity with G.A.A.P. required.
Requires knowledge of accounting analysis.
Requires advanced knowledge of personal computers and related software.(Excel, Word, prefers Access)
Requires knowledge of mainframe applications.
Requires strong analytical skills.
Requires technical skills to be used to create cost accounting schedules to be used by external clients as well as financial reporting
Requires strong communication and presentation skills.
Requires the ability to research and resolve problems through interaction with companywide personnel.
The employer may require an employee to pass a test(s) as part of determining whether the applicant meets the minimum qualifications for the job.

Nice To Haves

Prefers knowledge of rating and underwriting concepts and terminology.
PeopleSoft general ledger module would be a plus.

Responsibilities

Billing of Minimum Premium and Cost Plus groups
Accounting associated with the posting of payments and maintenance of related General Ledger input
Preparing invoices and using pc-based software such as spreadsheets and /or databases to research and compile data
Preparation, analysis, completion and mailing of Minimum Premium and Self Insured invoices
Maintaining accurate accounting sub ledgers for the tracking of advance deposits, receivables, contingent receivables, claims, retention, broker commission, interest charges, high level pooling charges and related billing accounts
Implementing Plan collection procedures including the preparation of delinquent notices; arranges group suspensions and/or termination's for non-payment to expedite premium payment or correct invalid transactions which caused the delinquency
Applying all payments and prepares schedules tracking receivables, advance deposits and contract settlements
Assisting in the preparation of routine and non-routine journal entries, reallocations, and other adjustment transactions for financial month end close
Identifying and resolving discrepancies and errors associated with the proper billings, receipts and disbursements
Answering phone inquiries and questions regarding Minimum Premium and Cost Plus billings while maintaining strong relations with the external clientele
Ensuring timely payments are made by the groups and make the appropriate contacts to assure prompt payments including enforcement of the Plan collection policy on delinquent accounts
Maintaining sub schedules per group to reflect monthly account balances
Preparing reconciliation's, analysis and various reports in order to show the status of the accounts
Balancing all related accounts to the General Ledger, and recommend improvements to the current system
Determining need for development of specialized accounting procedures consistent with general acceptable accounting principles
Visiting accounts to explain the billings and resolve problems
Assisting in ensuring good harmony in relation to workload and accountabilities in order to meet deadlines and department/division objectives
Performing Special projects as required by management