Senior Consultant, Advanced Underwriting

iA Financial Group (Industrial Alliance) • Edmonton, AB

4d • CA$80,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Underwriting Consultant, Advanced Underwriting, works closely with PPI advisors in providing an advanced level of underwriting support in managing complex PPI qualifying new business cases. The Senior Underwriting Consultant is responsible for proactively managing all aspects of new business cases including preliminary advanced underwriting files, new applications to the point of final underwriting approval, as well as any underwriting-related policy changes. The Senior Underwriting Consultant is a unique and valued intermediary that represents the interests of PPI advisors and PPI carriers.

Requirements

• Must be fluently bilingual, both oral and written, in French and English, as the incumbent will need to interpret and communicate complex underwriting information, provide consultative guidance and recommendations, and build relationships with English‑speaking advisors and colleagues on a daily basis
• Undergraduate degree in a business-related program preferred
• Minimum of 5-10 years’ experience in an underwriting environment
• Experience working closely with, and understanding the needs of, advisors who operate in the high net worth market
• Considerable experience in a highly service-oriented role
• Exemplary interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to develop and maintain relationships
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Proven analytical skills and problem-solving capabilities with a strong attention to detail
• Excellent organization and time management skills with proven ability to handle multiple priority tasks while meeting tight deadlines
• Initiative to be innovative and creative with developing new ideas and concepts
• Proven ability to handle confidential material with the highest level of discretion
• Demonstrated maturity and ability to respond appropriately in stressful situations
• Advanced degree of skill with Microsoft software applications, in particular Word, Excel and Outlook, as well as Internet proficiency

Nice To Haves

• Industry designation(s) (AALU, FALU) preferred

Responsibilities

• Respond to queries from advisors and marketing staff regarding eligibility criteria, underwriting requirements, etc., providing consultation options and recommendations that address the needs of the client.
• Act as the initial point of underwriting expertise offered to advisors on submitted and preliminary Advanced Underwriting eligible cases and maintain overall responsibility for ongoing collaboration and communication with the advisor and insurance carrier, ensuring pre-established turnaround timelines are met and related confirmation communication sent.
• Review all medical and/or financial requirements received with preliminary assessment, new applications or rating reviews. This includes review of LHE’s and subsequent PPI obtained evidence to include but not limited to: APS reports, Expert Interviews, blood/urine and vitals, and financial information.
• Package cases to optimize underwriting decisions and ensure favorable ratings while anticipating and addressing problems proactively.
• Maintain ongoing discussions with carrier underwriters on subsequent requirements and ensure any substandard or declined decisions are clearly understood.
• Collaborate on any strategic opportunities to help achieve the best possible client outcome.
• Discuss unfavourable decisions and any reconsideration criteria directly with advisors to ensure a strong understanding of the decision, involving the marketing team where appropriate.
• Review any amendments and/or exclusions as part of the final decision review to ensure they appropriately reflect information developed throughout the underwriting process.
• Work closely with the Advanced Underwriting Administrative Specialist to ensure that all case status information, actions and activities are entered in WealthServ and confidential underwriting information is uploaded to the Underwriting repository.
• Provide underwriting support for non-qualifying cases by responding to preliminary inquiries for underwriting opinions, as well as requests for assistance regarding substandard or declined mass market cases.
• Consult with the Vice-President and/or Director of Advanced Underwriting, and insurance carrier underwriters as required on any complex cases or preliminary assessments which require exceptions to stated limitations.
• Work closely with Marketing Resources counterparts to manage and share applicable case information through WealthServ and other formats on an on-going basis to ensure all parties have access to relevant information databases and are well-informed of identified cases and specific underwriting initiatives.
• Act as a strategic marketing agent by providing content for Advanced Underwriting initiatives on qualifying cases, including marketing presentations and underwriting training initiatives offered to advisors and their administrative staff.
• Take on or provide assistance with other projects or tasks as necessary and as directed by the Vice-President and/or Director, Advanced Underwriting.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Company-Paid Term Life, AD&D Insurance, Long and Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Company-Paid Health Advocate Benefit
• Wellness Allowance
• Generous Paid Time Off Plan and Holidays
• 401(k) With Company Match
• Competitive Bonus Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Discount Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree