Internal Job Description

Title: Accounting Specialist (Employee Benefits)

Department: Employee Benefits

Location: Paterson, New Jersey (75%/25% On-site/Hybrid)

Reports To: Commercial Lines Manager / Director of Client Services

FLSA Status: Exempt

Prepared By: [Your HR or Hiring Manager Name]

Effective Date: [Insert Date]

Position Summary:

The Employee Benefits Accounting Specialist is responsible for supporting the financial and administrative operations of

Pinnacle Insurance Solutions’ Employee Benefits platform. This role focuses on accurate commission processing, carrier

reconciliations, invoicing, and maintenance of clean accounting and policy records across employee benefits accounts.

The position works closely with Benefits, Accounting, and Operations teams to ensure commissions and premiums are processed

accurately, discrepancies are resolved timely, and systems reflect complete and reliable financial and policy data. Success in this

role requires strong attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to manage recurring deadlines in a collaborative, fast-

paced environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Process employee benefits commissions accurately and in accordance with carrier statements and agency agreements

• Reconcile carrier commission and premium statements, researching and resolving discrepancies in a timely manner

• Manage invoicing, premium tracking, and commission posting within agency management and benefits administration

systems

• Ensure all accounting, commission, and policy activity is properly documented and maintained within Epic and/or

Benefits Guide

• Monitor carrier downloads and system feeds to ensure policies and financial data post correctly

• Identify, research, and assist in resolving delayed, errored, or “stuck” policies and transactions

• Partner with internal service, operations, and benefits teams to resolve missing, delayed, or incorrect commissions

• Support audits, internal reporting, and month-end close activities related to employee benefits accounts

• Maintain organized and compliant financial and policy records in accordance with internal controls

• Assist with process improvement initiatives to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and scalability within the benefits

accounting function

Core Competencies

Technical & Accounting Expertise

• Demonstrates working knowledge of employee benefits insurance products, commission structures, and carrier billing

practices

• Accurately processes commissions, invoices, and reconciliations in accordance with agency standards

• Effectively utilizes agency management systems and benefits platforms (e.g., Epic, Benefits Guide) to maintain accurate

records

• Understands the downstream impact of accounting accuracy on carrier relationships and operational reporting

Attention to Detail & Accuracy

• Maintains a high level of accuracy in financial data entry, reconciliations, and documentation

• Carefully reviews carrier statements, invoices, and system postings to identify discrepancies or errors

• Ensures records are complete, consistent, and audit-ready

Problem Solving & Analytical Thinking

• Identifies discrepancies, system issues, or process gaps and investigates root causes

• Applies sound judgment to resolve issues independently when appropriate

• Escalates complex or unresolved issues with clear documentation and recommendations

Organization & Time Management

• Manages multiple recurring deadlines, reconciliations, and priorities simultaneously

• Maintains organized records and tracking to ensure timely follow-up on open items

• Demonstrates reliability in meeting month-end and reporting timelines

Communication & Collaboration

• Communicates clearly and professionally with internal teams regarding discrepancies, status updates, and resolutions

• Partners effectively with Benefits, Accounting, and Operations teams to resolve issues efficiently

• Provides clear explanations of accounting or system-related issues to non-accounting stakeholders

Accountability & Initiative

• Takes ownership of assigned responsibilities and follows through on commitments

• Proactively identifies opportunities to improve processes, accuracy, or workflow efficiency

• Demonstrates accountability for the integrity of financial and policy data

Adaptability

• Adjusts to changes in carrier processes, systems, and internal workflows

• Demonstrates flexibility in supporting evolving operational and reporting needs

• Learns and adopts new tools, processes, or procedures as the platform scales

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 1 year of experience in the insurance industry, preferably in employee benefits or agency accounting

• Experience with insurance accounting functions, including commissions, billing, and reconciliations

• Proficiency working within agency management systems or benefits administration platforms

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• Ability to work onsite approximately 75% of the time in Paterson, NJ

• High School diploma or equivalent required

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Epic (Applied Systems)

• Experience with Benefits Guide (Salesforce-based platform)

• Prior agency accounting or employee benefits administration experience

• Strong Excel and reporting skills

• Experience supporting audits or month-end close activities

Performance Metrics:

• Accuracy and timeliness of commission processing and reconciliations

• Reduction in unresolved billing or commission discrepancies

• Data accuracy and completeness within Epic and Benefits Guide

• Timely completion of month-end and reporting activities

• Contribution to process improvements and operational efficiency

Job Title: Accounting Associate

Job Summary

Our client is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Accounting Associate to support their accounting team. The ideal candidate will be organized, customer service oriented, and capable of managing multiple tasks efficiently across departments. In this role you will ensure accurate financial record-keeping, timely processing of payments and invoices, and reliable administrative support.  

Key Responsibilities

• Perform day-to-day accounting functions including accounts payable (vendor payments, carrier payments), accounts receivable (customer billing, payment processing) and general ledger maintenance.
• Prepare journal entries and assist in monthly reporting.
• Reconcile credit card statements, vendor accounts, and other financial records.
• Process invoices, expense reports, cash receipts and other financial transactions.
• Maintain accurate and organized financial and accounting records.
• Provide support for reporting and compliance as needed.
• Process incoming payments from clients — in person, by phone, or via mail
• Open, scan, distribute incoming mail; handle mail-related tasks and process payments as needed.
• Provide assistance with special projects when needed.

Qualifications & Skills

• 2+ years of experience in an accounting, finance, or administrative- accounting support role.
• Proficiency with office software (e.g., Microsoft Office — Excel, Word, Outlook) and familiarity with accounting software preferred.
• Strong proficiency in spreadsheet work: data entry, data validation, reconciliations, and basic reporting.
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills to maintain orderly records and ensure data integrity.
• Excellent communication skills — both verbal and written — to interact with clients, vendors, and internal team members.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize effectively, and manage time efficiently, especially under deadlines or high-volume workloads.
• Discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive financial information; commitment to confidentiality and ethical handling of data.

Compensation Package

• Salary: Commensurate with experience.  
• Benefits: Includes comprehensive vacation/sick time, health and vision insurance, life insurance, and long-term disability coverage.

Disclaimer: Please note that this job description may not cover all duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the role, and it is subject to modification at the employer’s discretion.

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