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