Job Description

Accounting Specialist – (Employee Benefits) 80-90k base 

Department: Employee Benefits
Location: Paterson, NJ, Hybrid
Reports To: Commercial Lines Manager / Director of Client Services

Position Summary

Our client is seeking an Employee Benefits Accounting Specialist to support the financial and administrative operations of its Employee Benefits platform. This role is responsible for commission processing, carrier reconciliations, invoicing, and maintaining accurate accounting and policy records across employee benefits accounts.

The Accounting Specialist works closely with Benefits, Accounting, and Operations teams to ensure commissions and premiums are processed accurately, discrepancies are resolved promptly, and internal 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 fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities

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

• Reconcile carrier commission and premium statements; research and resolve 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 internal systems (e.g., Epic, 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 incomplete 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, 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

• Working knowledge of employee benefits insurance products, commission structures, and carrier billing practices

• Accurate processing of commissions, invoices, and reconciliations in accordance with agency standards

• Effective use of agency management systems and benefits platforms

• Understanding of how accounting accuracy impacts carrier relationships and operational reporting

Attention to Detail & Accuracy

• High level of accuracy in financial data entry, reconciliations, and documentation

• Thorough review of carrier statements, invoices, and system postings to identify discrepancies

• 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 and priorities simultaneously

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

• Consistently meets month-end close and reporting timelines

Communication & Collaboration

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

• Collaborates effectively with Benefits, Accounting, and Operations teams

• Explains accounting or system-related issues clearly to non-accounting stakeholders

Accountability & Initiative

• Takes ownership of assigned responsibilities and follows through on commitments

• Proactively identifies opportunities for process improvement

• Maintains 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, and procedures as the platform scales

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year of experience in the insurance industry; employee benefits or agency accounting experience preferred

• 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