Underwriting Specialist

You’re excited by a **challenge**

You love Group Benefits You thrive working **independently **and **efficiently**.

You love the idea of working in a **dynamic **and **fast-paced environment**

You’re passionate about numbers and the world of underwriting

If you are nodding yes, this **Underwriting Specialist** role at Cowan Insurance Group may be perfect for you

**What’s the ask?**

Reporting to the Manager, Technical Services, the Underwriting Specialist is responsible for providing analytical functions and pricing for mid-size benefit clients. As an Underwriting Specialist, you will support the Cowan team through our client’s annual renewal analysis, negotiations, and reporting as well as any required annual financial accounting and the analysis of monthly/quarterly claims utilization.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Support and advise our Consultants and other internal partners in managing the ongoing financial activity for our Group Life and Health clients;
- Act as a resource for client’s questions on benefit costs and expenses to their plan’s financial health;
- Review, analyze and audit the annual renewal material presented by various group providers;
- Discuss renewal strategy with Consultants and negotiate with carriers;
- Prepare comprehensive renewal presentations for our clients, with commentary to support rating recommendations;
- Support annual budgeting for client’s benefits programs;
- Audit insurer’s financial statements on Retention and ASO accounts and report as required;
- Peer review experience and claims reports as required.

**What does it take?**
- Excellent understanding of the fundamentals of group insurance;
- Understanding of all traditional group benefit product lines - including Life, Health, Dental, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Health Care Spending Accounts, Wellness Accounts and Optional Products
- Experience in underwriting for all standard financial accounting methodologies - Non-Refund, Refund Accounted, Administrative Services Only (ASO) and various pooling arrangements
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, excelling in areas of negotiation;
- Attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy in analysis, reporting and communication;
- Excellent analytical and numerical skills;
- Demonstrates sound judgement, ethics and integrity;
- Creative problem solver with the ability to identify issues, recommend solutions and create suitable plans for resolution;
- Strong customer service and caring attitude;
- Sound planning, prioritization, and execution skills with the ability to work to tight deadlines;
- Self-motivated and able to work independently;
- Ability to work collaboratively, taking and providing quality feedback where appropriate;
- Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Outlook;
- Knowledge of EPIC an asset;
- Bilingual in English and French an asset.

**Who we are**
Canadian-owned and operated, Cowan Insurance Group is a leading independent insurance brokerage and consulting operation, providing real value to our clients. With over 500 employees hired out of 6 locations across Canada, we’re proud to have been named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies since 2012.

We partner with leading national and international insurance companies to:

- deliver insurance and risk management solutions to businesses, organizations and individuals
- advise on and create retirement, group benefits, disability management and international benefits programs for employee groups.

We also offer wealth and asset management as well as financial and succession planning services to individuals, and specialize in property, casualty and credit insurance.

**What sets us apart?**

**Be in good company**
***Integrity matters. It drives our award-winning workplace culture and fuels our collective desire to help our clients, employees, and communities thrive.

**Challenge your thinking**
***You're valued for your passion, drive and creativity. The pace is fast but the work is meaningful, interesting, and complex, just the way you like it.

**Grow together**
We believe in your potential. If you’re looking to develop your expertise with learning opportunities and mentoring, we’ll make that happen.

**Benefits and perks**
- Competitive salary
- Participate in our comprehensive benefits plan on day one — no waiting period
- Company-matched Retirement Savings Plan
- Company-paid training and development courses
- Community involvement
- Hybrid work environment

**Are you interested?**

Please apply

While we appreciate the interest of all applicants, we will contact only those selected for interviews. If you are an applicant with disabilities and require accommodations, please let us know at the time of our contact so that we may arrange for their provision.

LI-HYBRID