Verification Analyst

What you'll do:

The Verification Analyst reports to the Team Manager, Verification and is responsible for the preparation, quality control, and program payment approvals for the AgriStability program. Interpret and evaluate applications/requests to verify information submitted by individuals, partnerships, corporations, trusts, and cooperatives. Verify complex applications such as combined operations with multiple non-calendar year ends and specialized commodities or farming operations. Identify problematic circumstances or administrative issues through a thorough review of income and expense statements in conjunction with inventory, receivables, payables and prepaid expenses to ensure they are accurate and within program tolerances. Conduct background research and investigations involving reviewing technical and financial reports to address complaints and resolve issue on behalf of clients. Authorize payments as per AgriStability Program procedures (first signature). Review applications within second signature signing authority completed by Verifiers for compliance with program guidelines and reasonability and then provide second signature authorization. Document and maintain records of actions during the verification process. Explain program guidelines and procedures as well as mentor, assist and provide expertise to less experienced staff, farm clients, and accountants in dealing with complex applications. Conduct quality assurance on producer AgriStability applications as required.

Qualifications:

To be successful in this position you will need a Grade 12 Diploma, working knowledge of agriculture, farm tax and accounting practices, plus one year of directly related experience verifying AgriStability applications or completion of a one-year certificate program in accounting or agriculture. All applicants screened in must pass a preliminary assessment exercise focused on agriculture, farm tax and accounting practices.
Other qualifications include: Written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare professional correspondence and/or responses to inquiries from internal and external customers; customer service oriented. Analytical skills to accurately conduct audits and investigations on technical/financial reports and Agristability applications, for validity, and come up with solutions based on findings. Organizational and time management skills with the ability to adapt to multiple work flows. Knowledge and experience with computer applications, including but not limited to databases, Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook. Experience in farm risk management programs. A criminal record check is required. Should the successful candidate participate in the Crop Insurance or AgriStability Programs, their account must be in good standing.

Competencies:

Service Excellence: Uses customer feedback to make changes in work and personally commits to resolving customer issues. Builds rapport and committed relationships. Evaluates service delivery and makes recommendations to enhance the customer service experience. Personal Leadership and Development: Recognizes strengths and is open to feedback on enhancing skills. Models integrity and inclusiveness by being open, acting with empathy, sharing resources/knowledge across teams and being respectful of all skills and viewpoints. Recognizes personal strengths and continues to develop them. Strategic Thinking: Has a clear understanding of organizational objectives and aligns daily tasks to strategic goals. Asks questions to gain a clear understanding. Prioritizes work in alignment with organizational objectives. Decision Making: Makes timely decisions even when information is unclear or limited. Decisions are aligned with position responsibilities, boundaries and organizational policies and practices. Able to adapt decisions based on new and changing information. Innovation: Adapts methodology and ideas quickly for immediate or anticipated changes in the environment. Challenges the status quo when needed and looks for ways to improve internal processes or practices. Recognizes the value of different opinions, approaches and perspectives. Analytical Thinking: Asks pointed questions and does research to learn more about the issue. Makes intelligent assumptions to develop explanations and determine possible steps and options. Makes revisions and alters solutions when required. Team Collaboration: Develops relationships by establishing respect, trust, support and understanding. Encourages, supports and motivates team members to share ideas, knowledge, solutions or concerns. Shares knowledge and experience with others. Building Organizational Community: Actively builds relationships by establishing respect, trust, support and understanding. Works independently, interdependently and participates as a contributing member across work teams. Is friendly, positive and professional with people they meet. Communication: Uses open-ended questions, active listening and dialogue to encourage others to provide information about underlying needs or issues. Anticipates and prepares for responses or reactions with sensitivity and directness. Seeks input and sees things from others’ perspectives. Accountability: Takes personal responsibility for fulfilling own commitments and the commitments of the team. Promotes integrity in others by maintaining consistent values and performance standards. Assumes responsibility for personal actions, behaviours and results. Performance Management: Continuously strives to meet or exceed organization and unit goals and objectives. Completes all assigned duties on a consistent basis with energy and drive. Strives for service excellence. Planning and Risk Management: Continually adapts priorities and responsibilities in response to changing needs. Creates a personal work plan that contributes to the goals and work assigned to self and team. Organizes and prioritizes work to implement plans.

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