Staff Accountant I

Description: Midwest Family Mutual a property and casualty insurer licensed in 32 states is seeking a Staff Accountant I to join our accounting team. This position is primarily responsible for processing invoices for payment, claim check and ACH processing, W9 collection and 1099 preparation. The Staff Accountant I will also be responsible for daily and monthly reconciliation of various reports and accounts, assist with responses to agent and customer inquiries related to billing and payments, and provide support for other day-to-day accounting functions as needed. This is a work from home position that currently reports to the Controller, and requires a dependable, highly motivated, self-starter that works well independently, and can be a functional team player. High-speed internet access, home office space and occasional travel into the Urbandale, IA office may be required. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Process and post premium receipts, including checks, ACH, lockbox, electronic payments, and other payment activity, to the policy administration system accurately and timely. Perform daily deposit reconciliation by comparing bank, lockbox, payment processor, and internal system activity to ensure all premium payments are properly recorded and applied. Research and resolve unapplied, misapplied, duplicate, or returned payments, including coordinating corrections with internal departments, agents, and customers as needed. Review and reconcile premium billing activity, direct bill balances, agency bill accounts, and other receivable activity to ensure accurate policyholder and agent account balances. Process direct billing adjustments, payment transfers, refunds, write-offs, and other billing-related corrections in accordance with company procedures. Respond to billing and payment inquiries from policyholders, agents, customer service, underwriting, and other internal departments in a professional and timely manner. Prepare and maintain documentation to support premium receipts, billing adjustments, reconciliations, refunds, and other accounts receivable transactions. Assist with claim recoveries, subrogation receipts, returned payments, NSF items, and other miscellaneous receivable transactions as assigned. Support agency commission-related adjustments or billing corrections that impact agent or policyholder receivable balances. Assist with escheatment, unclaimed property, and stale-dated payment review as it relates to accounts receivable or premium refund activity. Support other day-to-day accounting department functions and assist with special projects as assigned. Requirements: Qualifications and Requirements Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to research and resolve payment discrepancies. Exceptional attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy in processing financial transactions. Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple deadlines. Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as a member of the accounting team. Proficient in reconciling accounts, researching variances, and maintaining accurate financial records. Customer-focused with the ability to provide professional service to policyholders, agents, vendors, and internal business partners. Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive financial information. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills. Knowledge of insurance premium billing, direct bill and agency bill processes. Familiarity with agency commission processing and premium adjustments. Dependable high-speed internet access and a dedicated home office workspace. Education, Training, and Experience Two or more years of experience in accounts receivable, billing, cash application, banking operations, or general accounting. Experience processing customer payments, performing account reconciliations, and researching payment discrepancies. Experience with general ledger systems and accounting software. Experience with policy administration systems, billing systems, or agency management systems is a plus. Property and Casualty insurance experience or insurance accounting experience is a plus. Associates or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field is a plus. Midwest Family Mutual offers a competitive salary along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes: Medical(HDHP) Wellness Incentives Dental Vision (materials only plan) Flexible Spending - Medical, Limited FSA (Dental/Vision), and Dependent Care Employer paid Short Term Disability Long Term Disability Employer paid Life Insurance (2x annual salary) including dependent coverage Employee and Dependent Life Insurance Plan Options Accident, Hospital Indemnity and Critical Illness Plan Options LifeLock Identity Protection Plan Options Paid Time Off Paid Holidays (nine per year) Paid time off for CE Education reimbursement Eight hours of paid time off per year for volunteer work Employer matching for employee 501c donations (limited) Internet reimbursement Retirement Benefits include: 401K and Roth 401K with company match Employer sponsored Defined Benefit Pension Plan