Associate Underwriter

Overview: Mutual of Enumclaw was founded in 1898 by local farmers who wanted to look out for each other. That spirit continues to define our company culture. Our employees are proud of our thoughtful approach to insurance, and it shows. In June 2016, for the fifthyear in a row, we were recognized as one of Washington s 100 Best Companies to Work For by Seattle Business magazine (based on a survey of our employees). Mutual of Enumclaw works exclusively with local independent agents to offer insurance products for individuals, families, farms, and businesses. We currently operate in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, and Arizona. Entry level salary range: $52(k) - $65(k) DOE Potential bonus Benefits include but are not limited to medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match; employee discount on personal insurance; wellness reimbursement program and an annual bonus plan. Responsibilities:This position reports to an Underwriting Territory Manager. Perform technical/administrative tasks/services for Commercial lines underwriting. Perform new business and endorsement underwriting within authority levels. Administer file documentation and maintenance functions involving Agent/Policyholder communications and customer service. Provide associated analytical and technical support according to established methods, industry, and Company standards. Provide technical underwriting support involving rate quotations and risk/investigation report gathering/ analysis. Implement workflow/process improvements, automation/ technology tools'development, and provide technical training as assigned. Exhibit a thorough understanding of all Policy Services functions. Support achievement of the business unit's profit and growth objectives. Support and coordinate departmental projects involving the assigned area(s) of responsibility. Cross-train to broaden insurance industry knowledge, develop Underwriting skills/capabilities, and knowledge of Policy Services and/or Product Development functions. Develop mastery of Underwriting techniques, methodologies, procedures, and Company practices for multiple product lines. Provide support for the Underwriting Business Unit as needed. Develop supportive and cooperative business relationships with Agents and Policyholders. Adjust to unpredictable fluctuations in workload and volume while maintaining focus on quality and superior customer service. Review premium audits to determine the actual earned premiums for specific classes of insurance. Underwriting Services Provide responsive, knowledgeable, underwriting services through appropriate selection and classification of insureds. Establish and maintain administrative records management and departmental office systems as assigned. Prepare and process accurate, professional documents. Assist Agents in preparing quotes for submissions and proposals. Determine proper coverage, rates and pricing. Process insurance policy applications involving new business and endorsements for the assigned product lines and books of business. Exercise underwriting authority to accurately and effectively assess, accept or reject applications, cancel or underwrite risks, and determine appropriate rates/premiums. Properly escalate risks beyond the designated authority level to Underwriters and/or Underwriting Management. Communicate with Agents and/or policyholders as appropriate to gather information missing from documents and/or reports, convey status of applications for new business or endorsements, and strive to preserve the integrity of business relationships. Establish accurate files and adhere to appropriate file management procedures. Assist with, and/or coordinate re-underwriting projects as directed. Undwriting Traning Support Develop standard and custom training curriculum for Underwriting functions as assigned. Organize and coordinate scheduling and enrollment for training. Track training effectiveness and problem areas and make training recommendations. Underwriting Systems Development, Conversion Support and Acceptance Testing Participate in technology-based strategic initiatives and technology tools development as assigned. Collaborate with Underwriting and IT staff to participate in data conversion, acceptance testing and to provide quality assurance support for the systems development. Write clear and thorough documentation to support the Underwriting systems'trouble-shooting, training and problem-solving functions. Premium Audit Reviews completed premium audits to determine proper premium to be paid in accordance with policy provisions and insured risks. Ensure premium audits are accurate and received within an appropriate timeframe. Compares information on audit work papers against policy provisions to ensure accuracy of audit findings. Contacts underwriters or producers to reconcile discrepancies between audit information and policy statement. Work with Underwriting to resolve all questions and disputes pertaining to completed audits. General Underwriting Operations As directed, perform special assignments and assist with special projects as requested by Underwriting Management. Provide general technical and administrative support according to Department priorities. Adhere to Department procedures; and ensure accuracy of information maintained in the tracking systems; update and verify changes as directed. Identify, innovate, and suggest new procedures, and/or opportunities to streamline Department processing and record-keeping systems and practices. Make recommendations, and implement procedural changes as appropriate. Maintain orderly and accessible records. Qualifications:4-8+ years'underwriting, policy services, accounting, finance, and/or relevant business experience. Bachelor's or an Associate's degree, or a High School diploma with relevant business experience Fully proficient task, assignment, problem-solving, and project coordination, execution, collaboration, and leadership skills. CIC and/or other insurance industry designation(s)/ certification(s) preferred. Superior telephone and customer service manners. Intermediate-level proficiency and experience with the following requirements: Endorsement and new business underwriting Accurate and thorough processing, checking, and generation of legal contracts, documents and forms Knowledge of automated and manual insurance rating practices Company insurance products Knowledge of rules, manuals, regulations for CLM and/or PLM Knowledge of designated Underwriting authority levels Capabilities using mathematical formulas, pro-rating and percentages Demonstrated ability to multi-task and prioritize effectively Working familiarity with the commercial and/or personal lines marketplace and ability to identify emerging trends Working familiarity with financial analysis, and effective business planning/execution Working familiarity with the Independent Agent distribution systems and ability to maintain superior Agency Relations Familiarity with reinsurance treaties Working understanding of business unit goals in relation to industry benchmarks Intermediate-level familiarity and working knowledge of Underwriting theory and principles. Demonstrated ability to be held accountable for customer-focused, pro-active, responsive, accurate and timely results. Fully proficient organizational, and time-management skills; effective interpersonal, written/verbal/listening communication skills. Exhibit creativity, and flexibility to respond to shifting workload requirements. Meet requirements for after hour, on-call, and weekend work as necessary. Fully proficient"client"service and team interaction skills. Demonstrated ability to adhere to schedule and attendance requirements.