Durban: Account Manager – KZN

ENVIRONMENT: A forward-thinking company specializing in cost-efficient and innovative business solutions, situated in KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking an Account Manager. This individual will be responsible for implementing and overseeing best practice scheme administration systems and processes in alignment with the company’s strategic objectives. Ensuring adherence to all regulatory requirements, policies, and procedures is also a key aspect of the role. A Bachelor of Commerce degree or an equivalent Accounting Diploma is required, with a preference for candidates who have majored in accounting. DUTIES: Scheme Account Management: Accountable for the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the Scheme’s operations. Responsible for continuous improvement and increasing overall efficiency and effectiveness for the Scheme’s operations through the streamlining and enhancement of existing processes and practices. Responsible for effectively collaborating with the policy administration department to ensure deliverables are met. Responsible for developing and maintaining productive working relationships with their internal support functions and business enablers. Responsible for pro-actively partnering with IT and Project Office to facilitate continuous improvement. Ensures that the principles of TCF (Treating Customers Fairly) are embodied in the processes and practices used in managing the Scheme. Financial Reporting and Analysis: Responsible for aligning the scheme accounting processes to effectively support the scheme operations. Accountable for providing the business partners with accurate, complete and value adding financial and operational reports and underwriting deliverables. Accountable for ensuring that the delivery of reports are as per agreed SLA’s. Responsible for reviewing the scheme financial reports to ensure that they are accurate and complete. Responsible for reviewing and analysing data and reports with the intention of understanding trends, anomalies, and errors. Responsible for reviewing the MIS information to provide value added analysis and feedback to business partners. Responsible for ensuring that the premium collection process runs smoothly, and best practice collection efforts are implemented to enhance premium collection and fee generation. Responsible for the submission of data to stakeholders. Responsible for continually improving both the quality and format of data and related reporting for the scheme. Responsible for pro-actively identifying opportunities to increase the effectiveness of data integration between the accounts departments and scheme operations. Responsible for assisting in the compilation of budgets and the statutory returns. Responsible for assisting in the coordination and delivery on the year end reporting requirements. Relationship Management: Responsible for developing and maintaining productive and positive working relationships with their business partners through understanding, anticipating, and meeting their expectations. Responsible for providing excellent service through on-going engagement, responsiveness and diligent resolution of matters raised. Responsible for the quality of outputs to business partners and their policyholders. Responsible for building and maintaining productive working relationships within the organisation. Liaising with company and business partner auditors during the audit, providing comments on findings, and correcting inefficiencies identified. Leading and Managing People: Effectively align to the framework of the Leadership Attributes at the company, as documented. Consistently exhibit the desired outcomes of Excellence, Relationships, Responsiveness, Accountability and Teamwork. Demonstrate and engender a high-performance driven culture of accountability, commitment to delivery and customer service. Responsible for ensuring that the department is optimally resourced and assist with the recruitment of employees. Facilitate continuous development of the team through appropriate training and coaching by identifying training needs and ensuring that training/ coaching is arranged. Accountable for ensuring adequate and timely communication within the team. Monitor employee performance, manage under performance, manage conflict and disciplinary issues. Responsible for the daily operational management of employees within the team, the quality and completeness of work produced by the team, and the effective performance of the team. Responsible for the efficient use of resources through planning, allocating, organising and coordination of work. Responsible for the completion of performance plans, check-in sessions and evaluations. Responsible for identifying training requirements, and for pro-actively up-skilling, developing and empowering the team where necessary. Responsible for maximising employee potential and development through appropriate guidance and motivation. Ensure understanding and compliance with all internal policies and procedures General: Ensure effective collaboration and communication with internal and external stakeholders to resolve issues that may arise. Manage expectations for both internal and external stakeholders. Assist in identifying and mitigating risks associated with the scheme administration and reporting functions. Assist to resolve escalated queries received from policy holders. Implement processing methodologies to increase efficiencies and create opportunities for growing the operational capacity of the department. Responsible for driving innovation / “continuous improvement” initiatives. Responsible to assist with and support change management interventions. REQUIREMENTS: Com Degree or equivalent level Accounting Diploma is required. An Accounting “major” would be preferable. Proven track record in leading, managing and coaching a team is required. At least 5 years previous related working experience in a corporate entity is required with demonstrated supervisory and management experience. Experience in working with advanced Excel is required. Proficient in the preparation and analysis of reports. Previous work experience in the financial services environment would be preferable. Thorough knowledge and application of accounting principles. Good understanding of the insurance industry. Good understanding of Partner accounting practices. Good understanding of a “systems’” enabled accounting function. ATTRIBUTES: Excellent relationship management skills. Ability to plan & co-ordinate team activities. Ability to lead and manage a small team. Computer literate – Good MS Office skills including advanced Excel. Ability to persuade business partners to choose the most effective route. Good numeracy skills Quality orientation. High level of attention to detail. Results focused. Ability to solve problems. Good communication skills. Conflict resolution. Honesty and integrity. Diplomatic and mindful of impact. Team focused. Customer service centricity. Ability to provide coaching and guidance. Systems orientation. Cross cultural awareness