About the Role
The Senior Underwriting Consultant, Advanced Underwriting, works closely with PPI advisors in providing an advanced level of underwriting support in managing complex PPI qualifying new business cases. The role is responsible for proactively managing all aspects of new business cases including preliminary advanced underwriting files, new applications to the point of final underwriting approval, as well as any underwriting-related policy changes. This role is a unique and valued intermediary that represents the interests of PPI advisors and PPI carriers.
Responsibilities
- Respond to queries from advisors and marketing staff regarding eligibility criteria, underwriting requirements, etc., providing consultation options and recommendations that address the needs of the client.
- Act as the initial point of underwriting expertise offered to advisors on submitted and preliminary Advanced Underwriting eligible cases and maintain overall responsibility for ongoing collaboration and communication with the advisor and insurance carrier, ensuring pre-established turnaround timelines are met and related confirmation communication sent.
- Review all medical and/or financial requirements received with preliminary assessment, new applications or rating reviews.
- Package cases to optimize underwriting decisions and ensure favorable ratings while anticipating and addressing problems proactively.
- Maintain ongoing discussions with carrier underwriters on subsequent requirements and ensure any substandard or declined decisions are clearly understood.
- Collaborate on any strategic opportunities to help achieve the best possible client outcome.
- Discuss unfavourable decisions and any reconsideration criteria directly with advisors to ensure a strong understanding of the decision, involving the marketing team where appropriate.
- Review any amendments and/or exclusions as part of the final decision review to ensure they appropriately reflect information developed throughout the underwriting process.
- Work closely with the Advanced Underwriting Administrative Specialist to ensure that all case status information, actions and activities are entered in WealthServ and confidential underwriting information is uploaded to the Underwriting repository.
- Provide underwriting support for non-qualifying cases by responding to preliminary inquiries for underwriting opinions, as well as requests for assistance regarding substandard or declined mass market cases.
- Consult with the Vice-President and/or Director of Advanced Underwriting, and insurance carrier underwriters as required on any complex cases or preliminary assessments which require exceptions to stated limitations.
- Work closely with Marketing Resources counterparts to manage and share applicable case information through WealthServ and other formats on an on-going basis to ensure all parties have access to relevant information databases and are well-informed of identified cases and specific underwriting initiatives.
- Act as a strategic marketing agent by providing content for Advanced Underwriting initiatives on qualifying cases, including marketing presentations and underwriting training initiatives offered to advisors and their administrative staff.
- Take on or provide assistance with other projects or tasks as necessary and as directed by the Vice-President and/or Director, Advanced Underwriting.
Requirements
- Must be fluently bilingual, both oral and written, in French and English.
- Incumbent will need to interpret and communicate complex underwriting information, provide consultative guidance and recommendations, and build relationships with English‑speaking advisors and colleagues on a daily basis.
- Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.
- Unable to support or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time, including H-1B visas and participation in STEM OPT work authorizations.
Skills
- Undergraduate degree in a business-related program preferred
- Minimum of 5-10 years’ experience in an underwriting environment
- Industry designation(s) (AALU, FALU) preferred
- Experience working closely with, and understanding the needs of, advisors who operate in the high net worth market
- Considerable experience in a highly service-oriented role
- Exemplary interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to develop and maintain relationships
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Proven analytical skills and problem-solving capabilities with a strong attention to detail
- Excellent organization and time management skills with proven ability to handle multiple priority tasks while meeting tight deadlines
- Initiative to be innovative and creative with developing new ideas and concepts
- Proven ability to handle confidential material with the highest level of discretion
- Demonstrated maturity and ability to respond appropriately in stressful situations
- Advanced degree of skill with Microsoft software applications, in particular Word, Excel and Outlook, as well as Internet proficiency
Location
- Hybrid work environment
Work Type
- Hybrid
- Full-time
Experience Level
- Senior
- 5-10 years
Education Level
- Undergraduate degree
Salary/Compensations
- Starts at $80,000
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Company-Paid Term Life, AD&D Insurance, Long and Short-Term Disability Insurance
- Company-Paid Health Advocate Benefit
- Wellness Allowance
- Generous Paid Time Off Plan and Holidays
- 401(k) With Company Match
- Competitive Bonus Program
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employee Discount Program
About the Company
- PPI (an independent subsidiary of iA Financial) is an Insurance Marketing Organization that sits between independent advisors and insurance companies.
- From coast-to-coast, we provide value-added services and support such as digital tools, education, marketing, and processing, to help advisors elevate and grow their business with a socially responsible mindset.
- At PPI, each day you have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference when you support our independent insurance advisors in providing financial security and peace of mind to their clients: Canadian families and businesses.
- When you join PPI you will be part of a diverse, inclusive and equitable place to work that values different perspectives.
- You will benefit from a culture that is people-focused, inclusive and collaborative with opportunities to learn and develop your skills, develop your career and make a meaningful impact.
- Our people drive our progress through innovative ideas and a commitment to excellence.
- We work hard and always ensure we have fun along the way.
- iA American Warranty LP, American Amicable Group of Companies, iA American Life Insurance Company and Industrial Alliance Portfolio Management LLC are all part of iA Financial Group, one of the largest insurance and wealth management groups in North America.
- In the last few years, iA American has been thoughtfully built by iA Financial Group through the acquisition of several US based entities.
- Our suite of products and services includes automotive protection packages, reinsurance options, dealer support, direct-to-consumer products, in-house administration, life insurance, progressive special markets, and more!
- iA Financial Group is the fourth largest life and health insurance company in Canada and offers a wide range of products for all stages of life and to meet the needs of clients across its vast sales network.
- Founded in 1892, iA Financial Group’s stability and solidity make it an employer of choice that invests in its employees and their development over the long term.
- Our CEO Denis Ricard won #1 Insurance CEO in Canada from Glassdoor!
- iA American has been thoughtfully built by iA Financial Group through the acquisition of Innovative Aftermarket Systems (IAS), SouthwestRe, and Dealers Assurance Company (DAC).
- Our US headquarters is in Austin, TX.
- American Amicable traces its roots back to 1910 and is a progressive special markets insurer.
- Based in Waco, TX, the Company offers innovative life insurance and annuity products developed to target the individual needs of protection, wealth creation, and estate preservation.
- iA Financial Group is the strength of a company with a human side, with its over 9,000 employees.
- Together, we have earned the trust of more than five million clients and 50,000 advisors who have chosen us for their insurance, savings, and wealth management.
- With over $200 billion in assets and half a billion invested in technological innovation, we’re a key player in the financial services industry in Canada and the United States.
- The secret to our success? Investing in you, one person at a time.
- Because, for over 125 years, we have believed that it’s by supporting our employees and surrounding ourselves with the most reputable leaders in the industry, we will continue to innovate.
- We’re invested in you.
Equal Opportunity
- At PPI, each day you have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference when you support our independent insurance advisors in providing financial security and peace of mind to their clients: Canadian families and businesses.
- When you join PPI you will be part of a diverse, inclusive and equitable place to work that values different perspectives.
- Our differences make us unique, and even stronger.
- That’s why, at iA Financial Group, we are committed to supporting and celebrating diversity.
- We are continually building a team that is as diverse as the people and communities we serve.
- By combining our different ways of seeing and experiencing the world, we will always be stronger than the sum of our parts!
