Head of IBA – US Retail (Insurance Broking Accounts)

Howden

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of Insurance Broking Accounting (IBA) to lead the US IBA team and oversee the effective execution and administration of US accounting practices and regulatory compliance. This role provides strategic and operational leadership for end-to-end Bill-to-Cash processes, including accounts receivable and payable reconciliation, premium application and payments investigation, and aging. The position requires strong expertise in the Insurance accounting space within an Insurance agency/brokerage environment, proficiency with agency management systems (Applied Epic preferred), and the ability to deliver accurate Insurance Accounting and KPI reporting. Success in this role depends on strong leadership, stakeholder engagement, high ethical standards, and the agility to adapt to evolving regulatory and business needs.

Requirements

• In-depth understanding of the Bill-to-Cash lifecycle within an agency management system; hands-on Applied Epic (AppliedEPIC) tactical experience is highly desirable.
• Proven experience in accounting operations, preferably within an IBA or comparable agency environment.
• Demonstrated leadership capability with a strong track record of managing, developing, and motivating teams.
• Exceptional planning, organizational, and project management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
• Comprehensive knowledge of financial systems, reconciliation processes, and general ledger management.
• Proven ability to interpret, implement, and enforce policies and procedures with accuracy and consistency.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization.
• High level of integrity, sound judgment, and commitment to ethical financial practices.
• Adaptability to regulatory changes and evolving business requirements in a dynamic environment.
• Advanced proficiency in producing, analyzing, and interpreting financial and KPI reports to support decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Technical Oversight Lead onshore and offshore teams supporting across accounts payable, accounts receivable, and cash allocation activities.
• Partner with Global IBA teams to ensure alignment with Group process standards, while incorporating and operationalizing U.S.-specific requirements within the agency management system.
• Define operational requirements for new and existing processes, collaborating with key stakeholders including agency management SMEs, IT, Treasury, and Finance.
• Drive team performance by setting clear objectives, monitoring delivery, and ensuring service level agreements are consistently met.
• Facilitate and lead team and business-unit meetings as required to support operational alignment and issue resolution.
• Ensure timely and accurate execution of cash matching, payment processing, and technical transactions, establishing and enforcing escalation protocols where necessary.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date system records and deliveraccounting operations, and KPI reporting to Operating Entity and Group stakeholders.
• Perform account reconciliations with markets and clients as required, ensuring issues are resolved efficiently and accurately.
• Respond to account-related inquiries promptly and in accordance with defined service standards.
• Monitor and assess regulatory and legal changes impacting IBA operations and ensure appropriate operational responses.
• Provide support for U.S. Cashiering and Treasury activities as required.
• Policy, Process & Procedures Responsible to review and update IBA operating procedures as necessary; incorporating US specific workflow requirements Interpret instructions and implement actions in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Stakeholder Engagement & People Leadership Active member of the US Commercial Lines Operations Leadership Team; working across the extended leadership team for effectiveness and collaboration.
• Need to work something in about being responsible to Commercial Lines, Personal Lines and Employee Benefits Operations Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, serving as an effective escalation point when needed.
• Respond to business and customer requirements with agility, professionalism, and sound judgment, while upholding the highest ethical standards in all interactions.
• Proactively share relevant information to support the success of the Operating Entity and the broader Group.
• Lead, manage, and develop team members through clear performance expectations, coaching, and feedback.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement that drives engagement and results.
• Planning & Reporting Develop and agree on operational plans to meet the needs of the Operating Entity for activities across Bill to Cash.
• Lead assigned projects and contribute to cross-functional initiatives.
• Represent the department in internal project groups and working parties.
• Provide relevant management information and reporting to senior leadership.
• Monitor and ensure all Insurance Broker Accounting (IBA) KPIs remain on track to meet agreed targets.

Benefits

• A career that you define.
• Our business succeeds by allowing our people to make a mark in the areas they care about most: personal development, volunteering, and fundraising for charity, or creating new insurance products that address society’s greatest challenges.
• And we know that separate home and work lives don't really exist. If you're happy and healthy at home, you're more likely to be happy and fulfilled at work – and vice versa. That's why we do our best to support our people in every aspect of their lives.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed