Sr. Underwriting Assistant

Berkley•Urbandale, IA

About The Position

Berkley Surety is a highly professional, service-oriented surety underwriting management company, providing a full spectrum of bonds for contract, environmental, and commercial surety accounts through multiple distribution channels in both the United States and Canada. We write on behalf of W. R. Berkley Corporation member company Berkley Insurance Company, which has an A.M. Best rating of A+ (Superior). We pride ourselves on building strong relationships with our agents. We highly value the insight and expertise our agency partners bring to the table which helps us provide timely and predictable surety solutions. Company URL: www.berkleysurety.com Provides technical, administrative, and underwriting support to assigned field offices. General functions include processing of new and existing business, system maintenance, agency inquiry support, document preparation, and overall bond portfolio management support.

Requirements

High School Diploma
8+ years of experience serving in an operational support or customer service role
Effective oral and written communication skills with the ability to write clear and effective business correspondence to both internal and external customers.
Ability to use the automation tools provided by BSG (i.e. Word, Excel, E-mail, Imaging, U/W System, etc.).
Self-starter with the ability to organize and effectively handle assigned work load with supervision.
Ability to be collaborative and effectively work in a “team” setting.

Responsibilities

Sets up and amends account submissions and bond related information within the BASIS system ensuring that all relevant information is accurate and compliant with company standards.
Prepares bid and final bond (contract or commercial) requests within BASIS for review and approval from underwriters. Updates bid status information within BASIS when received by the field underwriter.
Processes all final bonds ensuring that all data is input correctly; that premiums and commission are accurate with respect to the account and producing agent; and that all supporting documentation is placed within the virtual bond file within the BASIS system in accordance with Company guidelines.
Proactively works on the pre-renewal and renewal processes and works collaboratively with field underwriters to ensure that all bond renewals processed or otherwise handled (closed or canceled) in a timely manner.
Maintains a diary system and produces other company reports relating to performance bonds to assist field underwriters with the management of their surety portfolios. Sends out Bond Status Inquires, in accordance with Company standards or at the direction of field underwriters.
Has a solid understanding of BSG Rating Manuals and can accurately use applicable rating worksheets to support accurate premium computation and proper coding of bond activity.
Identifies and recommends process improvements that promote more effective business practices.
Effectively researches, responds, and resolves agency billing issues and inquiries on a bond specific level or at an agency level.
Orders credit reports and Dun and Bradstreet reports to support field underwriters.
May handle the review and distribution of incoming mail.
Performs other duties as assigned.