Associate Financial Advisor Jobs in Columbus, IN

Description

PURPOSE:

This is an ideal opportunity to work at a growing organization with a strong family culture. Shepherd Insurance is a privately-owned insurance agency that has delivered risk management solutions since 1977. With a wide variety of insurance and financial products, we are among the largest independent agencies in the country. 

As a Commercial Lines Account Executive within the Shepherd family, you will assist Insurance Advisors in the handling and processing of new and renewal commercial lines business in accordance with Agency procedures and guidelines. You will provide guidance and mentorship to team members, fostering their professional growth, and building skills through leading by example. With a positive attitude, the Account Executive and Account Management team also provides customer service to clients as assigned and requested.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide positive, prompt, and accurate service to clients. 
• Act independently or in accordance with Insurance Advisor, based upon account, through accessing the coverage need and preference of insured.
• Independently manage and initiate the marketing of new and renewal business including but not limited to coordinating the renewal process with agency clientele, evaluating premiums, preparing proposals, presentation packets and maintaining underwriting and marketing information from carrier. 
• Provide guidance and mentorship to team members, fostering their professional growth, and building skills through leading by example.
• Support the training of new team members and contribute to their ongoing development, enhancing their insurance knowledge and professional growth.
• Coordinate with Insurance Advisor to obtain policy information and maintain expiration control log.
• Accompany Insurance Advisors to client meetings when requested.
• Check new and renewal policies for accuracy in rating, coverage, and input these transactions to generate billing invoices. Ensure that these items are delivered and/or mailed to client or advisor for delivery.
• Receive phone calls from clients and companies regarding policy coverage, claims or administrative needs: comply with the request and/or refer to the advisor when necessary.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with carrier partners and assist in creation the underwriting story for all accounts in book of business. 
• Demonstrate proactive leadership in spearheading special projects and supporting the implementation of department-wide initiatives, ensuring successful execution and measurable results. 
• Maintain a suspense system to follow up on outstanding orders, correspondence, reports, and follow up on overdue and suspense items.
• Cultivate a deep understanding of the specific industry in which accounts are located.
• Participate in weekly team meetings, monthly team meetings, and attend organization-wide development programs as scheduled. 
• Assist other departments and advisors in cross selling and account rounding.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

 REQUIREMENTS:  

• Experience: At least ten (10) years' experience in similar position is desirable.
• Required state licensing certification. 
• Education requirement: High school diploma or equivalent (GED) is required. College degree is preferred, not necessary.
• Manage a book of business of at least $7MM in agency premium is desirable. 
• Strong understanding of commercial lines insurance coverages, forms, procedures, and policy rating systems.
• Leadership experience preferred, not necessary. 
• Possess a thorough understanding of commercial lines underwriting and coverages.
• Have the ability to handle a book of business that has accounts ranging in size from $100,000 premium and above, based on geographical location. 
• Professional designations such as CIC, CPCU are a plus and desire to acquire advanced insurance designations. 
• Possess a big-picture perspective with the ability to address client concerns and decide on the most effective path forward.
• Excellent organizational skills with the capacity to balance multiple responsibilities or projects effectively. 
• Strong interpersonal abilities that facilitate clear communication with clients and colleagues. 
• Familiar in a variety of computer software applications including Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), agency & document managing system. 

The above noted job description is not intended to describe, in detail, the multitude of tasks that may be assigned, but rather to give the associate a general sense of the responsibilities and expectations of the position. As the nature of business demands change, so too may the essential functions of this position. 

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY SPECIFICATIONS

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment 

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is not exposed to weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.