Accounts Payable Specialist

Job description

Who are we? Howden is a global insurance group with employee ownership at its heart. Together, we have pushed the boundaries of insurance. We are united by a shared passion and no-limits mindset, and our strength lies in our ability to collaborate as a powerful international team comprised of 24,000 employees spanning over 56 countries. People join Howden for many different reasons, but they stay for the same one: our culture. It’s what sets us apart, and the reason our employees have been turning down headhunters for years. Whatever your priorities – work / life balance, career progression, sustainability, volunteering – you’ll find like-minded people driving change at Howden. What is the role? We are seeking an Accounts Payable Specialist in Charlotte, NC with a hybrid work schedule. ROLE SUMMARY The Accounts Payable Specialist will provide day-to-day accounts payable processing and support for designated business units within Howden Specialty LLC, ensuring operational excellence and compliance with company and group policies. This role delivers accurate and timely processing of invoices, payments, and account reconciliations, supporting Insurance Broker Accounting (IBA) operations. It serves as a point of contact for account queries, delivering high-quality service and stakeholder coordination across markets, clients, and internal teams. The role supports data‑driven reporting to guide execution priorities, contributes to cross‑functional initiatives, and ensures strict adherence to compliance, governance, and regulatory requirements. What will you be doing? Operational Responsibilities Ensure timely and accurate processing of invoices, payments, and other technical transactions, escalating to leadership where required. Process IBA payment requests, complete invoice and payment matching, and reconcile accounts with markets and clients within agreed timelines. Forward Notices of Cancellation to relevant departments and actively drive follow‑through, including escalation where necessary. Resolve account and reconciliation queries efficiently and accurately. Provide operational support for U.S. Cashiering and Treasury activities as required, including processing payments and assisting with routine banking inquiries. Stakeholder and Client Relationship Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, serving as a responsive point of contact when needed; this includes supporting Private Client and Health & Benefits. Respond to business and customer requirements with agility, professionalism, and sound judgment, while upholding the highest ethical standards in all interactions. Reporting & Projects Maintain accurate, up‑to‑date system records and deliver accounting operations, KPI reporting, and management information. Use data‑driven insights to steer execution priorities, identify escalation needs, and communicate effectively through clear data storytelling. Support assigned initiatives and actively contribute to cross‑functional projects. Perform account reconciliations with markets and clients, ensuring issues are identified, investigated, and resolved efficiently and accurately. Respond to account‑related inquiries promptly and in line with defined service standards. Compliance, Governance & Market Awareness Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and all applicable legal and regulatory requirements. Maintain accurate records and ensure HR and T&C documentation is current and properly authorized in line with internal processes. Monitor and assess regulatory and legal developments impacting IBA operations, implementing appropriate operational responses as needed. Stay informed of relevant legal, regulatory, and market changes affecting the role and the business. What are we looking for? Qualifications: In-depth understanding of the Bill-to-Cash lifecycle within an agency management system; hands-on Applied Epic tactical experience is highly desirable. 3+ years of experience in accounts payable or accounting operations, preferably within comparable agency environment. Experience collaborating with offshore or cross-functional partners is a plus. Results‑oriented professional with the ability to execute independently, manage operational and accounting processes accurately, and deliver high‑quality outcomes in a fast‑paced environment. Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to interpret, manipulate, and draw insights from financial and operational data to identify trends, risks, and solutions. Solution‑oriented mindset, capable of prioritizing tasks, resolving issues efficiently, and escalating appropriately when needed. Proven ability to interpret, implement, and consistently enforce policies, procedures, internal controls, and governance requirements. Clear, confident verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to translate data into actionable insights and influence outcomes. Collaborative team player and role model, contributing positively across functions and supporting shared objectives. Self‑motivated with a proactive approach to learning and continuous improvement. Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Compensation and Benefits The expected base salary range for this role is $70,000 - $100,000; actual base salary will be determined based on factors including candidate experience and work location. This role is classified as non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). In addition to a competitive base salary, employees are eligible to receive a discretionary bonus. Howden also offers a variety of benefits and programs, subject to eligibility, including: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, including healthcare savings and reimbursement accounts 401(k) retirement plan Flexible Paid Time Off and paid parental leave Life and Disability insurance Our sustainability promise We’re on a life-long journey to become an ever-more sustainable group. It's a commitment to taking care of our people and the world we live in, to doing good business, and to making a positive impact wherever we can. Our governance processes, company policies, and review systems are all geared towards our goal of making a positive impact in the world. You can read more about our sustainability work here . What do we offer in return? A career that you define. At Howden, we value diversity – there is no one Howden type. Instead, we’re looking for individuals who share the same values as us: Our successes have all come from someone brave enough to try something new We support each other in the small everyday moments and the bigger challenges We are determined to make a positive difference at work and beyond Reasonable adjustments We're committed to providing reasonable accommodations at Howden to ensure that our positions align well with your needs. Besides the usual adjustments such as software, IT, and office setups, we can also accommodate other changes such as flexible hours* or hybrid working*. If you're excited by this role but have some doubts about whether it’s the right fit for you, send us your application – if your profile fits the role’s criteria, we will be in touch to assist in helping to get you set up with any reasonable adjustments you may require. *Not all positions can accommodate changes to working hours or locations. Reach out to your Recruitment Partner if you want to know more. Permanent