Team Manager Operational Finance; Sickpay

To lead and oversee the end-to-end operational finance processes relating to sickness and permanent incapacity claim payments, refunds and associated member account transactions. The role is accountable for ensuring that payments are processed accurately, timeously and in accordance with approved delegations of authority, accounting standards, service-level commitments, regulatory requirements and internal financial controls.

To lead and oversee the end-to-end operational finance processes relating to sickness and permanent incapacity claim payments, refunds and associated member account transactions. The role is accountable for ensuring that payments are processed accurately, timeously and in accordance with approved delegations of authority, accounting standards, service-level commitments, regulatory requirements and internal financial controls.

The incumbent provides operational leadership over claim liabilities, account settlements, unpaid debit order recoveries, payment releases, reconciliations, management reporting and related member and adviser communication. The role is further responsible for safeguarding financial integrity, managing operational and compliance risk, driving process and systems improvement, resolving escalated service matters, and leading a capable and accountable team that consistently delivers quality outcomes to members and internal stakeholders.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce, Financial Management or a related field.
• A relevant postgraduate qualification or professional designation will be advantageous.

• A minimum of three years’ people management or team-leadership experience, including responsibility for performance management, coaching, work allocation and quality oversight.
• Solid accounting and financial experience.
• Experienced in Statutory and Regulatory reporting requirements.
• Experienced in the development and enhancement of current business processes.

• Knowledge of insurance claims payment, accounting, FICA, banking verification and operational risk control requirements relevant to sickness claim payments.
• Exposure in dealing with members, brokers and advisors.
• Strong sense of commitment to the organization’s goals and values.
• Solid knowledge of accounting and financial principles.
• Sound working knowledge of IAA, Service Manager, MIP and GBI, with the ability to identify system, workflow and automation opportunities that improve control, turnaround time and operational efficiency.
• Process driven.

• Lead and oversee the end-to-end processing of sickness and permanent incapacity claim payments and refunds, from receipt and verification through to authorisation, payment release and stakeholder communication.
• Review and authorise payments within the approved delegation of authority and elevate transactions outside the applicable mandate.
• Ensure that all payment requests are supported by complete and accurate documentation, banking validation, claim-period information, payment instructions and workflow records.
• Monitor service-level performance and ensure that claim payments, notifications and remittance advice are completed within agreed turnaround times.
• Oversee the investigation and resolution of escalated member, adviser, servicing and sales enquiries and complaints.

• Maintain effective financial control over claim liabilities, current-account settlements, unpaid debit orders, arrears transfers, process advances, refunds, over payments and recoveries.
• Ensure that all relevant account balances and recoveries…