Underwriting Assistant in London

Company Overview: We are a globally recognised marine insurer, providing Protection and Indemnity (P&I) cover to a diverse portfolio of shipowners and charterers. As a key member of the International Group of P&I Clubs, we provide tailored insurance covers to our international membership. Operating from offices in London, Hong Kong, Piraeus, Cyprus, Seoul and Shanghai, we pride ourselves on delivering flexible, member/assured-focused insurance solutions that meet the unique needs of the global shipping community. Our London headquarters serve as the hub for our operations, where we foster a collaborative and dynamic environment within a regulated framework, adhering to both financial and insurance regulatory standards.

The Opportunity: We are seeking an Underwriting Assistant to join our busy team based in London. This role offers a hybrid working arrangement.

Overall Objectives of Role: The Underwriting Assistant is responsible for providing administrative support to the underwriting team. This includes tasks such as data entry, document preparation, and maintaining accurate records. They assist in the evaluation and analysis of insurance applications, ensuring that all necessary information is collected and properly documented. Additionally, Underwriting Assistants play a key role in communication, both internally and externally. They liaise with clients, brokers, and other stakeholders, providing updates, answering queries, and ensuring that all parties are kept informed throughout the underwriting process. Attention to detail and strong organizational skills are essential for this role, as Underwriting Assistants must manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously. They also need to be proactive, identifying potential issues and working collaboratively with the underwriting team to resolve them. In summary, the Underwriting Assistant role is integral to the success of our underwriting operations. Their support allows our underwriters to focus on their core responsibilities, ultimately contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of our department.

Key Duties:

• To assist in the provision of ship and renewal documentation for approval by the underwriter, as requested, before input into our operating systems.
• To assist in the updating of our operating systems to ensure ship information data (name, flag, tonnage etc.) is correct.
• To create and update spreadsheets for various data including chartered fleets and declarations for reinsurers.
• To assist in the production of debit/credit notes entries and type the covering letters for dispatch of the same.
• To assist in checking that any computer input from the previous day is correct.
• To assist in the production of accounts for members/assureds, and to check balances.
• To assist in the processing of laid return applications for shipping after lay-ups, as and when required.
• To assist in the checking and encoding of entry forms for new ships and changes in the ownership, as and when received.
• To assist in dealing with account queries from members/assureds and brokers.
• To assist in the provision of Confirmations of Cover on behalf of the underwriter as and when required.
• To assist when required in the preparation for the underwriters and to issue Certificates of Entry/Cover Notes annually following renewal and each time a new vessel is entered or there is a change of ownership.
• To assist in the production of documentation for oil pollution required to allow Members/assureds and brokers to apply for CLC, USCG and ITOPF certification at the request of an underwriter as and when required.
• To assist, when required, in the preparation of Letters of Undertaking to mortgagee banks on notification and provide annual confirmation of renewal.
• To assist in other clerical tasks as and when requested by underwriters.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Personal Skills:

• Judgment - To understand limits of knowledge and to seek appropriate guidance.
• Problem Solving - To learn to analyse issues carefully and thoroughly under guidance.
• Team Working - To follow directions on case handling from mentor/line manager.
• Organised - To demonstrate attention to detail and a methodical approach in dealing with day to day work issues.
• Education - Degree not required.
• Experience - 2/3 years commercial experience preferred.
• Technical IT skills – Microsoft experience ideally. Alternatively, willingness and ability to learn quickly should be demonstrated.
• The ability to learn and develop skills.
• The ability to work under own initiative.

OBJECTIVES:

• To assist in the provision of accounting and documentation services for the underwriting department.
• To provide underwriting administrative support functions for the Underwriting department.
• Provide cover for other members of staff as required by the department.