Complex Claims Specialist - Professional Liability (Accountants)

01460 Continental Casualty Company; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 54,000 - 103,000; Full time

Job summary

CNA is seeking a dynamic Complex Claims Specialist to handle accountants and accounting firms nationwide. The role involves evaluating coverage, assessing liability and damages, and setting reserves while guiding settlements and litigation with internal teams and external counsel.

The position supports a hybrid schedule with two days per week in a CNA office, handling about 130 pending claims and communicating regularly with insureds and claimants.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience; JD is a plus.
• Typically a minimum four years of relevant experience in claim handling.
• Insurance adjuster license required or ability to obtain within 90 days.

Responsibilities

• Manage an inventory of moderate to high complexity commercial claims.
• Verify policy coverage, conduct investigations, and determine liability.
• Set reserves and authorize disbursements within authority limits.
• Negotiate settlements and coordinate with coverage counsel on complex matters.
• Mentor and coach less experienced claim professionals.

Skills

Claims handling

Communication

Collaboration

Judgement

Investigative

Time management

Multi-tasking

Negotiation

Adaptability

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree

JD is a plus

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

You have a clear vision of where your career can go. And we have the leadership to help you get there. At CNA, we strive to create a culture in which people know they matter and are part of something important, ensuring the abilities of all employees are used to their fullest potential. CNA is the market leader in providing Accountants Professional Liability coverage and provides best-in-class claim service. We are seeking a dynamic self-starter to join our team as a Complex Claims Specialist handling claims for accountants and accounting firms nationwide. At CNA, Claim Professionals use their specialized expertise to handle claims efficiently and seamlessly in a collaborative environment focused on continuous improvement, ensuring the best possible outcome on every claims. The Complex Claims Specialist plays a critical role in managing and resolving complex accountants malpractice claims by evaluating coverage, assessing liability and damages, setting timely reserves, negotiating and settling claims, and directing litigation. Under moderate direction, works within defined authority limits, to manage commercial claims with moderate to high complexity and exposure. Responsibilities include investigating and resolving claims according to company protocols, quality and customer service standards. Position requires regular communication with customers and insureds. The Complex Claim Specialist will handle approximately 130 pending Accounting Professional Liability claims. This position works a flexible hybrid work schedule of 2 days per week in one of the listed CNA office locations.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Performs a combination of duties in accordance with departmental guidelines: Manages an inventory of moderate to high complexity and exposure commercial claims by following company protocols to verify policy coverage, conduct investigations, develop and employ resolution strategies, and authorize disbursements within authority limits. Provides exceptional customer service by interacting professionally and effectively with insureds, claimants and business partners, achieving quality and cycle time standards, providing regular, timely updates and responding promptly to inquiries and requests for information. Verifies coverage and establishes timely and adequate reserves by reviewing and interpreting policy language and partnering with coverage counsel on more complex matters , estimating potential claim valuation, and following company's claim handling protocols. Conducts focused investigation to determine compensability, liability and covered damages by gathering pertinent information, such as contracts or other documents, taking recorded statements from customers, claimants, injured workers, witnesses, and working with experts, or other parties, as necessary to verify the facts of the claim. Establishes and maintains working relationships with appropriate internal and external work partners, suppliers and experts by identifying and collaborating with resources that are needed to effectively resolve claims. Authorizes and ensures claim disbursements within authority limit by determining liability and compensability of the claim, negotiating settlements and escalating to manager as appropriate. Contributes to expense management by timely and accurately resolving claims, selecting and actively overseeing appropriate resources, and delivering high quality service. Identifies and addresses subrogation/salvage opportunities or potential fraud occurrences by evaluating the facts of the claim and making referrals to appropriate Recovery or SIU resources for further investigation. Achieves quality standards on every file by following all company guidelines, achieving quality and cycle time targets, ensuring proper documentation and issuing appropriate claim disbursements. Maintains compliance with state/local regulatory requirements by following company guidelines, and staying current on commercial insurance laws, regulations or trends for line of business. May serve as a mentor/coach to less experienced claim professionals May perform additional duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationship

Typically Manager or above

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Solid working knowledge of the commercial insurance industry, products, policy language, coverage, and claim practices.
• Solid verbal and written communication skills with the ability to develop positive working relationships, summarize and present information to customers, claimants and senior management as needed.
• Demonstrated ability to develop collaborative business relationships with internal and external work partners.
• Ability to exercise independent judgement, solve moderately complex problems and make sound business decisions.
• Demonstrated investigative experience with an analytical mindset and critical thinking skills.
• Strong work ethic, with demonstrated time management and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, collaborative environment at high levels of productivity.
• Developing ability to negotiate low to moderately complex settlements.
• Adaptable to a changing environment.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn business-related software.
• Demonstrated ability to value diverse opinions and ideas.

Education & Experience

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience, JD is a plus. Typically a minimum four years of relevant experience, preferably in claim handling or in a law firm handling professional liability matters. Candidates who have successfully completed the CNA Claim Training Program may be considered after 2 years of claim handling experience. Must have or be able to obtain and maintain an Insurance Adjuster License within 90 days of hire, where applicable. Professional designations are a plus (e.g. CPCU).

Compensation

In certain jurisdictions, CNA is legally required to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. In District of Columbia, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Washington, the national base pay range for this job level is $54,000 to $103,000 annually. Salary determinations are based on various factors, including but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and location. CNA offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to help our employees – and their family members – achieve their physical, financial, emotional and social wellbeing goals. For a detailed look at CNA’s benefits, please visit cnabenefits.com. CNA utilizes AI-enabled technology during the recruiting process. For more information, please visit our careers page. CNA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact [e-mail].

Commitment to Inclusion and Diversity

At CNA, we are committed to advancing a culture of inclusion – one that attracts talent from all walks of life, fosters respect and collaboration, and enables all of our colleagues to do their best work. At CNA, we have a long standing commitment to the diverse communities in which we live and work. We actively make a difference for the greater good through partnerships, sustainability, initiatives, and working together for a better tomorrow.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Corporate Social Responsibility is not one person, or one department, it's the entire enterprise coming together to make the world a better place.