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.
Role: Surplus Lines Analyst
Location: Remote (Grand Rapids, MI)
Salary: $50,00 - $60,000
Why Join Howden US?
At Howden, we’re not just building a business- We’re rewriting the rules of what a global insurance broker can be. And now, it’s your turn to be part of something extraordinary. From three people and a dog to over 22,000 employees across 56 countries, we’ve grown into a $4bn revenue powerhouse with bold ambition: to become a $13bn business with 40,000 people by 2030.
We’re launching our US retail platform with the same entrepreneurial spirit that’s driven our success worldwide- and we’re looking for trailblazers to help shape the future.
Why Howden?
You’ll Own It
With 6,000 employee shareholders owning 34% of the company, our unique ownership model means you’re not just joining a team—you’re building a business you truly own.
You’ll Be Empowered
We’re a destination for talent where people are trusted to look after their clients and grow together. You’ll have the freedom to lead, backed by global scale and local expertise.
You’ll Be Part of Something Bigger
Our integrated platform spans broking, reinsurance, and MGA capabilities—giving you access to everything you need to deliver for clients and build something remarkable
We have always been employee-owned and driven by entrepreneurial spirit. Right from the beginning, we've focused on employing talented individuals and empowering them to make a real difference to the company, whilst building successful and fulfilling careers at the same time. Simply put, we hire talented specialists and give them what they need to make a difference for clients. Always have, always will.
What is the role?
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Surplus Lines Analyst to manage the filings, tax payments, and compliance with non-admitted placements in the US. This role ensures accurate documentation and filing of surplus lines taxes and fee allocations, partnering with account teams, finance, and compliance for timely execution. This strategic role is integral to the business, enabling scalable growth and delivering on our ambition to achieve exceptional client service.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in customer service, data management, quality control, and tax or financial services.
In this role, you will act as the first point of contact for our North American agents, providing guidance and direction with regard to non-admitted placement requirements.
What will you be doing?
Surplus Lines Tax & Filing
Validate surplus lines tax calculations for accuracy and alignment with state regulations
Prepare, file, and submit surplus lines tax filings and stamping to ensure compliance with jurisdictional requirements.
Policy Review & Compliance
Serve as a primary point of contact within the surplus lines team.
Review surplus lines policies for compliance and file to the appropriate state.
Educate brokers on compliance requirements and best practices.
Payment & Reconciliation
Align delivery across project, product and operational teams in an efficient and effective manner.
Remit surplus lines tax payments in a timely manner.
Reconcile payments made with Epic records to ensure accuracy.
Data Management & Reporting
Maintain and update filings databases and records, ensuring data integrity and accessibility for reporting and compliance
Generate and deliver reports on filing status, compliance metrics, and activities for management and regulatory purposes
Maintain current state tax rates and fees within Agency Management System
Audit, Reporting & Vendor Oversight
Assist in surplus lines–related audits.
Oversee relationships with third-party vendors, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of services.
Key Skills & Competencies
Organizational Skills: Ability to manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and record-keeping systems.
Attention to Detail: Crucial for accurately preparing and verifying documentation for applications and compliance.
Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal skills for interacting with internal teams, external agencies, and vendors.
Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with the specific industry's licensing requirements and regulations.
Computer Skills: Proficiency with databases, software, and other relevant IT tools for data entry, tracking, and reporting.
Problem-Solving: Ability to identify issues, research solutions, and implement improvements to surplus lines processes.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Insurance, or related field or equivalent experience in tax or financial services, insurance operations, regulatory compliance, or customer service.
2+ years of experience in tax or financial services, customer service, and data entry related role.
Demonstrated experience in a professional office setting.
Familiarity with insurance systems and surplus lines regulations is a plus.
Compensation and Benefits
The expected base salary range for this role is $50,00 - $60,000; actual base salary will be determined based on factors including candidate experience and work location. This role is classified as 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.
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
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