Job Postings

From the Desk of Delisle L. Doherty SPJST Vice President of Sales and Marketing It’s Your Life

Take The High Road — It Has Fewer Tolls

You have to admire Booker T. Washington. He was truly an amazing man.

An African-American man born into slavery just nine years before emancipation, he accomplished so much against tremendous odds. He was a teacher, author, speaker, and advisor to American presidents. He was astute at politics and knew how to manipulate the media of the late 19th century, which enabled him to raise money and network, allowing him to advance his cause – to end the disenfranchisement of other fellow African Americans. During his lifetime, Booker T. Washington wrote 14 books, the most popular of which, and still read today, was his autobiography – “Up from Slavery.”

You will get little argument to say that through his work, he was able to teach blacks how to live self-reliant lives, all the while making enemies on both sides. You see, whites hated him for helping the newly emancipated slaves, and blacks hated him for being too accommodating to the whites.

But Mr. Washington didn’t let that control his life. You see, he was a Christian man and set a wonderful example for all. When you think about it, his life was much like the apostle Peter who worked to guide Jesus’ followers through their own persecution to live the life that God planned for them. I can imagine him standing in front of you and delivering our focus this month.

1 Peter 3:9 – Do not repay evil for evil. Do not retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you, his blessing.

Just think about all the evil that must have been thrust on this great American. Then think about how we would react if faced with the same. Granted, the slings and arrows that fall upon us are not nearly as outrageous as his must have been, but we are constantly bombarded with incivilities, if not full-frontal attacks.

How do you react when somebody insults you on Facebook? When your coworker spreads rumors about you to others? When your competitor lies about you or your company? When your neighbor talks behind your back?

It’s natural to retaliate in these situations. But, what if we took Peter’s words to heart, and instead of returning evil, we paid back a blessing? Mr. Washington did just that, and that is what allowed him to be great.

One my favorite quotes of his is, “I will permit no man to narrow and degrade my soul by making me hate him.” He understood that when we hate others, we only diminish ourselves. It reduces our ability to live the life that God intended for us.

How much better would our lives be if we followed his good example?

So, the next time your neighbor’s car alarm goes off at 3 a.m. . . . the next time there is no more coffee because someone took the last cup . . . the next time the person parked next to you dings your car getting out . . . the next time someone eats your food out of the refrigerator . . .

Do what Booker T Washington would do. Focus on Peter’s admonition and repay that person with a blessing.

You’ll feel better about it.

“Whenever anyone has offended me, I try to raise my soul so high that the offense cannot reach it.” —Rene Descartes

My door is always open; figuratively and literally. Stay blessed, Delisle L. Doherty Vice President of Sales and Marketing 832-232-2049 —SPJST—

• • • • • • • JOB POSTINGS • • • • • • • Assistant Controller

Department: Controller

Summary

The Assistant Controller assists the Controller to ensure accounting and finance activities are performed in accordance with Statutory Principles and other Company practices, policies, and procedures. This position also supervises the work of others in the accounting department.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Assistant Controller performs all duties under the guidance and supervision of the Controller. The duties and responsibilities of this position include:

• Assists in the completion of financial statements. • Works with external auditors in the preparation of the annual audit report and with the Texas Department of Insurance in the preparation of their audit report. This necessitates the preparation of multiple supporting schedules. • Assists in maintaining accounting records and transactions for local lodges. This includes automated and manual procedures. • Maintains accurate account of all receipts and disbursements. Prepares all monthly reports, statements, and supplements. • Assists in establishing business plan and expense budget for Information Technology department. As such, consults with users to discuss their needs for new programs or changes to existing programs. Reviews and analyzes new products and technology. • Manages general banking activities and reconciles all bank statements. Downloads monthly bank statements and account activity. Transmits ACH payments to lodges and youth leaders. Drafts annuity payments and medical reimbursements. • Files all necessary reports with the Texas Department of Insurance. • Maintains exact information of all members of every lodge. This includes paid to dates, amount of insurance and all general information pertaining to each individual certificate. • Receives payment of premiums from certificate holders. • Complies with federal, state and company policies, procedures, and regulations. • Files reports with A.M. Best, American Fraternal Alliance, and NAIC. • Assists in the preparation of an annual budget for the Society. • Works with actuary on various reports to establish reserves. • All other duties assigned by the Controller.

Skills

The skills of the SPJST Assistant Controller include:

• Excellent planning and organizational skills. • A good understanding of accounting and finance activities, as well as mathematics. • A good knowledge about the rules governing preparation of various types of financial statements is required. • The ability to work within deadlines and to be able to prioritize self and staff to meet the Company’s expected delivery times. • Excellent analytic and observation skills. • Excellent verbal and written communication skills. • Approachable and willingness to help employees both inside and outside of accounting. • The ability to effectively interpret and communicate financial results to non-financial managers and owners.

Education, Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge • Bachelor of Science degree in business, accounting, finance, or economics. MBA preferred. • CPA designation preferred. • Five years of experience in the accounting industry highly recommended. • Strong information technology background and the capacity to develop and implement a variety of internal programs. • Familiarity with fraternal benefit societies a plus.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. • Stand for brief periods of time. • Sitting for extended periods of time. • Use hands to finger or handle documents. • Reach with hands and arms periodically. • Stoop, kneel, or crouch periodically. • Must be able to communicate orally and hear to assist clients and coworkers. • Must be able to lift to 25 pounds periodically. • Must have the ability to review written documents and read information on the computer.

Application

Qualified candidates submit resume and application to PO Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503, Attn: Human Resources. Applications may also be completed online at www.spjst.org.

Loan Processing/ Servicing, Administrative Support Specialist

Department: Chief Financial Officer

Summary

Assists with setting up and servicing mortgage loans and policy loans. Crosstrained to assist with administrative support for various responsibilities of the CFO Department. Includes being a backup for fielding calls relative to policy service and claims reporting

Duties and Responsibilities • Assists with setting up new mortgages into mortgage module and various details of servicing mortgage loans. • Applies payments to mortgages and tracks and processes handling of delinquent mortgage loans. • Processes PACs on the first working day of each month and checks that correct amount is being drafted. Responsible for processing insufficient fund checks with proper charge back to account. • Responsible for recording new and renewal hazard insurance policies for mortgages assuring adequate coverage and renewal of policies. Responsible for running weekly insurance report identifying and responding to terminations, cancellations, and expirations. • Responsible for running mortgage loan journal and certificate loan journal weekly and balancing each with the general ledger. If not in balance, error must be researched. • Responsible for running the state board report weekly and balancing it with the general ledger. • Responsible for running delinquency report on the 13th of each month, mailing out notices, manually calculating delinquencies. • Responsible for the following important reports: annual coupon report identifying matured loans; detailed end of the month report for mortgage loans and certificate loans providing important information; monthly accrued interest report, monthly Chief Financial Officer’s report; quarterly mortgage delinquency report; quarterly excessive certificate loan report; certificate loan interest report; end of year report including multiple necessary details. • Responsible for providing backup to the mortgage loan application specialist in the areas of phone information backup and assisting with details of loan processing as needed. • Provide backup to mortgage loan processor as needed and assist with processing details and coordination with Investment Committee and attorney. • Will cross-train to be able serve as receptionist in the absence of main receptionist and backup. • Must perform other duties as assigned by management and be willing to develop skills in performing various duties in the CFO Department.

Qualifications • Must be computer-literate in Windows-based software word processing. • Must have mathematical aptitude, organizational skills, ability to effectively manage time, and flexibility. • Must have excellent verbal and interpersonal communication skills and present a professional image both in person and over the phone. • Must be organized and be able to set priorities and meet deadlines. • Must present a professional image, maintain a positive attitude, be a selfstarter, take initiative, be dependable, and take pride in work product. • Must be able to read, analyze, and interpret various documents. Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.

Education, Experience, Knowledge • High school diploma required. • Secretarial schooling or office experience preferred. • Training in Windows-based software (word processing, presentations, spreadsheets) a plus. • 5-plus years general administrative background in an office environment is a plus.

Physical Requirements • Position requires the ability to sit, stand, and walk during shift. • Occasional lifting of 10 to 25 pounds, with assistance, if necessary.

Application

Qualified candidates submit resume and application to PO Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503, Attn: Human Resources. Applications may also be completed online at www.spjst.org.

Staff Accountant

Department: Controller

Summary

SPJST seeks a qualified individual for the position of Staff Accountant. Under the supervision of the Controller, applies accounting principles, practices, and procedures to prepare and analyze financial statements including balance sheet, income statement, and departmental budgets.

Duties and Resposibilties

Responsible for the preparation of journal entries, analysis of general ledger account balances and reconciliations, verifies accuracy and makes recommendations for correction. Ensures that assigned responsibilities accurately reflect SPJST’s position.

Qualifications

Education qualification requires a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Three to five years experience in similar position required.

SPJST is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Application

Qualified candidates submit resume and application to PO Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503, Attn: Human Resources. Applications may also be completed online at www.spjst.org. —SPJST—