Managing Actuary, Transformation & Analytics

Posted:
1/8/2025, 3:19:28 AM

Location(s):
West Des Moines, Iowa, United States ⋅ Iowa, United States

Experience Level(s):
Expert or higher ⋅ Senior

Field(s):
Data & Analytics

Workplace Type:
Hybrid

At American Equity Investment Life Holding Company®we offer leading annuity products that help empower our clients to fulfill their needs and wants in retirement. Our success comes from hiring high-energy individuals who embody the beliefs that drive our unique culture. We currently fund over half a million retirements nationwide, and have been headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa, for over twenty-five years with satellite offices in Charlotte, NC and New York, NY.

GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE JOB:   

The Managing Actuary, Transformation & Analytics is responsible for assessing gaps in current controls, processes, and analytics within all corporate actuarial functions, and leading the design and execution of the transformation. As a senior leader of the Corporate Actuarial Team, this role will ensure that we strengthen our capabilities, enhance efficiency, and build a scalable framework to meet increasing business demands.

**This position is based in West Des Moines, IA and will work a hybrid, onsite schedule**

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

  • Conducts comprehensive review to identify gaps in current actuarial controls, processes, and analytics.
  • Recommends and implements targeted enhancements that align with best practices and regulatory standards, in close collaboration with model and process owners.
  • Automates and streamlines actuarial processes and tools to improve efficiency, accuracy, and consistency.
  • Reduces manual efforts and enhances the overall quality of modeling and reporting outputs.
  • Develops robust data analytics capabilities to support strategic decision-making.
  • Collaborates closely with BAU teams to ensure seamless integration and alignment.
  • Designs scalable processes that can handle increasing complexity and volume, accommodating growth in data, regulatory requirements, and stakeholder needs.
  • Ensures the team’s infrastructure is flexible and equipped to meet evolving demands from internal and external customers.
  • Builds and leads an agile, high-performing team dedicated to actuarial transformation and analytics.
  • Fosters a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and adaptability.
  • Retains key talents through continuous feedback and performance management, reward and recognition, corrective action and employee development
  • Serves as a voting member on both the Model Steering Committee and Assumption Approval Group

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Reports:

Approximately 2 to 3 actuaries, actuarial associates and analysts

General Description of Indirect Reports (2 and 3-downs): 

None

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:  

  • Bachelor’s degree in actuarial science, or related field of study; plus at least fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible related actuarial experience; or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
  • At least 8 years of post-FSA experience in an actuarial leadership role is required.
  • At least 8 years of post-FSA experience in financial reporting, valuation, modeling, or risk management is required.
  • Prior experience utilizing MG-ALFA actuarial software is preferred. Will consider more years of experience in an alternative actuarial software.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS:

  • FSA, MAAA required.
  • CFA preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

  • Entrepreneurial with deep expertise and experience in annuity (re)insurance markets and exceptional ability to execute.
  • Exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills with a commercial and creative problem-solving mindset.
  • Exceptional communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical concepts/findings to actionable insights.
  • Exceptional ability to excel in a fast-paced work environment especially under tight timelines and ambiguity.
  • Passion for driving changes and strong ability to influence others supported by factual data and analytics
  • Expert knowledge of US GAAP and Statutory reporting in the United States.
  • Expert knowledge of financial reporting requirements outside the United States and accustomed to modeling fixed indexed annuities under various jurisdictions.
  • Strong knowledge of all laws, rules and regulations related to actuarial valuation in the annuities industry.
  • Mastery of actuarial valuation best practices, procedures and processes.
  • Exceptional knowledge and aptitude with actuarial software.
  • Exceptional statistical, mathematical, and hands-on programming skills.
  • Strong ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents from regulatory agencies, and other members of the business community.
  • Exceptional ability to effectively present technical information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
  • Exceptional ability to comprehend and apply principles of advanced technical concepts and theory.
  • Exceptional ability to apply principles of logical thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems.
  • Exceptional ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
  • Exceptional ability to work collaboratively and successfully with employees, customers, reinsurers, vendors and other outside third parties.

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