Actuary, Actuarial Data and Model Testing

At American Equity 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 Actuary, Actuarial Data and Model Testing, is responsible for supporting the actuarial team in the design and implementation of a best practice model development framework. This position will lead quality assurance (QA), testing of actuarial models, and associated data. The incumbent will also contribute to validations, attributions, and analyses to ensure the integrity of both the models and the data.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead quality assurance (QA) and testing functions in the modeling team to support development and enhancement of the Actuarial Corporate Model, ensuring adherence to rigorous model governance controls.
• Conduct thorough impact analysis, attributions and validations for model changes, facilitating user acceptance testing (UAT) activities.
• Actively participate in the preparation for Corporate Model Steering Committee meetings, provide expertise to answer questions, respond to requests, and explain variance and changes.
• Work closely with various stakeholders including valuation model owners, internal and external controls, IT teams and consultants, to ensure comprehensive alignment and communication.
• Design, create, and maintain quality assurance and testing tools, utilizing Excel (VBA), SQL, Python or other programming languages to replicate model functionality and validate data transformations.
• Contribute to enhancing current model governance policies and procedures, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of external and internal audit requirements.
• Monitor developments in the actuarial industry and stay current on regulatory and accounting matters related to modeling, including US GAAP and Statutory reporting metrics (e.g., FAS133, MRB, DAC, AG33, VM22, Bermuda BEL, and Cash Flow Testing).
• Provide subject matter expertise to team members and internal/external stakeholders on complex actuarial models.
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and oversight to junior actuarial team members.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Reports: None to One (1) actuarial associate, analyst or intern.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Actuarial Science, Mathematics, Statistics or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible actuarial experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience with actuarial modeling software such as GGY-Axis, MG-ALFA.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS:

• FSA

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Advanced experience with actuarial modeling software.
• Strong technical background and programming skills such as Python, SQL and Excel VBA.
• Proven track record in automation and process improvement projects.
• Strong knowledge of annuity products.
• Results-oriented with strong problem-solving skills.
• Proven verbal and written communication skills, capable of conveying complex actuarial concepts clearly and concisely.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong organizational and planning abilities.
• Ability to lead and prioritize projects for timely and successful delivery.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively with teammates and stakeholders.
• Capacity to handle pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment with unpredictable workflow.

LOCATION:

This position requires hybrid work in the office schedule in Des Moines, Iowa.

This description covers the major purpose and essential functions of the job. It is not intended to give all details or a step-by-step account of the way each task is to be performed. Employees may receive other job related instructions and be required to perform other job related work requested by their manager. All requirements are subject to possible modification to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities.

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