Actuary - Modeling & Data Infrastructure

What you can expect as the Actuary - Modeling & Data Infrastructure

***This position may be filled at a higher or lower level***

Serve as a leader in the development and execution of accurate and efficient tools and processes to support the actuarial function(s) related to this role. This role sits in the Model Development area of the Corporate Modeling team. Implement changes to actuarial models in accordance with the Company’s Model Governance process. Analyze, summarize and present management information to drive decisions. Understand Sammons Financial Group (SFG) Member Companies' financial objectives and ensure processes and work product support those objectives. Manage multiple projects and work collaboratively with other departments, providing technical guidance as needed. Lead special projects as directed.

• Apply strong knowledge of SFG products related to area of focus. Understand new products and make recommendations regarding how to incorporate into existing models and/or actuarial processes.
• Apply strong knowledge of insurance contracts and actuarial related regulations to perform existing functions. Recommend enhancements to existing processes or develop new processes to accommodate regulatory changes. Prepare actuarial memorandums and/or disclosures in compliance with regulations related to area of focus.
• Develop and recommend assumptions for management approval. Apply as needed for actuarial calculations or financial projections. Leverage company data, industry data and/or any other information indicating a potential change in the future to support individual assumptions. Use actuarial models to understand and explain the impact of a change in assumptions. Ensure assumptions and sources of underlying data are well documented.
• Create, understand and interpret complex financial models. Assist in choosing the appropriate modeling approach and using the right tools and methods to maximize efficiency. Analyze and explain the results of both deterministic and stochastic projections. Ensure proper governance, peer review and documentation is completed.
• Leverage knowledge of accounting standards and other reporting requirements covering insurance liabilities and the assets backing liabilities to understand, analyze and explain financial reporting as needed. This includes balance sheets and income statements produced by actuarial models. Assist in interpreting and implementing changes in accounting and/or actuarial standards.
• Create spreadsheets, databases and other data analytic software as needed to perform data analysis and summarize, manipulate, transform and aggregate data efficiently and accurately. Present aggregated data verbally, numerically, graphically or in another written format to highlight key features to inform management decisions. Perform checks to confirm the robustness of the data and analysis.
• Understand concepts of relevant actuarial risks and the implications of failing to manage risk. Quantify risk exposure and use model projections to produce management information to measure and to monitor on-going exposure. Assist in developing risk mitigation techniques which may include product changes or new product designs.
• Lead special projects as required. Work individually and/or in teams on multiple projects and deliver completed projects on time and with high quality. Effectively plan and prioritize your work in accordance with broader department objectives and priorities.
• Develop relationships and collaborate with other departments and business units. Communicate effectively with other actuarial teams to ensure consistency in modeling approaches and assumptions across actuarial functions. As needed, perform actuarial calculations to support administration or test IT functionality. Develop relationships with others outside the Company, including outside vendors that provide services.
• Enhance and develop personal and professional skills through the Society of Actuaries' exam or continuing education requirements. Attending actuarial-related conferences is strongly encouraged.

 What we are looking for:

• Bachelor's Degree preferably in the area of mathematics, or a business related field required
• FSA preferred or will consider near-FSA or actively pursuing completion of FSA or career ASA required
• 6-8 years' experience in the field of Actuarial Science preferred
• Extensive experience with actuarial modeling software, preferably AXIS
• Prior experience with SQL desired
• Demonstrate a superior level of mathematical ability and attention to detail and strong analytical skills
• Demonstrate strong computer skills including proficiency in the use of applicable technical tools
• Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills including the ability to present highly technical information to non- technical audiences
• Ability to apply insurance industry knowledge, preferably in the fields of individual life and annuities
• Ability to identify and direct the analysis of problems or questions and provide recommendations to appropriate audiences
• Ability to work both individually and as part of a team
• Highly organized with the demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple projects and to switch priorities as necessary
• Ability to work effectively in an office environment
• Commitment to embrace SFG shared values (Respect, Accountability, Integrity, and Openness)
• Criminal background check required.

Sammons Financial Group Companies offers some of today’s most sought after life insurance, annuity, and retirement planning products. Unlike most financial organizations, our companies are not publicly traded, which means we’re focused on long-term value rather than short-term earnings pressures. As a privately held company, our leaders and employees remain consistently focused on long-term growth, making decisions that allow us to deliver on our commitments to customers, distribution partners, our employees, and our communities. Individually, our companies provide value in the products and services they offer. Together we represent a history of strength and longevity.

What you can expect when you join Sammons Financial Group:

• A casual dress code (yep – that means jeans!)
• A company you want to be a part of, driven by inspiring leaders and a fun, friendly work environment.
• Colleagues who support one another, model our core values, and drive our healthy, high-performing culture.
• Healthy balance between work and personal lives. Friday afternoons off all year long, competitive PTO, and generous number of paid holidays.
• Our competitive benefit package includes: Health, Dental, Vision, Company Paid Retirement, PTO and Holiday Pay.
• A generous retirement program. Our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) is a 100% company funded retirement plan, so you can save for retirement without contributing a penny of your own paycheck.
• A company that celebrates diversity, is committed to inclusion, and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.

Pay Range: $118,231 - $197,051

• Range includes data points from multiple labor markets. Specific range is dependent on the labor market where the incumbent will be hired to perform the position. Starting salary is dependent on candidate qualifications and experience. For a narrower salary range specific to your labor market, please inquire.
• Sammons Financial Group offers incentive programs for defined goals subject to eligibility and performance. Monetary rewards are based on individual and/or overall company performance.
• Our competitive benefit package includes: Health, Dental, Vision, Company Paid Retirement, PTO and Holiday Pay.