Actuary

EquiTrust Life Insurance Company; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision coverage

401(k) with Company Match

Paid time off: Vacation, Sick, Holiday, and more

Paid Parental Leave for both Mothers and Fathers

Hybrid/Remote Work Options

Early Friday Closure

Job summary

A U.S. life insurance provider in West Des Moines, Iowa, seeks a qualified Actuary to lead the modeling and valuation functions. The ideal candidate will have at least 7 years of actuarial experience and a strong background in life insurance and annuity products. Responsibilities include overseeing financial reporting, developing actuarial models, and collaborating with various stakeholders. This position offers opportunities for performance management and fostering an inclusive team environment, along with a competitive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of actuarial experience.
• At least 5 years of experience with life insurance and fixed indexed annuity products.
• Supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• FSA required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of actuarial professionals.
• Oversee valuation and financial reporting for life and annuity products.
• Drive Cash Flow Testing and financial modeling.
• Enhance actuarial models and testing processes.
• Partner with Investments and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Support internal and external audits and regulatory reviews.

Skills

Advanced actuarial and quantitative modeling expertise

Experience with actuarial systems such as ALFA and ARCVAL

Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Ability to build strong partnerships across departments

Regulatory reporting

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Data Analytics, or related field

FSA

Tools

VBA

SQL

Python

SQL

Python

Job description

Posting Title: Actuary

Location: West Des Moines, Iowa (Mostly On‑Site)

Employment Type: Full‑time

About Us

EquiTrust Life Insurance Company is a national carrier of competitive, client‑friendly annuity products sold through a variety of distribution channels, including more than 20,000 independent agents and independent marketing organizations (IMOs). Since 2003, we have provided exceptional customer service to our clients by operating with integrity and passion. Our efforts are supported by a dedicated workforce who execute their responsibilities through teamwork and an entrepreneurial spirit. EquiTrust sells products nationwide and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with operations in West Des Moines, Iowa.

How You’ll Contribute

As an Actuary, you will lead the modeling and valuation function within Corporate Actuarial, overseeing actuarial professionals and driving the development, governance, and enhancement of actuarial models and reporting processes. You will play a critical leadership role in monthly, quarterly, and annual valuation and financial reporting for life and annuity blocks of business. This role partners closely with Investments, Finance, Accounting, Risk, senior leadership, auditors, and regulatory stakeholders to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant financial reporting. We are seeking a collaborative and strategic actuarial leader who brings strong technical expertise, sound judgment, and a passion for continuous improvement.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and develop a team of actuarial professionals, including performance management, coaching, and workflow oversight
• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual valuation and financial reporting, including Statutory and Tax reserves
• Drive Cash Flow Testing, ALM risk duration analysis, and related financial modeling
• Lead the continued enhancement and governance of actuarial models, including migration to and optimization of ALFA-based platforms
• Establish and maintain strong model development controls, validation processes, and testing standards (unit through user acceptance testing)
• Automate processes and enhance analytics to improve efficiency, transparency, and accuracy
• Oversee integration of new products into corporate in‑force models
• Analyze and explain reserve movements and financial results to leadership and governance committees
• Partner with Investments and cross‑functional stakeholders to support asset‑liability management strategies
• Support internal and external audits and regulatory reviews
• Foster a positive, inclusive team environment aligned with EquiTrust’s core values

What You’ll Bring

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Data Analytics, or related field

Experience

• Minimum 7 years of actuarial experience
• At least 5 years of experience with life insurance and fixed indexed annuity products
• Experience leading actuarial modeling and valuation processes
• Supervisory or leadership experience preferred
• FSA required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced actuarial and quantitative modeling expertise
• Experience with actuarial systems such as ALFA and ARCVAL
• Understanding of statutory and tax reserving, cash flow testing, and ALM principles
• Programming or scripting experience (e.g., VBA, SQL, Python) preferred
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making capabilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex concepts clearly
• Ability to build strong partnerships across departments
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
• Commitment to ethical standards, accountability, and collaborative teamwork

Physical Requirements

• Primarily seated work with continuous use of hands for fine manipulation (computer work)
• Frequent sitting; occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds occasionally
• Ability to communicate effectively (talk/hear) and maintain sustained visual focus
• Moderate stress levels consistent with leadership responsibilities

Where You’ll Work

• Location: West Des Moines, Iowa
• Work Arrangements: Mostly On‑Site
• Travel Requirements: Infrequent travel (less than 5%)

Total Rewards

In addition to base pay, eligible employees may receive an annual discretionary incentive bonus and access to a competitive benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Paid time off: Vacation, Sick, Holiday, and more
• Paid Parental Leave for both Mothers and Fathers
• Hybrid/Remote Work Options
• Early Friday Closure

EquiTrust is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in the U.S. Federal E‑Verify program. Applicants have rights under federal and state employment laws. To learn more, visit EquiTrust Careers.