Senior Fraud Investigator: Lead Complex Investigations

Ascensus; Phoenix (AZ); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Ascensus is a leading technology and service platform powering savings plans across America. The Senior Fraud Investigator will lead complex investigations, identify emerging fraud patterns, and serve as a subject matter expert within the fraud function.

In this role you will work independently, manage high-impact casework, and partner with operations, compliance, legal, and technology teams to strengthen controls and prevent fraud. Strong communication and analytical skills are essential.

Qualifications

• 3–7 years of progressive experience in fraud investigations, financial crimes, or financial services risk management.
• Experience leading complex investigations involving multiple data points, linked accounts, and suspicious activity patterns.
• Strong knowledge of fraud typologies, investigative techniques, and fraud risk management practices.
• Proven ability to identify emerging fraud patterns and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
• Ability to operate independently and exercise sound judgment in high-risk or ambiguous matters.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with senior stakeholders and cross-functional partners.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Proficiency with case management, monitoring, and reporting tools.
• Experience in banking, financial services, retirement services, wealth services, fintech, or law enforcement.
• Certifications such as CFE, CAMS, or CFCS are a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex fraud investigations involving multiple accounts, transactions, channels, and/or subjects
• Identify and analyze emerging fraud trends, typologies, and risk indicators
• Conduct root cause analysis of fraud events and identify opportunities to strengthen fraud controls
• Use internal systems, reporting, and available data sources to investigate linked activity and suspicious patterns
• Prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive case documentation, investigative summaries, and escalation materials
• Support high-priority escalations and complex fraud events requiring timely containment and coordination
• Partner with operations, compliance, legal, technology, and other stakeholders to support investigative outcomes
• Help improve investigative procedures, documentation standards, and case management practices
• Provide subject matter expertise and guidance to business partners and team members as needed
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and stronger fraud mitigation practices
• Responsible for protecting, securing, and proper handling of all confidential data held by Ascensus to ensure against unauthorized access, improper transmission, and/or unapproved disclosure of information that could result in harm to Ascensus or our clients.
• At Ascensus we are guided by our Core Values of People Matter, Quality First and Integrity Always®. They inspire us every day to prioritize an environment of respect for those we serve and one another and should be visible in your actions on a day-to-day.

Skills

Fraud investigations

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Case management software

Job description

Ascensus is a leading technology and service platform powering savings plans across America. The Senior Fraud Investigator will lead complex investigations, identify emerging fraud patterns, and serve as a subject matter expert within the fraud function.

In this role you will work independently, manage high-impact casework, and partner with operations, compliance, legal, and technology teams to strengthen controls and prevent fraud. Strong communication and analytical skills are essential.