Senior Fraud Investigator & Strategy Lead

Ascensus; Ohio; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Ascensus is seeking a Senior Fraud Investigator to lead complex investigations, analyze emerging fraud patterns, and provide expert guidance to improve fraud controls across the organization. The role emphasizes independent judgment and collaboration with operations, compliance and technology to contain and prevent fraud, while safeguarding confidential data.

Candidates should have 3–7 years of fraud investigations experience in financial services, with strong analytical and communication

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3–7 years of progressive experience in fraud investigations, financial crimes, or financial services risk management.
• Experience conducting 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.
• Experience supporting fraud control improvements or investigative process enhancements.
• 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 communication

Independent judgment

Data analysis

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Case management experience

Financial services knowledge

Investigative techniques

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Case management software

Monitoring tools

Data visualization tools

Job description

Ascensus is seeking a Senior Fraud Investigator to lead complex investigations, analyze emerging fraud patterns, and provide expert guidance to improve fraud controls across the organization. The role emphasizes independent judgment and collaboration with operations, compliance and technology to contain and prevent fraud, while safeguarding confidential data.

Candidates should have 3–7 years of fraud investigations experience in financial services, with strong analytical and communication