Actuarial Assistant, Portfolio Modelling

Working Arrangement:

Hybrid

Job Description:

Job Summary:

The Portfolio Modeling Team is responsible for developing investment models for Manulife/John Hancock, which are used to calculate reserve levels, for risk management activities, and for other critical business functions within the company. These models are also used to forecast investment portfolios for the Investment Plans for approximately 140 Business Segments. They are also critical tools for the Insurance Business Units’ (US, Canada, Japan and Asia) use in evaluating the adequacy of reserve levels, as well as for Asset Liability Management (ALM), who uses the models to rebalance portfolios in Risk Management activities. Accuracy and timeliness are critical measures of success. Models are populated with investment parametric data (e.g. coupon, maturity, par values, etc.), cash flow data (e.g. projected sinking funds and amortization) and return assumptions (e.g. dividends and appreciation).

Key Accountabilities:

• Gather investment accounting information from various internal sources (e.g., derivatives from Findur, bonds and stocks from the Investment Data Warehouse, mortgages from Enterprise [Mortgage Accounting system]), screen and question information to ensure accuracy, populate data into GGY AXIS models.
• Analyze asset models created and ensure accuracy by completing required completeness and sensibility SOX checks like reconciliation to the General Ledger, comparison of assumptions period over period, etc.
• Run models for all the production work requirements, depending on the resource needs of each reporting cycle.  
• Refine the existing asset module for various lines of business as new requirements are identified. Enhance model as new types of assets or assumptions require modeling. Customize AXIS reports and reporting tools to produce the required model output per the needs of model users.
• Provide datasets for quarterly reporting and major initiatives (reinsurance transactions, asset trades, etc.) that receives very high visibility from senior management.
• Identify and implement process improvements, including automation of manual tasks where possible, to increase efficiency and transparency while minimizing the risk of errors.

Minimum Requirement to Hire:

• Basic understanding of investment theory and terminology and financial accounting concepts. This may be derived from academic study or work experience.
• Must have the ability to perform basic analysis and explain basic, less complex models involving interrelated variables.
• General knowledge of MS Suite, with an aptitude to learn Macros (e.g. Visual Basic); relational databases (e.g. MS Access); actuarial models (e.g. Moody’s AXIS).

Minimum Experience:

• At least 2 years of investments experience with Insurance Companies and/or Financial Services
• Must pass current job expectations and meet performance metrics.

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Actuarial Science, Mathematics, Statistics
• Basic understanding of investment theory and terminology and financial accounting concepts. This may be derived from academic study or work experience

Soft Skills:

• Excellent comprehension, analytical and decision making skills
• Self motivated and directed, with keen attention to detail.
• Good interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
• Able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment.
• Strong verbal & written communication skills within a matrix organization.
• Complex stakeholder management

Technical Skills:

• With strong understanding of MS Office applications.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem solving skills
• Proficient in Moody's Analytics AXIS software
• Knowledge in SQL, R an advantage