Illustration Specialist II, Product & Pricing

At American Equity Investment Life Holding Company®we offer leading annuity products that help empower our clients to fulfill their needs and wants in retirement. Our success comes from hiring high-energy individuals who embody the beliefs that drive our unique culture. We currently fund over half a million retirements nationwide, and have been headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa, for over twenty-five years with satellite offices in Charlotte, NC and New York, NY.

 

GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE JOB:    

We are actively seeking a motivated, detailed individual with annuity administration testing or illustration software testing experience to join the Client Solutions group. This Illustration Specialist will have the opportunity to work within a team that is dedicated to auditing and improving American Equity’s illustrations.

**This position is based out of West Des Moines, IA and will need to work an on-site hybrid schedule** 

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Tests and evaluates the accuracy of annuity product illustrations using Excel tools developed by the actuarial team members and creates test plans to ensure that the tests are conducted effectively and accurately.
Identifies and reports error patterns and communicates them effectively to the team for prompt resolution.
Participate in cross-training sessions with illustration specialists who have marketing illustration backgrounds.
Performs periodic testing of internal administration systems to ensure that all systems are working optimally.
Identifies opportunities to improve current testing processes, implements these changes proactively, and ensures that accuracy is maintained.
Collaborates with the sales and distribution team to understand their needs and relay this information to the business analyst effectively.
 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

None required for this position. 

 

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:  

Experience using MS Excel annuity product calculators (Preferred)
2-4 years’ experience working with illustration or administration software similar to LifePro, FAST, Imagisoft.
Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent experience.
Knowledge of or prior experience working with annuity products and systems is highly preferred.
Ideal candidates will have a proven track record of working in a testing capacity, with experience testing a variety of systems and applications.
 

TECHNICAL SKILLS:  

Proficiency in using Microsoft Office tools. (Excel, Teams, Outlook, OneNote)
Prior experience using a project management and issue tracking software such as JIRA is preferred.
 

REASONING ABILITY:   

Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to quickly identify and articulate issues to the team.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS: 

N/A

 

OTHER NECESSARY SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Exceptional attention to detail.
Able to flourish in a dynamic fast paced environment.
Ability to maintain company attendance, punctuality and dependability standards as stated in the company handbook
Ability to work collaboratively and successfully with fellow employees, customers, and other outside third parties
Pro-actively seek and implement testing efficiencies to reduce the time to market when there is down time.
Excellent time management and organizational skills.