What do actuaries do?

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Actuarial analysts analyze numerical data to assess risk and financial gain or loss, with career opportunities in insurance, finance, government, and consulting. They evaluate risk scenarios and strategize for financial products, such as pensions and insurance plans, and help make business decisions.

Generally, an actuarial analyst provides analysis of numerical data that can affect business decisions in the public and private sectors. In most cases, the job functions of actuarial analysts are related to assessing the likelihood of risk and a resulting financial gain or loss. By calculating monetary systems such as pension contributions, risk values ​​or insurance premiums, actuarial analysts can determine the impact of investments and other financial products.

Career opportunities for actuarial analysts generally span a broad spectrum of industries. The most common opportunities are with insurance companies and financial institutions. Some may also have careers with large corporations, accounting firms, government agencies and investment firms. Working as a consultant for companies that don’t have an actuarial analyst on staff is another career opportunity.

Tasks related to actuarial analysis can vary slightly depending on the industry, but generally follow standard actuarial concepts. Basically, those who choose an actuarial career evaluate various risk scenarios and strategize for financial products such as pensions and insurance plans. To succeed in an actuarial career, a person is usually an expert in statistical methods and an expert in data interpretation. The data often determines the premium rate for insurance or other financial services such as bank accounts and investment management.

While working for insurance companies, actuarial analysts can analyze insurance rates and the likelihood of risk of offering certain types of policies. A person in this position can develop cost estimates for paying claims. He or she can also price insurance products and determine which rate is appropriate for consumers based on risk factors. It can be for various types of insurance policies like life, vehicle, business and health. In addition, an analyst can provide a forecast of the impact that a natural or man-made catastrophe could have on the insurance company.

An actuarial analyst on staff at a corporation can help senior management make business decisions. If a company is planning a merger or acquisition, actuarial analysts typically develop a forecast of the benefit of acquiring the new business. The actuarial analyst can also provide an analysis report on expanding existing operations into another region or country.

Duties within the government sector may vary depending on the agency the actuarial analyst works for. Typically, actuarial analysts are responsible for managing various government services such as retirement funds or health insurance. At local government agencies, an actuarial analyst may oversee the financial stability of the employees’ retirement fund. Positions within regional government agencies often include analyzing and forecasting trends in society. The actuarial analyst can look at the longevity of government programs that have broader implications.




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