Investment Operations Lead

About the role

The Investment Operations professional will play a critical role in supporting Ceres Life Insurance Company’s investment platform by serving as the primary liaison between Ceres Life and its affiliated asset management company, Arena Investors.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact between Ceres Life Insurance Company and Arena Investors for all investment operations–related matters
• Coordinate the timely and accurate exchange of investment data, including holdings, transactions, valuations, and cash flows
• Support statutory, GAAP, and management reporting by ensuring investment information is complete, accurate, and delivered in accordance with reporting timelines
• Partner with accounting, finance, actuarial, risk, and compliance teams to support audits, regulatory filings, and internal governance requirements
• Work with external partners such as Clearwater and JPMorgan Security Services to ensure effective and efficient operations
• Monitor and reconcile investment activity to identify discrepancies, investigate issues, and coordinate resolution with Arena Investors and internal stakeholders
• Ensure investment operations processes align with insurance company controls, policies, and asset-liability management considerations
• Assist in the review and oversight of investment-related service providers, systems, and operational workflows
• Develop and maintain documentation for investment operations processes, controls, and reporting procedures
• Identify opportunities to enhance operational efficiency, data quality, and transparency across the investment reporting lifecycle

Requirements

• The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of investment operations within an insurance company framework, including asset-liability considerations, controls, and governance.
• The candidate will be detail-oriented, collaborative, and comfortable operating at the intersection of asset management and insurance, helping to ensure that investment operations support Ceres Life’s financial strength, regulatory obligations, and strategic objectives.

Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field
• MBA or Masters degree in Finance a plus
• CFA designation preferred; CPA designation a plus
• Experience in investment operations, investment accounting, or a related role within an insurance company, asset manager, or financial services firm
• Strong understanding of insurance company investment structures, controls, and reporting requirements
• Familiarity with alternative investments and complex asset classes, including private credit and structured investments, preferred
• Knowledge of statutory and GAAP investment accounting concepts and financial reporting processes
• High level of attention to detail with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across organizations and functions
• Proficiency with investment systems, databases, PowerBI, Python, and Microsoft Excel; experience with Clearwater or JPMorgan Markets a plus