Actuarial talent: Your competitive advantage
Actuaries work across a diverse range of functions and industries, extending far beyond traditional actuarial departments and data roles. Explore the industries where they create impact and discover the skills, roles and applications they use to add significant value to organisations.
Employer Value Guide
What value do actuaries bring organisations and society? This guide helps non-traditional employers of actuarial talent understand the depth and breadth of their skills.
Actuaries work in executive and non-executive roles across a wide range of functions and industries, beyond traditional actuarial departments and data roles. Their analytical skills, ethics and business acumen make them valuable across data science, AI, risk management, product development, consulting and executive leadership roles
Why top companies choose actuarial talent
Actuarial education delivers a unique combination that establishes a perfect foundation for exceptional data-driven leaders focused not just on data and technology, but on financial performance, operational efficiency, sustainability and customer satisfaction.
In a world where "conceptual perfection means nothing if it can't be actioned in the real world," actuaries are trained to extract killer insights for real-world deployment - always with an eye on the bigger picture.
Key values
- Risk management expertise: Trained to quantify and manage uncertainty in complex business environments
- Data science and AI leadership: Masters of data with the acumen to accelerate its impact in the real world
- Ethical foundation: Bound by a rigorous code of standards and a responsibility to manage for the public good
- Global mobility: Professional qualifications recognised internationally
- Cross-functional capability: Adaptable across departments beyond traditional actuarial roles - from data analytics to product innovation and executive management
- Code of conduct: Bound by rigorous professional standards and ethics
- Public good: Professional obligation to consider community impacts
- Integrity: Pursuit of integrity ingrained in professional DNA
- Professionalism: A requirement to meet high standards in work quality
- Confidentiality: Maintain confidentiality and compliance with regulatory requirements
Beyond traditional actuarial roles
You’ll be surprised by the diverse departments and functions that actuaries work across, from traditional actuarial roles to data science, risk management, product development, and executive leadership positions.
Industry-specific expertise
AI, data science, start-ups and technology
Actuarial focus: Transform organisational decision-making through responsible AI implementation and advanced analytics, combining actuarial risk expertise with cutting-edge technology to deliver measurable business value while maintaining ethical standards and regulatory compliance
- Advanced analytics and artificial intelligence implementation
- Machine learning model development, deployment and productionisation
- Programming expertise (Python, R, SQL) and cloud platforms (Azure ML, Google Colab)
- Data governance, quality frameworks and ethical AI practices
- Business intelligence and data visualisation (Power BI, Tableau, advanced Excel)
- Statistical forecasting and predictive modelling techniques
- Digital transformation and innovation strategy
- Cross-functional collaboration and agile methodologies
- FinOps principles and technology cost optimisation
- Product development and lifecycle management
- Large Language Models and generative AI applications
Data Scientist, Senior Data Analyst, Analytics Manager, AI Specialist, Chief Data Officer, Head of Data & AI, Lead Data Scientist, Chief Analytics Officer, Machine Learning Engineer, Product Manager (Data/AI), Innovation Manager
Customer experience optimisation, process automation, predictive analytics, personalisation engines, supply chain optimisation, pricing algorithms, digital transformation, product innovation, ESG analytics, regulatory technology (RegTech), InsurTech/FinTech solutions
- Alibaba Group
- Atlassian
- Canva
- FrontYa
- Grab
- Life10
- Picnic Labs
- Quantium
Banking, finance and investments
Actuarial focus: Risk management, portfolio optimisation, and capital allocation using quantitative methods to maximise returns while maintaining regulatory compliance and financial stability.
- Advanced data founded analysis on product margins and visualisation
- Credit, market, and operational risk measurement
- Capital adequacy and liquidity management
- Investment analysis and portfolio optimisation
- Machine learning and predictive modelling
- M&A analysis and business valuation
- Regulatory capital and Basel compliance
- Financial modelling and scenario analysis
- Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) frameworks
- Derivatives pricing and structured securities analysis
Risk Analyst, Portfolio Manager, Quantitative Analyst, Investment Actuary, Chief Risk Officer, Chief Investment Officer, Treasurer, Senior M&A Advisor, Credit Risk Manager, Head of RiskData Scientist, Senior Data Analyst, Analytics Manager, AI Specialist, Chief Data Officer, Head of Data & AI, Lead Data Scientist, Chief Analytics Officer, Machine Learning Engineer, Product Manager (Data/AI), Innovation Manager
Credit risk modelling, market risk assessment, Basel compliance, investment strategy, portfolio construction, capital allocation, business valuation, merger analysis, liquidity management
- ANZ
- CBA
- Credit Suisse First Boston
- Deutsche Bank
- JB Were & Son
- JP Morgan
- Macquarie Bank
- NAB
- UBS
- Westpac
- World Bank
Energy, utilities and telecommunications
Actuarial focus: Lead organisations through complex challenges and digital transformation whilst maintaining ethical standards, regulatory compliance, and sustainable growth. Leverage quantitative expertise and risk management skills to drive strategic decision-making and create long-term value for stakeholders.
- Advanced data analytics and visualisation
- Energy market analysis and forecasting
- Load and spot price prediction using analytical and digital tools
- Trading strategy development and market analysis
- Risk assessment and energy portfolio management
- Market regulation and compliance (Australian Energy Market knowledge)
- Programming skills (SQL, VBA, Python) for modelling and analysis
- Statistical forecasting and computational mathematics
- Network optimisation and capacity planning (telecommunications)
- Customer analytics and usage pattern analysis
- Regulatory compliance and policy analysis
Energy Trader/Analyst, Data Analyst, Risk Analyst, Market Analyst, Quantitative Analyst, Energy Risk Manager, Product Manager, Business Analyst, Strategy Manager, Executive Manager
Load forecasting, spot price prediction, energy trading optimisation, risk management, regulatory compliance, network planning, customer segmentation, demand forecasting, pricing strategy, market analysis
- Amaysim
- Arrow Energy
- Ausgrid
- Energy Australia
- Origin Energy
- Energy Queensland
- Ergon Retail
- Telstra
Executive management (cross industry)
Focus: Lead organisations through complex challenges and digital transformation whilst maintaining ethical standards, regulatory compliance, and sustainable growth. Leverage quantitative expertise and risk management skills to drive strategic decision-making and create long-term value for stakeholders.
- C-suite leadership and board reporting
- Enterprise-wide risk management and governance
- Strategic planning and business transformation
- Data strategy and digital transformation leadership
- Regulatory advocacy and compliance oversight
- Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management
- Financial planning and capital allocation decisions
- Crisis management and scenario planning
- Professional ethics and public accountability
- Technology and AI implementation at scale
- Organisational change management and culture development
Chief Risk Officer, Chief Data Officer, Chief Analytics Officer, Head of Innovation, Executive General Manager, Managing Director, Non-Executive Director, Chair, Chief Actuary, Appointed Actuary, Chief Investment Officer, Chief Financial Officer
Strategic planning and execution, enterprise risk oversight, digital transformation initiatives, board advisory and governance, regulatory compliance and advocacy, mergers and acquisitions, organisational transformation, crisis management, stakeholder engagement, investor relations
FMCG
Actuarial focus: Drive product innovation and commercial performance through data-driven insights into customer behaviour, market dynamics, and operational efficiency. Leverage analytical expertise to optimise pricing, forecasting, and product development whilst managing the inherent uncertainties in fast-moving consumer markets.
- Advanced data analytics and visualisation
- Energy market analysis and forecasting
- Load and spot price prediction using analytical and digital tools
- Trading strategy development and market analysis
- Risk assessment and energy portfolio management
- Market regulation and compliance (Australian Energy Market knowledge)
- Programming skills (SQL, VBA, Python) for modelling and analysis
- Statistical forecasting and computational mathematics
- Network optimisation and capacity planning (telecommunications)
- Customer analytics and usage pattern analysis
- Regulatory compliance and policy analysis
Data Analyst, Product Lead, Manager Product and Innovation, Senior Data Analyst, Analytics Manager, Commercial Analyst, Insights Manager, Category Manager, Executive General Manager
Customer segmentation and targeting, demand forecasting, pricing optimisation, promotional effectiveness analysis, product performance tracking, supply chain efficiency, market research and competitive intelligence, customer journey analytics, inventory management, brand performance measurement
- Coca-Cola
- Woolworths
Government & regulatory
Actuarial focus: Apply analytical rigour to public policy development and regulatory oversight, ensuring evidence-based decision-making for social insurance programs, demographic planning, and regulatory frameworks that serve the public interest whilst maintaining fiscal sustainability.
- Advanced analytics and artificial intelligence
- Cloud platforms and modern data architecture
- Data governance and quality frameworks
- Machine learning model development and deployment
- Demographic analysis and population modelling
- Policy development and regulatory impact assessment
- Statistical analysis and research methodologies
- Stakeholder consultation and liaison
- Report writing and ministerial briefing
- Public sector governance and accountability frameworks
- Social research and program evaluation
- Regulatory compliance and oversight
Policy Analyst, Regulatory Affairs Manager, Public Sector Consultant, Analyst (Statistical/Demographic), Senior Analyst, Principal Analyst, Assistant Director, Executive General Manager, Director of Policy, Government Actuary
Social security policy analysis, healthcare program evaluation, demographic forecasting, regulatory oversight and compliance, prudential supervision, population studies, social impact assessment, government program design, ministerial briefing and advice, budget analysis and forecasting
- Australian Bureau of Statistics
- Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA)
- Bureau of Meteorology
- Commonwealth Treasury
- Department of Defence
- Department of Social Services
- National Disability Insurance Agency
- Worksafe Victoria
Health (Private health insurance)
Actuarial focus: Ensure the financial stability of health insurance products and manage healthcare-related risks while using analytical skills and healthcare knowledge to develop sustainable insurance offerings and improve healthcare outcomes for individuals and communities.
- Premium setting and pricing for health products
- Reserving and capital
- Health data analysis and medical statistics
- Healthcare economics and cost modelling
- Medical trend analysis and claims forecasting
- Population health modelling and epidemiology
- Healthcare policy and regulatory compliance
- Risk assessment for medical conditions and treatments
- Healthcare outcomes measurement and optimisation
Appointed Actuary, Health Actuary, Health Data Analyst, Health Data Scientist
Healthcare policy, medical insurance products, population health programs, wellness initiatives, medical trend analysis, healthcare cost management, regulatory compliance
- Accuro Health Insurance NZ
- HCF
- Medibank Private
- Southern Cross Healthcare
Insurance and superannuation
Actuarial focus: General insurance; assess how changing circumstances affect financial stability of insurance products. Life insurance; create sustainable products and manage business operations. Superannuation; analyse member data, construct mathematical models, assess government policy changes.
- Advanced data analytics and visualisation
- Machine learning and predictive modelling
- Pricing techniques and portfolio management
- Capital management
- Profit reporting
- Reserving and financial reporting
- Regulatory compliance (APRA, ASIC requirements)
- Product development and profit testing
- Reinsurance arrangements and structures
- General Insurance - Appointed Actuary, Pricing Analyst, Reserving Actuary, Catastrophe Modeler, Executive function
- Life Insurance - Appointed Actuary, Product Development Manager, Valuation Specialist, Executive function
- Reinsurance - Chief Actuary, Chief Underwriting Officer, Pricing Actuary, Reserving Actuary
- Superannuation - Investment Actuary, Policy Analyst, Fund Strategist, Executive function
Analyse member data, construct mathematical models, assess government policy changes
- AIA (American International Assurance)
- Allianz Australia
- AMP
- Asteron
- Australian Retirement Fund
- Aviva Australia
- AXA Australia
- Benfield Australia
- BT Financial Group
- CGU Insurance
- Chubb Insurance Australia
- Clearview Retirement Services
- Colonial First State
- General Reinsurance Life Australia
- GIO
- Great Eastern Life Assurance
- Hannover Life Re
- ING Life Insurance
- Insurance Australia Group (IAG)
- Liberty International Underwriters
- Metlife Insurance
- MLC Limited
- Munich Reinsurance of Australasia
- OnePath
- QBE
- Resolution Life
- RGA Reinsurance Company of Australia
- Spirit Super
- Suncorp
- Sunsuper Financial Services
- Swiss Re Australia
- Swiss Re Life and Health
- TAL
- UniSuper
- Vero Insurance
- Zurich Financial Services Australia
Professional services and consulting
Actuarial focus: Provide specialised actuarial and analytical services to clients across various industries. Lead consulting engagements and develop innovative solutions for complex business challenges whilst leveraging cross-sector expertise to drive measurable business outcomes and competitive advantage.
- Advanced data analytics and visualisation
- Client relationship management
- Strategic advisory and problem-solving
- Project management and delivery
- Industry expertise and thought leadership
- Stakeholder communication and presentation
- Change management and transformation expertise
- Risk assessment frameworks and methodologies
- Regulatory knowledge across multiple sectors
Consultant (Actuarial, Management, Change), Director, Partner, Practice Leader, Managing Director
Strategic advisory services, risk assessment and management consulting, regulatory compliance advice, business transformation projects, data analytics implementation, digital strategy development, merger and acquisition support, organisational change management, regulatory compliance audits, industry benchmarking studies
- Accenture
- Boston Consulting Group
- Deloitte
- EY
- Finity
- KPMG
- Mercer
- PwC
- Taylor Fry
- Quantium
- Willis Towers Watson
Sustainability and climate risk
Actuarial focus: Identify climate impacts, develop response strategies, and implement risk frameworks to support sustainable business practices whilst ensuring regulatory compliance and long-term organisational resilience in a changing climate.
- Advanced data analytics and visualisation
- Climate risk modelling and scenario analysis
- Environmental data analysis and interpretation
- Sustainability reporting and ESG frameworks
- Regulatory compliance (TCFD, APRA)
- Physical and transition risk quantification
- Carbon footprint measurement and reporting
- Sustainable finance and green bond analysis
- Climate scenario planning and stress testing
- Environmental impact assessment and modelling
- Energy market analysis and renewable energy economics
- Natural disaster and catastrophe modelling
Climate Risk Analyst, ESG Specialist, Sustainability Consultant, Climate Analytics Principal, ESG Manager, Sustainability Manager, Head of Sustainability, Climate Risk Manager
Analyse member data, construct mathematical models, assess government policy Climate modelling, carbon pricing, sustainable finance, physical risk assessment, transition risk analysis, ESG reporting and compliance, green bond evaluation, climate stress testing, natural disaster impact assessment, renewable energy project analysis, sustainability strategy development
- Accenture
- Deloitte
- EY
- Finity
- KPMG
- PwC
- Taylor Fry
Do ESG better
Hear from Ramona Meyricke, Director at Taylor Fry, on how you can do ESG better with an actuary.
Innovation with data promises to enhance governance and solve many of the world’s great social and environmental challenges. Ensuring that insurance and pensions provide, assessing climate risks or enhancing supply chain efficiency, with an actuary in your team, you’ll do ESG better.
Become a member
Get value from membership at every stage of your career and be recognised as a qualified actuary.
