Associate, Fraud Operations

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Associate, Fraud Operations to lead a team of fraud investigators. You will act as a primary escalation point for complex investigative challenges and be expected to spearhead projects that enhance our operational scalability and effectiveness. This position is perfect for a proven leader with deep investigative expertise who is ready to take ownership of both team development and fraud discoveries.

What you'll do at Avant:

People Management & Team Development (Core Focus)

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Fraud Investigators, setting clear performance expectations and fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.

• Provide regular coaching and feedback, addressing performance inconsistencies and supporting the team's professional growth.

• Manage daily operations, ensuring consistent adherence to policies and maintaining high morale across the team.
   

Strategic Operations & Project Leadership

• Drive and manage cross-functional projects focused on addressing risks or pain points in the fraud operations processes.

• Identify and implement solutions to reduce points of friction that lead to customer complaints, directly improving the customer experience.

• Use conflict resolution skills to resolve complex operational challenges, ensuring resources are allocated effectively and competing demands are reconciled.

• Demonstrate strong Adaptability and Problem Solving skills to manage evolving fraud trends and ambiguous process situations.
   

Complex Investigations & Policy Acumen

• Resolve escalations or questions for the most challenging, deep-dive investigations, including fraud ring activity and sophisticated account manipulation.

• Apply high-level Investigative Skills and advanced Pattern Identification to uncover the root cause ("the why") of fraud events.

• Collaborate with Legal, Compliance, and other internal stakeholders to interpret policy intent and ensure decisions in novel situations meet strict standards of compliance.

• Leverage Data Analytics and technical tools (like SQL) to drive data-informed investigative strategies.

Why you’re a fit at Avant:

• Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business, Finance, Criminal Justice, or a related discipline).

• 3+ years of experience in financial services fraud investigation, risk management, or a highly regulated operations environment.

• 2+ years of experience in direct people management (managing performance reviews, coaching, and team development).

• Proven Project Management skills, with a track record of owning and successfully driving complex, cross-functional initiatives.

• Exceptional Communication Skills—written, verbal, and presentation—with the ability to clearly articulate complex findings to both peers and senior leadership.

• Experience working closely with Legal and Compliance teams on policy interpretation and implementation.

• Master’s degree (preferred)

• Data analysis skills (preferred)

This role is based on our downtown Chicago Office, located in the Merchandise Mart. We highly value collaboration and our hybrid schedule (M, T, Th in-office) enables flexibility to balance work and individual priorities.

Compensation Range:

The base salary range for this job is USD $74,000 - USD $95,000/ Year

Employees new to Avant typically come in below the midpoint of the pay range. The compensation range is based on the level outlined in the job posting, and compensation decisions are dependent on each applicant's experience, skills and abilities. 

[If an outstanding applicant's experience and skill level is above or below the qualifications outlined in the job posting, we reserve the right to make an offer at a different level than the one listed in this job posting, which may have a different compensation range.]

This role is eligible for additional incentives, including an annual bonus. These rewards are allocated based on level, impact and performance in the role.

Our benefits include:

• Choice of great Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Plan options

• 401(k) match

• Flexible Time Off

• Flexible Work Environment - (i.e. Mon/Tues/Thurs in-person)

• Generous Paid Parental Leave, Adoption Assistance and Post-parental leave ramp-up program 

• Lunch Allowance (Fooda) and In-office Snacks

• Summer Fridays 

• Fun In-Office and Virtual Social Events

• And who doesn’t love the swag

Check out our Avant Blog!

We believe that a diverse set of backgrounds and experiences helps us create the most innovative solutions for our customers. We invite you to apply to our positions even if you do not meet 100% of the qualifications listed in the description. If you’re passionate about our mission and aligned to our values, we hope you’ll come contribute to our awesome culture.

Why Avant is the place for you:

At Avant, we believe our values make a difference:

Authenticity. We show up to work as our whole selves and make sure others can too.

Collaboration. We can only succeed when we do so as a team.

Problem-Solving. The harder the problem, the more satisfying the solution.

Customer. We are all owners of the customer experience.

Initiative. Plan. Adapt. Get Sh!t Done.

We believe that great ideas come from anyone and anywhere, that everyone is an owner who drives change, and that we have more fun when we work together. We're problem solvers who love collaborating with intelligent and highly-motivated people to reshape the face of digital banking. Avant offers terrific perks and benefits, fun social events with employees who actually like hanging out together, and a flexible growth environment where trying your hand at new projects and being the active owner of your career path is encouraged and supported.