VP, Model Validation

VP, Model Validation

The VP, Model Validation is within Synchrony Model Risk Management function and responsible for leading a model validation team of quantitative analysis, focusing on the validation of Finance & Treasury, Anti-Money Laundering, consumer banking, and marketing models and ensure the compliance with regulatory guidelines as well as Model Risk Management policies, standards, and procedures.

Essential responsibilities include overseeing the entire Finance & Treasury and Anti-Money Laundering model risk management process, ensuring compliance with MRM policies and controls. Lead and direct in the validation of models covering model application, conceptual soundness, data integrity, and model performance. This includes full review scopes, annual assessments, and ongoing monitoring of range of models, especially those related to loss forecasting employing statistical techniques. Provide effective challenges to identify potential issues requiring further investigation, and resolve problems. Assume complete responsibility for the quality of validations, managing timelines, and ensuring project completion aligns with the regulatory guidelines. Maintain current knowledge of the latest advancements in model development and validation practices within the academic, regulatory, and financial services landscapes to elevate model risk management practices. Represent the MRM in discussions with regulators, senior management, and during internal audits, preparing all necessary documentation, address inquiries and questions. Work collaboratively with various teams across Synchrony to uncover, highlight, and identify model risk associated with models. Maintain model and model validation documentation, perform in depth analysis and reports to support discussions on key analytics and model risks. Serve as model risk expert in various groups including MRM working group and Model Risk Oversight Committee. Perform other duties and / or special projects as assigned.

Qualifications / requirements include a Master's degree and 12+ years' experience in model development / model validation experience in a US large retail bank or a Bachelor's Degree and 15+ years' experience in model development / model validation experience in a US large retail bank or in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree, A High School Diploma and Bachelor's Degree and 19+ years' experience in model development / model validation experience in a US large retail bank. Proven experience in leading model validation efforts in a large bank, particularly in Finance & Treasury including ALM, Liquidity, Pricing, PPNR, etc. and Anti-Money Laundering, with a strong background in machine learning and GEN AI models. Demonstrated ability to navigate and comply with regulatory requirements and guidelines. Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and direct a high performing team. Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with experience in liaising with regulators, senior management, and cross functional teams. Deep understanding of model risk management frameworks and the ability to drive improvements and best practice within the organization. Thorough business knowledge and sharp acumen in loss forecasting with comprehensive understanding and strategic insight supporting ACL (Allowance for Credit Losses) and financial / capital planning. Strong programming skills with 6+ years' hands-on and proven experience utilizing Python, Spark, SAS, SQL, AWS, Data Lake to perform statistical analysis and manage complex or large amounts of data.

Desired characteristics include a Master's degree (or foreign equivalent) in Statistics, Mathematics preferred. Advanced knowledge of Regulatory requirements for Model Risk Management (SR 11-7, OCC 2011-12, etc), CCAR, etc. 12+ years of experience in credit loss modeling in areas such as Loss Forecasting, Allowance, Stress Testing, or other areas with consumer credit estimation methodologies. Experience with multiple credit loss methodologies such as PD / EAD, vintage, roll rates, etc. Experience in anti-money laundering models. Solid knowledge in machine learning model techniques. Proven experience in people and project management, including demonstrated ability to develop actionable plan to meet high level objectives, strong execution, and timeline sensitive deliverables along with a focus on accuracy and attention to detail. Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills.

The salary range for this position is 170,000.00 - 290,000.00 USD Annual and is eligible for an annual bonus based on individual and company performance. Actual compensation offered within the posted salary range will be based upon work experience, skill level or knowledge. Salaries are adjusted according to market in CA, NY Metro and Seattle.