Job Description:
Role Summary/Purpose:
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 (SR 11-7), as we well as Model Risk Management policies, standards, and procedures.
Our Way of Working
We’re proud to offer you choice and flexibility. At Synchrony, our way of working allows you to have the option to work from home, near one of our Hubs or come into one of our offices. Occasionally you may be required to commute to our nearest office for in person engagement activities such as business or team meetings, training and culture events.
Essential Responsibilities:
Oversee 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 (both internal and vendor developed) 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 potentials 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 under SR 11-7.
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. Strong domain knowledge in AML, Finance & Treasury. Actively influence and refine the model risk framework and initiatives to embody industry-leading practices, with a particular emphasis on advancing loss forecasting model 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:
Master's degree and 12+ years' experience in model development / model validation experience in a US large retail bank (~$100Bn+) OR Bachelor's Degree and 15+ years' experience in model development / model validation experience in a US large retail bank (~$100Bn+) or in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree, A High School Diploma and OR Bachelor's Degree and 19+ years' experience in model development / model validation experience in a US large retail bank (~$100Bn+)
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. 12+ years’ experience working with the OCC/FRB on model risk management.
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 programing 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:
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.
Grade/Level: 14
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.
Eligibility Requirements:
You must be 18 years or older
You must have a high school diploma or equivalent
You must be willing to take a drug test, submit to a background investigation and submit fingerprints as part of the onboarding process
You must be able to satisfy the requirements of Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act.
New hires (Level 4-7) must have 9 months of continuous service with the company before they are eligible to post on other roles. Once this new hire time in position requirement is met, the associate will have a minimum 6 months’ time in position before they can post for future non-exempt roles. Employees, level 8 or greater, must have at least 18 months’ time in position before they can post. All internal employees must consistently meet performance expectations and have approval from your manager to post (or the approval of your manager and HR if you don’t meet the time in position or performance expectations).
Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas, now or in the future, for this job opening. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Our Commitment:
When you join us, you’ll be part of an inclusive culture where your individual skills, experience, and voice are not only heard – but valued. Together, we’re building a future where we can all belong, connect, and turn ideals into action. More than 50% of our workforce is engaged in our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), where community and passion intersect to offer a safe space to learn and grow.
This starts when you choose to apply for a role at Synchrony. We ensure all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. We’re proud to have an award-winning culture for all.
Reasonable Accommodation Notice:
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.
If you need special accommodations, please call our Career Support Line so that we can discuss your specific situation. We can be reached at 1-866-301-5627. Representatives are available from 8am – 5pm Monday to Friday, Central Standard Time
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