Model Validation Analyst

Job Title: Model Validation Analyst

Reports To: Director of Model Risk Management

Direct Reports: N/A

Salary Grade: 10

FLSA Status: Exempt

Date Created/Revised: 01.31.25

Position Overview

Will conduct internal validations of various types of models in compliance with SR 11-7 and assist in the annual risk assessment process at UCBI. Will help maintain UCBI's model inventory, assist in planning the model validation schedule, and tracking of model validation findings.  Will help review model documentation and assist in the preparation of model risk related reporting.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Full and Independent Model Validation: Conduct internal validations of various types of models, primarily credit risk, valuation, ALM, and fraud, BSA/AML, operations and marketing models. 
• Risk Assessment: Assist in the annual risk assessment of models throughout UCBI. 
• Model and validation Issues: Provide expert insight into various modeling and model validation issues. 
• Model Inventory: Update UCBI's model inventory, assist in planning the model validation schedule, and tracking of model validation findings. 
• Model review: Conduct model evaluation, model performance reviews, and regular review. 
• Regulatory Guidance: Understand current regulatory guidance and apply the regulations during the course of validation. 
• Research and Knowledge Acquisition: Conduct research and analysis to maintain knowledge of modeling best practices and model validation techniques
• Compliance Training:  Participate in all required compliance training, including Bank Secrecy Act/anti-money laundering training, as well as internal and external training programs, online training, meetings, and seminars/conferences, etc.
• Other Duties: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Education: Degree with a concentration in Statistics, Econometrics, Economics, Mathematics, or another quantitative field. Bachelor’s degree plus minimum 5 years of relevant experience; Advanced degree plus 3 years in a quantitative field highly desirable. 
• Model Knowledge: Understanding of various models and modeling practices used in credit risk management, fraud detection, BSA/AML, operations, treasury & finance, etc.
• Experience: 7 plus years of relevant experience highly desirable. Experience working in a related field, such as model risk management, financial modeling, quantitative analysis, or risk management a plus.
• Risk management knowledge: Working knowledge of risk management and modeling best practices. 
• Knowledge of relevant regulations: Understanding of current regulatory guidance on model risk management, including SR 11- 7 or OCC Bulletin 2011-12, desirable. 
• Personal attributes: High degree of initiative and proactivity, strong analytical skills, strong internal personal relationship building skills; Strong skills in influencing and coordinating various internal and external partners; Excellent oral and written communication skills, and the ability to interact effectively with management. 
• Ability to take on challenges: Critical mindset. Detail-oriented. Ability to assume complex assignments with minimal direction. 
• Required Skills:
  • Quantitative Analysis: Strong knowledge of quantitative analysis and statistical techniques.
  • Programming Proficiency: Experience with programming languages such as Python, R, MATLAB, or SQL12. Advanced python a must.
  • Model Validation Experience: Prior experience in model validation, development, or a similar function within risk management.
  • Quantitative Knowledge: Advanced knowledge and application in financial modeling, statistical modeling, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.
  • Analytical Skills: Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to evaluate complex financial models.
  • Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with regulatory requirements and the ability to interpret and implement them (e.g. SR2011-7, ECOA, FCRA etc.).
  • Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills for presenting complex information clearly.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position may supervise certain model validation and act as a mentor as other junior analysts. It may also manager validation and related projects.

Working Environment and Physical Demands

This job operates in a professional office environment. The role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, copy machines, and printers.

Physical requirements:  sedentary, climbing, standing, stooping, or typing

Position requires schedule flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.

This position requires up to 20% travel.

Position Type

This is a full-time position.

Other

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.