AVP, Credit Operations - Modeling

Job Description:

Role Summary/Purpose:

Synchrony's Credit Model Development team is looking for a data scientist / credit risk modeling professional experienced with executing, maintaining and developing models under the relevant regulatory guidance (SR 11-7 / OCC 2011-12, CECL, CCAR, DFAST).  This role is part of Credit organization, in the Loss Forecasting & Advanced Analytics team. The role requires demonstrated expertise with data, statistical analysis and model development, as well as programming skills (Python/Pandas, Spark, Hadoop, SQL, Linux).

The primary focus of this role is on the quarterly reserve development process, as well as planning sessions involving loss forecast and reserve estimate projections. As lead analyst, the role is responsible for executing critical credit estimation models on a quarterly basis, providing analytical input to development of estimates of Credit and Fraud Losses by executing complex statistical, trend-based models with forward looking features. This role analyzes trends and drivers of changes across the entire Synchrony portfolio and all products. In addition, robust collateral is required to be produced in support of process risk controls and related documentation as part of effective governance, as well as internal and external review.

The lead analyst will collaborate across different functions in Credit & Capital Management, with IT and model development to manage model enhancements and big data processing.

The person will use their model knowledge, business analysis and process experience to ensure business intent is matched with sound estimates, and communicate with peers and functional leaders, as well as document assumptions and methods to meet accounting rules and model risk management guidelines.

In addition to responsibilities on scheduled quarterly assessment cycles involving forecasting models, this role will be expected to work on ad-hoc projects as needed such as in Stress Testing models and enhancements to existing model and occasionally, new development.

This is a great opportunity for a modeler / statistician / data analyst / programmer with experience in consumer credit analysis. We offer a dynamic, collaborative team environment with a strong credit risk management culture, and exposure to new technology and data platforms.

A successful candidate must have strong programing skills to execute and troubleshoot data / modeling nuances, design and develop new processes as part of new model implementation(s) and drive process efficiency. This role works closely with process/model owners, and model development in testing of models, supports validation efforts as well as provides audit support.

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:

• Plan and execute models in the production Reserves and Loss Forecasting process with a focus on Loss Forecasting and CECL (Reserves), as well as allied quantitative estimates such as recoveries and scenario management and stress testing

• Maintain model data input monitoring, production controls and output analytics including results analysis along with robust documentation of key facets

• Support quarterly review process and quarter closing activities, as well as contribute to effective process controls as peer reviewer

• Visualize insights, performance, and trends in inputs/outputs for effective communication and decisioning

• Drive understanding of drivers and providing narrative support for the assumptions, rationale, and projections to model owners and sponsors

• Assist with responding to model validation, regulatory or other oversight requests, including exam findings or issues. Adhere to and follow model governance standards

• Support the development of new models or enhancements to existing models

• Aid management of models through their lifecycle, from development phase through to implementation into production and outline enhancements for evaluation and future model releases.  Meet project timelines, engage in ongoing analysis, find performance thresholds, manage model version control, performance assessments, seek out opportunities for process and model improvements, collaborate on model re-calibrations, and re-fits when business dynamics change

• Collaborate with other cross functional teams – Forecasting & Reserve and Stress Testing/Capital Management teams, Model Development, Data Governance, Finance, Collections and Controllership

• Prepare necessary documentation such as procedures, user guides, and training material.

• Perform other duties and/or special projects as assigned

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree with quantitative underpinning (i.e., Data Science, Computer Science, Risk, Accounting, Business, Economics, Finance, Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering) and 4+ years of experience in Programming / Analytics ideally in support of Risk, Credit, Finance, Accounting, Consumer Lending, or other relevant professional experience or in lieu of degree 7+ years of experience in Risk, Credit, Finance, Accounting or Consumer Lending

• 4+ years’ experience demonstrating strong programing skills with programming languages such as: SQL, Python, Spark with proven hands-on experience utilizing using SQL, Python, Spark, Linux, to perform statistical analysis, query relational databases, and manage large amounts of data

• 3+ years of experience in credit loss modeling in areas such as Loss Forecasting, Allowance, Stress Testing, or other areas with consumer credit estimation

Desired Characteristics:

• Excellent time management with ability to manage multiple competing initiatives and deliver results within deadlines with accuracy and attention to detail

• Experience in process improvement, project management or change management

• Familiarity with Model Governance trends/developments across the banking sector, especially as related to credit card or consumer lending (SR11-7)

• Strong communication skills to facilitate complex discussions in productive and collaborative manner

• Positive mindset under tight timelines and critical deliverables

• Experience with Linux, HDFS and AWS to collaborate and operate in a cloud computing environment

Applicants external to Synchrony who are currently employed on H-1B visa must have at least 2 years of eligibility remaining on their current visa term in order for Synchrony to petition for an employment based visa on behalf of such applicant.  L1 visa would be considered for an internal candidate meeting all requirements for the L1 and all US Synchrony eligibility requirements. 

Applicants holding other types of visas, such as F-1 visas, must have at least 2 years of eligibility that would permit them to work for Synchrony.

Grade/Level: 10

The salary range for this position is 100,000.00 - 170,000.00 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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