Job Description

Lead Model Validation Analyst

We are looking for a Lead Model Validation Analyst, to independently review and validate a wide range of financial models, including those for marketing, acquisitions, customer management, and impairment provisioning. This is a critical position to ensure our models are robust, accurate, and compliant with regulatory standards. We are looking for an experienced professional who can work autonomously and provide thought leadership.


This role is a key part of our Second Line Credit Risk Team, which provides independent oversight of the credit strategies and models developed by our First Line teams. , Which provides independent oversight of the credit strategies and models developed by our First Line teams.

Who are we?

We're Funding Circle. We back small businesses to succeed.

At Funding Circle, we believe the world needs small businesses. That's why we've made it our mission to help them get the finance they need to grow.


With more than a decade of expertise under our belt, we've built a game-changer of a platform with cutting-edge data and technology that's reshaping the landscape of SME lending. Say goodbye to lengthy applications and hello to lightning-fast decisions! In just minutes, SMEs across the UK can get a decision, giving them access to competitive funding in a flash.


We know that good business is about good people. So we pride ourselves on providing meaningful, human support as well as fast, hassle free processes to deliver an unbeatable customer experience.

The role

Model Validation:

Perform independent validation of all key models used by the business. This involves assessing the model's conceptual soundness, data integrity, and implementation.

Collaboration:

Work closely with model developers and business units to address model risks and ensure timely resolution of identified issues.

Model Monitoring:

Provide oversight for ongoing model performance monitoring and recalibration activities.

Documentation and Reporting:

Prepare comprehensive validation reports detailing the review process, findings, and recommendations. Communicate these findings effectively to model owners, developers, and senior management.

Regulatory Compliance:

Ensure all validation activities and model documentation comply with internal policies and external regulatory guidance.

Methodology Development:

Contribute to the enhancement of the model validation framework and methodologies to keep pace with industry best practices and evolving regulatory requirements. Proactively problem solving, identifying and confidently mitigating any risks, issues or control weaknesses that arise in your day-to-day

What we're looking for

A Bachelor's or Master's degree in a quantitative field

such as Finance, Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, or Computer Science. A Ph.D. is a plus.

7+ years of experience

in model development, model validation, or a related quantitative risk management role, preferably within the financial services industry.

Technical Expertise:

Strong knowledge of financial products, risk management principles, and statistical modeling techniques. Proven ability to work effectively in a

team environment

, fostering strong partnerships with stakeholders to resolve model challenges. Excellent

analytical and problem-solving skills

, able to work independently with minimal guidance. Exceptional

communication skills

, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Proficiency in programming languages such as

SQL

,

Python

,

R

Familiarity with

regulatory guidance

on model risk management, such as IFRS9.
At Funding Circle we are committed to building diverse teams so please apply even if your past experience doesn't align perfectly with the requirements.

Want to learn more?

We have a huge impact on the businesses that borrow through our platform, the communities they serve and the overall economy (last year 7.2bn of GDP generated). You can read our full Impact Report here: https://www.fundingcircle.com/uk/impact To see what our customers think, visit our Trustpilot page: https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/fundingcircle.com And we're still evolving! Our award-winning multi-product platform is solving more SME finance challenges than ever before. We think big, rally together and meet the needs of SME customers like no other.

Why join us?

At Funding Circle, we celebrate and support the differences that make you, you. We're proud to be an equal-opportunity workplace and affirmative-action employer. We truly believe that diversity makes us better.
As a flexible-first employer we offer hybrid working at Funding Circle, and we've long believed in a 'best of both' approach to in-office collaboration and non-office days. We expect our teams to be in our London office three times a week, where you can take advantage of our newly refurbished hybrid working space, barista made coffee and subsidised lunches (via JustEat) every day!


We back our Circlers to build their own incredible career, making a difference to small businesses every day. Our Circler proposition is designed to support employees both in and out of work, and it is anchored around four pillars: Health, Wealth, Development & Lifestyle.
A few highlights:

Flexibility:

We provide you with a benefit allowance so that you can tailor your benefit selection to you and your family's needs.

Health:

Private Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Health Cash Plan, Health Assessments (including female fertility health assessments), eyecare vouchers, flu jabs, Wellhub (for discounted flexible gym membership and access to wellbeing apps) access to a free Employee Assistance Programme and free Digital GP for yourself and any children under 16.

Wealth:

Life Assurance, Income Protection, Critical Illness Cover, financial coaching through Octopus Money Coach, a tax-advantaged share scheme, a free mortgage advisor partnership and discounts across numerous retailers through Perks at Work.

Development:

Dedicated annual Learning & Development allowance and full access to internal learning platform.

Lifestyle:

Electric Car Scheme, Cycle to Work scheme, Season Ticket Loans, and more!


And finally, we have award winning parental leave policies supporting parents through enhanced maternity, partner and adoption leave, as well as additional leave for parental bereavement and for fertility treatments.

Ready to make a difference? We'd love to hear from you.