Senior Model Validation Analyst

United Community is seeking a Senior Model Validation Analyst to manage and execute independent validation activities for financial and non-financial risk models. This role involves validating methodologies used for measuring and analyzing risk across credit, market, liquidity, compliance, and loss provisioning. The Senior Analyst will lead model documentation reviews, prepare model risk reports, and assist the Director of Validation in guiding a team of associates through the validation book-of-work.

• Lead Validation Efforts: Validate models used in credit risk, market risk, liquidity, capital planning, and forecasting.
• Assess Model Design: Evaluate assumptions, inputs, and outputs for conceptual soundness and performance.
• Review External Validations: Ensure third-party validations meet UCBI standards.
• Risk Assessment: Assist in annual risk assessments and execute model reviews.
• Mentor Junior Analysts: Provide guidance and review validation work for accuracy and compliance.
• Maintain Model Inventory: Update inventory, plan validation schedules, and track findings.
• Prepare Reports: Communicate validation results to model owners, senior management, and governance committees.
• Monitor Performance: Track ongoing model performance and recommend recalibration or redevelopment.
• Stay Current: Keep up with regulatory expectations (SR 11-7, OCC 2011-12) and industry best practices.

Required Skills/Experience/Education:

• Advanced degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Economics, Mathematics, or related quantitative field.
• 5–10 years of experience in model risk management, financial modeling, quantitative analysis, or risk management.
• Strong technical quantitative skills and critical thinking ability.
• Hands-on experience with Python or R (Python preferred).
• Robust understanding of risk modeling practices, especially credit and market risk.
• Direct experience with regulatory guidance (SR 11-7, OCC Bulletin 2011-12).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Skills/Experience/Education:

• Experience managing associates and leading validation projects.
• Familiarity with machine learning and advanced statistical techniques.

Supervisory Responsibility

May supervise certain validation activities and mentor junior analysts. May manage validation-related projects.

Working Environment & Physical Demands

• Professional office environment; standard office equipment usage.
• Sedentary work with occasional standing, stooping, and typing.
• Schedule flexibility for evenings/weekends as needed.
• Up to 10% travel required.

Conditions of Employment

• Must pass background and credit check.
• Full-time position.

FLSA Status: Exempt

We 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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.