Financial Model Risk Management Lead

About Affirm

Affirm is committed to empowering consumers with transparent and flexible payment options, eliminating hidden fees and unwelcome surprises, and prioritizing what matters most to the customer experience.

Enterprise Risk & Internal Audit Division

This department safeguards Affirm’s business operations and long-term growth by evaluating and managing risks. Key responsibilities include conducting internal audits, ensuring regulatory compliance, preventing fraud, and preparing for crisis scenarios. The team enforces rigorous controls, monitors crucial risk indicators, and readies the company for external assessments, all while fostering accountability, transparency, and business resilience.

The Role and Team

The Model Risk Management (MRM) team serves as Affirm’s second line of defense by deploying a comprehensive framework to detect, assess, manage, mitigate, and report risks linked to financial and analytics models throughout the company. We seek a motivated and knowledgeable professional to spearhead validation efforts for finance and analytics models.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough, independent validation and continuous surveillance of quantitative financial and analytics models such as ALM, loss forecasting, loan transition models, financial planning, take-up and engagement analytics.
• Lead full validation projects on models characterized by high complexity and criticality.
• Detect and communicate model deficiencies, limitations, and potential enhancements to both technical and non-technical audiences clearly.
• Collaborate with model owners and relevant departments (Finance, Quantitative Research, Growth Analytics) to address validation concerns and fortify model governance.
• Work jointly across functions to uphold and evolve the MRM framework.
• Interact proactively with Internal Audit, Controls, Accounting, and Compliance to resolve audit, regulatory, and examiner inquiries promptly.

Candidate Profile

• Between 4 to 6 years of professional experience in areas such as model development, validation, quantitative finance, or data analytics, with substantial involvement in financial or analytics model validation.
• Robust expertise in corporate finance, treasury functions, ALM, actuarial, or statistical forecasting methodologies.
• Background in credit underwriting or credit risk management is advantageous.
• Proficient in scripting languages like Python and skilled in handling extensive datasets using SQL; familiar with model environments such as Excel, Python, Databricks.
• Competence in statistical modeling, including time-series forecasting, simulation, and machine learning applications relevant to finance and analytics.
• Academic credentials including BS, MS, or PhD in quantitative disciplines such as Quantitative Finance, Financial Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, Computer Science, or Data Science.
• Strong attention to detail and intellectual curiosity about data, models, and the business context; adept at analytical problem-solving.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication abilities to influence model stakeholders, deliver presentations to senior leadership, and manage cross-team remediation processes effectively.

Compensation and Benefits

The position falls within Pay Grade M and Equity Grade 8. New associates typically start at the lower end of the pay scale. Affirm offers a transparent salary structure based on experience, skills, and location, complemented by equity plans, monthly stipends for health, wellness, and technology, alongside comprehensive health coverage including fully subsidized medical, dental, and vision plans for employees and their dependents.

Base annual salary range for Canadian employees is from $145,000 to $205,000 CAD.

Work Environment

Affirm supports a remote-first working arrangement allowing flexibility for employees nationwide with occasional requirements for in-person meetings or onboarding sessions at Affirm offices.

Additional Benefits

• 100% employer-paid health premiums for employees and their dependents.
• Monthly stipends to support technology needs and personalized health and wellness choices.
• Flexible paid time off and generous holidays to promote work-life balance.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offering discounted acquisition of Affirm shares.

Diversity and Inclusion

Affirm is dedicated to creating an inclusive recruitment experience and provides accommodations for candidates with disabilities as needed.

Legal Disclosure

Applicants acknowledge understanding Affirm's Global Candidate Privacy Notice and consent to the processing of their information accordingly.