Senior Fraud Data Scientist

ACC New Zealand; Wellington; On-site; NZD 101,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9% superannuation

Flexible working

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

ACC New Zealand is seeking a Senior Fraud Data Scientist in Wellington to lead the development of high‑value analytical solutions. You will apply advanced modelling, ML, and AI techniques to detect emerging fraud risks while coaching other data scientists and analysts.

The role involves governance, end-to-end delivery, and collaboration with investigators and prevention teams. You will guide problem definition through deployment and ongoing optimisation, ensuring clear stakeholder insights and

Qualifications

• At least 3-5 years of practical experience applying data science or closely related field such as fraud detection & monitoring, risk analysis, or data/ analytics industry with a strong understanding of fraud detection approaches and indicators.
• Advanced SQL and Python capability, with demonstration of applying machine learning and/or statistical modelling in real business context, beyond theory or conceptual thinking.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver data science or analytical / automation solutions end to end, from problem definition and modelling through to deployment, optimisation, and ongoing governance.
• Proven technical leadership, including mentoring and coaching analysts or data scientists, leading and delivering high-quality delivery across multiple priorities.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to translate complex analytical work into clear, actionable insights that build trust and influence decision making.
• Demonstration of understanding / or experience in working within privacy, security, and ethical data frameworks, including responsible AI and secure production standards with a continuous improvement mindset.
• This role requires you to be eligible to work in New Zealand.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of high value analytical solutions that identify emerging risks and suspicious behaviour at both individual and system levels.
• Apply advanced statistical modelling, machine learning, and AI techniques to develop robust solutions.
• Provide coaching and guidance to data scientists and intelligence analysts, contribute to governance, and take ownership of solutions from problem definition through deployment and ongoing optimisation.
• Collaborate with investigators, prevention teams, and a wide range of stakeholders to translate complex problems into practical actions.
• Lead and deliver high-quality outcomes across multiple priorities.

Skills

Data science experience

Fraud detection

SQL & Python

End-to-end delivery

Technical leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Privacy & ethical data

Education

Tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline

Job description

About the role | Mō te tūranga mahi

The Fraud Prevention and Investigation team works to prevent and respond to fraud, misuse, and waste through intelligence led action, timely intervention, and effective remediation. Within this team, the Fraud Analytics function designs and delivers analytical products that turn complex data into actionable intelligence, supporting prevention activity, targeted investigations, and informed decision making.

You will join a supportive and collaborative team that values working together, shared learning, and continuous improvement. As a Senior Fraud Data Scientist, you will play a key role in leading the development of high value analytical solutions that identify emerging risks and suspicious behaviour at both individual and system levels.

You will apply advanced statistical modelling, machine learning, and AI techniques to develop robust solutions. Working closely with investigators, prevention teams, and a wide range of stakeholders, you will translate complex problems into practical solutions that enable effective action.

As a senior technical leader, you will provide coaching and guidance to data scientists and intelligence analysts, contribute to strong model and system governance, and take ownership of solutions from problem definition through to deployment and ongoing optimisation.

This is a permanent full-time opportunity, within the Fraud Prevention & Investigation team, based in Wellington.

About you | Mōu

We’re looking for proactive problem solvers who thrive in collaborative environment and enjoys bringing innovative ideas into results.

This role requires tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline - please submit your latest academic records or proof of tertiary qualifications.

We value potential and growth over perfection so if you meet most of the criteria and are enthusiastic about learning and contributing, we’d love to hear from you!

At least 3-5 years of practical experience applying data science or closely related field such as fraud detection & monitoring, risk analysis, or data/ analytics industry with a strong understanding of fraud detection approaches and indicators.

• Advanced SQL and Python capability, with demonstration of applying machine learning and/or statistical modelling in real business context, beyond theory or conceptual thinking.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver data science or analytical / automation solutions end to end, from problem definition and modelling through to deployment, optimisation, and ongoing governance.
• Proven technical leadership, including mentoring and coaching analysts or data scientists, leading and delivering high-quality delivery across multiple priorities.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to translate complex analytical work into clear, actionable insights that build trust and influence decision making.
• Demonstration of understanding / or experience in working within privacy, security, and ethical data frameworks, including responsible AI and secure production standards with a continuous improvement mindset.
• This role requires you to be eligible to work in New Zealand.

Working at ACC | Mō ACC

At ACC, we embrace the rich tapestry of Aotearoa New Zealand’s cultures and are dedicated to providing equitable opportunities. We know that a diverse and inclusive team helps us meet the needs of our customers, and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, age, and those with diverse abilities.

It is important to us that people are free to be themselves at work. Here are some ways we encourage that:

• Employee networks to support our colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
• The option to explore flexible working that suits your needs and ours.

The appointing salary for the role is between $101,287 and $ $129,885, and we offer an additional 9% superannuation contribution. ACC offers a comprehensive benefits package which at present includes an advantageous superannuation scheme with features like no mandatory employee contribution, optional life and income protection insurance, and the flexibility to change to a locked plan at any time, ensuring your financial security now and in retirement.